April showers brought stunning May flowers to Midpen open space preserves. Get outside and enjoy them with our free docent-led activities. Or, connect with your local public open space lands by participating in our photo contest, a new citizen’s advisory committee and more!
Join us at the Wild & Scenic Film Festival
This Memorial Day Weekend, march with newts, take flight with migrating raptors, map the wilderness, and get a new view of the moon at the Wild & Scenic Film Festival. Join Midpen and our nonprofit partner Peninsula Open Space Trust on Sunday, May 26, at this FREE event. Thirteen award-winning short films tell inspiring stories of people and their relationships to nature and showcase environmental issues across the country. Included is Umunhum, highlighting Midpen's work to restore the summit of Mount Umunhum and open it to the public in collaboration with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band. The festival also features free food, giveaways and a chance to meet representatives from a variety of local environmental groups.
Get your free tickets to the Wild & Scenic Film Festival!
Oljon Trail Work
Midpen crews are wrapping up at El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve on a new section of the Oljon Trail that will connect to Springboard Trail. This new 1.3-mile, multi-use segment through mixed redwood and tanoak forest creates a new perimeter trail that reduces the need for preserve visitors to use Highway 35 during their hike or ride. As part of this project, the portion of the Steam Donkey trail that connects to Highway 35 will be permanently removed and restored to natural habitat. The new trail segment is expected to open by late summer.
Find out more about the Oljon Trail project
La Honda Public Access Working Group
Midpen is forming a Public Access Working Group to evaluate and submit feedback on viable parking and trailhead access options for the central area of La Honda Creek Open Preserve. The 13-member group will include a mix of stakeholders, board members and representatives from the La Honda community. Applications for community representatives are due May 20.
Photo Contest
Landscapes, wildlife and plant life, oh my! Wherever you point your camera or smartphone in Midpen preserves, you’ll capture stunning views and the amazing scope of the natural world. Share what you see by submitting your photos from Midpen preserves, and you could win a $100 REI gift card and some Midpen swag!
Connecting Local Youth to the Environment
The San Jose Conservation Corps + Charter School recently recognized Midpen as a community partner in helping local youth to discover conservation career opportunities while earning an education and paycheck. This week, Corps members are beginning a new project to help restore redwood forests in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve by removing invasive, nonnative plants. Each night after work, Corps members camp under the stars at the nearby Black Mountain backpack camp, enjoying presentations by Midpen staff on the natural environment and conservation careers. For many, it’s their first time camping.
Docent-Led Activities
April showers certainly delivered May flowers this year. This month, our FREE docent-led hikes will search for wildflowers and so much more! Join us to experience hiking and mindfulness, learn to identify ancient ferns, or find out what happened to California’s native grasses.
Upcoming Meetings and Events
May 1 – Registration open for June Outdoor Service Projects
May 2 – Community Meeting – La Honda Public Access Working Group
May 15 – Board of Directors Meeting
May 22 – Board of Directors Meeting
May 26 – Wild & Scenic Film Festival
For a complete list of Midpen events and meetings visit openspace.org/calendar