Within Midpen preserves on the San Mateo County coast, where agricultural roots run deep, conservation and agriculture are often intertwined. Recently, a 160-year-old barn was restored as both a nod to the region’s heritage and an important habitat for rare wildlife.
The barn was built sometime before 1860 and remained part of a working farmstead until the 1970s. Located in what is now La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve along the Cielo Trail, the barn was in dire need of structural repairs for preservation and public safety. Rust, missing windows, insect and water damage and a weakened foundation were taking a toll.
Midpen’s staff and board explored several options for the future of the barn, which according to an evaluation qualifies as an historic resource. Ultimately, the board chose to stabilize and repair the barn while improving roosting habitat for bats inside and creating interpretive signs about the agricultural and natural history of the barn and surrounding area. This aligns with Midpen’s unique coastal mission which includes preserving rural character, restoring the natural environment and providing for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education.
Construction on the barn’s foundation and many other repairs were completed in late 2023 with funding from Measure AA, a $300 million bond approved by local voters in 2014. Measure AA provided Midpen with the resources to open La Honda Creek Preserve to the public in 2017.
The bond also supports ongoing work to build-out the preserve’s trail system, improve agricultural infrastructure in support of conservation grazing and the recent addition of nearly 100 acres of redwood forest making a future trail connection to neighboring El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve possible.
Soon, the public will not only be able to walk the barn’s perimeter, but also view its resident bats through a special window installed for that purpose.
At the request of Midpen biologists, the interior of the barn was enhanced specifically for bats with special boxes placed in the rafters for roosting, windows allowing bats to enter and exit the barn and a way to collect and remove their guano.
Surveys have found eight different species of bats in the immediate area of the barn, including Townsend’s big-eared bat, pallid bat and western red bat, all of which are California state species of special concern.
“Man-made habitats for wildlife aren’t perfect, but they are a good interim solution until more natural habitats, including large snags and hollowed trees, are protected and enhanced,” Midpen biologist Matt Sharp Chaney said. “And seeing bats up close and personal can really charm people in unexpected ways.”
The restored barn is visible from the Cielo Trail in upper La Honda Creek Preserve. Due to very limited space a free permit is required to park at the nearby trailhead.