Fall is here and the days are getting shorter, but there is no shortage of things happening in our preserves! Read on to discover what's new. Learn about ongoing projects, find out about upcoming virtual events and get public meeting updates.
Outdoor Activities
Docent-led Activities
Docent naturalist-led activities at Midpen preserves are returning this October! All activities will require reservations and will adhere to COVID-19 public health mandates and current restrictions, as well as Midpen protocols for participant and docent safety.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
Day on the Deck
October 2 & 31
Stop by the David C. Daniels Nature Center at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve where Midpen interpretation and education staff and nature center docent volunteers will host “pop-up” events on the deck of overlooking Alpine Pond. Join us for lively conversation and fascinating natural and cultural history discoveries — all are welcome to stop by for a visit!
Ride to a preserve with SVBC
Leave the stress of busy highways and parking behind and pedal your way to open space! We’re partnering with Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition on a series of leisurely rides to Midpen preserves. SVBC staff will guide you on a safe and efficient route to the preserves, departing from local public transit hubs.
Ride to Ravenswood
Saturday, October 9
Ride to Rancho San Antonio
Saturday, November 6
Visit our event calendar for a complete schedule of events.
Project Updates
Studying Access at Purisima Creek Redwoods
In August we conducted in-person visitor surveys at Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve to better understand challenges visitors encounter and collect ideas that will help inform the development of strategies. Our team will be back in May 2022 to conduct additional visitor surveys. An online survey is available as well through mid-January 2022.
Board Meeting Updates
Draft Vision and Goals for the Hawthorns Area of Windy Hill
Midpen is conducting a multiyear public process to plan to introduce recreational access to the Hawthorns Area of Windy Hill Open Space Preserve. At a public meeting on August 24, 2021, staff presented the draft vision and goals for this project to the Planning and Natural Resources Committee.
The vision describes how the Hawthorns Area should look and function into the future, and goals define allowable uses and management strategies. Together, the vision and goals represent a comprehensive roadmap for the Hawthorns Area.
Later this year, Midpen staff will return to the Planning and Natural Resources Committee to present the final vision and goals, updated to incorporate committee feedback and public input.
Learn more about this project, and see the staff report and PowerPoint presentation from the meeting at openspace.org/hawthorns.
Midpen To Offer Draft Redistricting Maps for Consideration
At its October 27 meeting, the Midpen board of directors will be considering a variety of draft ward boundary map proposals based on the new data from the 2020 federal census. Learn more and sign up for updates and notifications at openspace.org/ward-redistricting.
Upcoming Public Meetings
- October 13: Board of Directors
- October 25: Bond Oversight Committee
- October 27: Board of Directors
Currently all Midpen board meetings are held via teleconference only. The meetings may be viewed online. Links to the meetings are posted with each agenda. There is also a dial in number to listen by phone. Links are included in the meeting agendas posted online 72 hours before the meeting.
Members of the public may provide written or oral comments by submitting a public comment form.