This past fall, Midpen and Save the Redwoods League started a new field trip program for high school students in an effort to connect more young people to the preserves. So far, we have brought over 100 students from Menlo-Atherton, Woodside, and Half Moon Bay high schools out to Purisima Creek Redwoods for a day of forest exploration. Our staff, along with the dedicated docents and staff from Save the 
Redwoods, led the students through various scientific field activities centered on studying redwood forests and their role in climate resiliency. Students measured the height and diameter of trees, conducted scientific measurements on sword ferns, and used smartphones to document the biodiversity of the preserve. All of these activities are a way to monitor the forest and see how forest plants are impacted by the large changes in our climate. Additionally, we wanted to give students a chance to explore the forest as scientists and encourage teachers to use open space as an educational resource.

This exciting new partnership was developed as both organizations work toward a shared goal of making natural spaces more accessible and educating people on the work that goes into protecting these amazing areas.