Stories

Announcing the winners of our 13th Annual Photo Contest!

The Midpen board of directors received an update from staff on progress toward our goal of reducing our operational greenhouse gas emissions 20% by 2022 as compared to our 2016 baseline levels.

Midpen is entering a critical stage in its Highway 17 Wildlife and Trail Crossing Project. This fall, neighbors, community members and the public can actively participate by providing input on environmental documents.

Warm summer days in the Santa Cruz mountains often carry the distinct scent of flowering tanoak trees (Notholithocarpus densiflorus). These unassuming native evergreens with scalloped, deep-green leaves are not true oaks.

Climate change poses a direct threat to the lands and wildlife we care for, but Midpen is committed to monitoring and reducing its greenhouse gas emissions.

The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District board of directors approved the annual display of the Progress Pride flag during the month of June to affirm support of the LGBTQ+ community, recognizing the month of June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Plus (L

With the help of a Midpen Grant, San Jose State University students are able to expand their outdoor education program with hands-on learning at Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. 

Surprising new discoveries at Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve revealed the presence of Santa Cruz kangaroo rats, a keystone species not seen since 1947. The western purple martin, another species believed to have disappeared from Santa Clara County, recently made an appearance as well. 

The winter storms from late 2022 and early 2023 have left long-term damage, with multiple repairs completed and many still in progress, partial or full preserve closures, and significant damage requiring a request for FEMA funding to help assuage the cost of repairs. 

Midpen's 27th preserve, Cloverdale Ranch, will be introduced the community this summer. A natural habitat rich in native plants and wildlife, Cloverdale Ranch is also home to some threatened and endangered species like the California red-legged frog, Coho salmon and steelhead trout.