Newsletters

In this issue, learn how Midpen is restoring nature one acorn at a time, how you can help protect our region's beautiful and biodiverse wildflower blooms and all you need to know about an upcoming opportunity to explore Midpen's newest preserve on a docent-led hike.

Plus, read about Midpen's progress on Measure AA-funded projects, including work to expand public access at La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve.

Inside this issue: Grassland wildflowers you can spot in Midpen's coastal preserves. Plus, read about how Midpen is preserving agricultural roots and enhancing bat habitat in an historic coastal barn, protecting watersheds and unearthing interesting artifacts at a dump cleanup site and how your Measure AA dollars are furthering Midpen's mission. Read about these and plan your next docent-naturalist led spring outing!

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In this issue, learn about how the Santa Cruz Mountains region's rich biodiversity produces several winter flowering plants and where you can spot them. Plus, read more about the accomplishments of Measure AA in a recently released report and how that bond measure is funding new visitor amenities in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve.

Ring in 2024 by plugging into nature! This year marks the 10-year anniversary of the passage of Measure AA, a 30-year, $300 million bond, approved by over two-thirds of voters who live within the District's boundaries. All year, we will provide updates and progress reports on projects that Measure AA has allowed Midpen to accomplish. Projects funded by Measure AA help make our region a heathier place for plants, animals and people to thrive.

Inside this issue: Three rare species discovered in Midpen's coastal preserves. Plus, read about how to use Midpen's new Trail Explorer tool to narrow in on your next outing, how Midpen is helping both turtles and newts in our area and 'tis the season to restore an old Christmas tree farm site in Bear Creek Redwoods. Read about these and plan your next docent-naturalist led winter outing!
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In November, the brisk air fills with migrating birds just as acorns adorn native oak trees. Learn about the distinctly somber song of the golden-crowned sparrow and how to correctly identify the different species of oaks found in Midpen preserves. Learn more about Midpen's trail building process and how we are working to be the best neighbor we can (eat your heart out Ned Flanders). Plus, join us for a special open house showcasing several restoration-focused projects!

The crunch of fallen leaves, the pop of red poison oak and the scent of matured golden grasses signal fall in the Bay Area. Learn more about the ghoulish glow of the jack-o-lantern mushroom and gear up to explore Purisima Creek Redwoods where all trails are now open. Find out how Midpen is working to improve visitor access for Rancho San Antonio and Windy Hill preserves. Plus, take a deep breath of that brisk autumn air on a docent-naturalist guided hike.

Inside this issue: Drumroll please... for the unveiling of the winners of Midpen's 13th Annual Photo Contest. Plus, read about how caring for open space contributes to a more resilient climate future, how to participate in the next critical step of our Highway 17 Wildlife and Trail Crossing project, and a new Coastside partnership for Midpen. Also, check out a new round of Fall guided activities or volunteer projects now open for sign-up. 
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Welcome back to reopened Bear Creek Redwoods! Plus, learn how Midpen is working to improve the visitor experience at Rancho San Antonio, Windy Hill and Purisima Creek Redwoods open space preserves. And though summer is waning, Midpen docent naturalists can still get you out in nature with free guided outings. Read this and more in the August edition of Plug Into Nature.

It's all about babies this month: Discover the little-known world of bat motherhood and follow along two purple martin pairs' nesting journey at Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. Plus, get ready to vote for your favorite photo in our photo contest. See this and more on our July edition of Plug Into Nature.