Midpen has plenty of opportunities for you to celebrate, enjoy and help protect your public open space lands this spring. Keep reading for the latest news, a call for citizen scientists and nature photographers, spring wildflower information and more.
Midpen Leading in Land Management
If you think controlling the weeds in your yard is hard, imagine the task of protecting the native biodiversity on 63,000 acres! Midpen recently received a 2018 Achievement Award from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation for our innovative Integrated Pest Management Program, which is aimed at managing plant and animal pests while protecting human health and the environment.
Find out about the innovative Midpen IPM Program
SOD Blitz
Help the trees on a hike through the preserves – join a SOD Blitz and help us survey for the presence of Sudden Oak Death. This annual event is one of the largest citizen science projects in the country. Participating is easy, just attend a one-hour training session and then head out to your favorite preserve. No experience is necessary, just enthusiasm to hike and willingness to learn to identify California bay and tanoak trees.
Wildflowers in Bloom
This winter’s abundant rains should soon lead to beautiful wildflowers, but don’t expect to see a Southern California style “super bloom.” The wetter climate of Northern California has allowed non-native plants, which bloom and germinate earlier in the spring, to thrive and crowd out the native flowers. You may not find the hills blanketed in poppies but you can discover an amazing variety of flowers in many sizes and hues.
When you visit, please remember to stay on the trails and heed the adage: Take only photos, leave only footprints. And be careful not to trample the flowers.
Tips on where to see wildflowers in Midpen preserves
Hit us with your best shot!
We’re looking for photos of flowers and more for our annual photo contest. An amazing diversity of plants, animals and visitors can be found in our preserves, and we want to see them all! Contest categories include landscapes, plant life, wildlife, people in open space, and aspiring photographers for youth in grades 6 through 12. The contest runs through May 31.
Enter the Midpen photo contest today
Celebrate Earth Day with Midpen!
April is full of Earth Day festivals! Join Midpen and your neighbors at a community Earth Day event near you. We will be sharing information about our local preserves, trails and upcoming docent-led hikes at the outreach table. Learn about current Midpen projects, get involved with volunteer opportunities and grab a map for your next visit.
See all Midpen community events
Get Outside on the Trails
Along with the many FREE docent-led wildflower hikes this month, there are lots of other things to see and do. Join a family-friendly Earthquake Hike, stretch your legs on a Scenic Aerobic Hike, or explore the interconnectedness of the natural world on a Health and Wellness Hike.
See all Midpen April activities
Upcoming Meetings and Events
- April 6 – Coastside Farmers Market
- April 9 – Board of Directors Meeting – La Honda Public Access Working Group
- April 10 – Board of Directors Meeting
- April 13 & 14 – Earth Day Events
- April 24 – Board of Directors Meeting
- May 26 – Wild & Scenic Film Festival
For a complete list of Midpen events and meetings visit openspace.org/calendar