Inside this issue: marking 50 years of community accomplishments, giving nature a helping hand, guided activities return, keeping the Coastside rural and more.
Nature Year-Round
Keep track of what’s happening in nature all year with Midpen’s 50th anniversary commemorative 2022 wall calendar — only $10 each with FREE shipping — available now at Midpen’s online store, along with other holiday gift ideas.
openspace.org/store
Guided Activities - Winter 2021
You can once again join Midpen’s volunteer docent naturalists on the open space preserve trails this winter for FREE guided activities. Here are just a few of the upcoming activities, even more are available online! Due to ongoing pandemic precautions ALL activities require online reservations and group sizes are limited.
All Preserves Great & Small
Various dates and preserves
To celebrate Midpen’s 50th Anniversary in 2022, we’re offering the “All Preserves Challenge”, a hike series to visit all Midpen preserves. Join docent naturalists on a guided experience to explore what makes each preserve a special place to visit. More offerings coming your way throughout the year!
Health and Wellness Hike
Dec. 9 - Monte Bello
Enjoy the benefits of being out in nature on this moderately-paced hike while learning how to improve your health. You'll explore interconnections within the natural world while deepening your own connection to nature.
Fungal Fun
Dec. 12 - Long Ridge & Jan. 9 - Purisima Creek Redwoods
If you have not discovered the variety of fungi along trails in the rainy season, then join docent naturalists for these two leisurely to moderately paced stop-and-go walks.
Signs of Winter
Dec. 13 & Jan 18 - Pulgas Ridge
Enjoy a morning hike with docent naturalists to explore for signs that winter has arrived. Watch for dusky-footed woodrat nests and trees displaying berries and nuts along the Blue Oak and Dick Bishop trails.
We Need Your Feedback by December 10!
Like other public agencies, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is updating its ward boundary maps based on the latest census data. Community input is a key element in this process, Our board of directors has selected three draft maps for consideration, let us know what you think! Our online tool lets you add comments on an interactive map to provide feedback and share ideas about suggested ward boundaries.
Board Meeting Updates
Presentation from Lehigh Hanson Heidelberg Cement
On Wednesday, December 8 at 7 p.m. the board of directors will receive a presentation on ongoing operations, the proposed reclamation plan amendment and other topics of mutual interest. No board action will be taken.
In August 2021, Midpen and the County of Santa Clara both approved a Memorandum of Agreement to share enforcement of the 1972 Ridgeline Protection Easement, which preserves the scenic ridge between Rancho San Antonio County Park and Open Space Preserve and Lehigh Quarry. Find out more.
Presentation from Science Advisory Panel on Recreation Impacts
On Wednesday, December 8 at 5 p.m. the board of directors will receive a presentation and provide feedback on the science advisory panel’s findings regarding the environmental impacts of recreation in open space, and a possible framework to guide visitor use management decision-making.
The science advisory panel, comprised of the San Francisco Estuary Institute and Point Blue Conservation Science, provides independent, science-based review of land management practices to inform the Midpen board of directors' decisions and policies. Find out more.
Upcoming Public Meetings
December 8 - Board of Directors Meeting
December 9 - Board of Directors Meeting - Board Retreat
December 14 - Legislative, Funding and Public Affairs Committee
December 15 - Board of Directors Meeting
Currently all Midpen board meetings are held via teleconference only. The meetings may be viewed online. There is also a dial in number to listen by phone. Links and numbers 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.