Announcements
The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District staff and Board are busy with many key projects that benefit the public and provide opportunities to enjoy open space.
In October 2007, the District received a letter requesting additional information on the construction and use of illegal trails at El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve. As a valid return address was not provided, the District's response (dated November 1) is posted online.
Invasive Species Slender False Brome
The District is making progress in its efforts to eradicate slender false brome in Thornewood Open Space Preserve. Slender false brome (Brachypodium sylvaticum) is a new and potentially destructive invasive species that has been found in the Woodside area. A perennial bunch grass originally from Europe, Asia, and North Africa, it is capable of achieving over 90% ground cover, inhibiting the growth of tree seedlings, and completely replacing native vegetation.
In November 2006, the Board authorized entering into a professional services agreement with Go Native, LLC to assist in implementing the slender false brome work plan, including pest management services and development of a public outreach program. At the Board’s June 27, 2007 meeting, the Board authorized implementation of the next phase of the eradication and public outreach program, which includes continuing to raise awareness of the dangers of this invasive weed by involving and educating residents.
Visit the Resource Management Projects for more information.
To see how you can play a role, view and share the Slender False Brome Identification and Control Guide and Illustrated Identification Sheet. If you believe you have slender false brome on your property, or if you know of another location, please contact the District at (650) 691-1200.
Watershed Protection Program
Giant Salamander Trail at El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve ~ CLOSED
The Giant Salamander Trail, located between the Methuselah and Timberview Trails, is currently closed (since August 2007) for trail construction and restoration. The construction and restoration work will include the installation of four bridges along the trail, removal of fill material from stream crossings, and narrowing of the trail in select locations. The trail is expected to re-open in summer 2008.
Substantial trail work will continue to be implemented at El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve as part of the Watershed Protection Program.
For updates, check the preserve sign boards or visit the El Corte de Madera Creek Watershed Protection Program. Trail conditions and seasonal closures information is available on the District's Web site or by calling the Trail Conditions Hotline at 650-691-2150 (enter Option 3).
Celebrating 35 Years of Open Space Preservation
November 6, 2007, the first Tuesday of the month – voting day, marks the official anniversary date of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District’s formation and commemorates 35 years of open space preservation, restoration, and enjoyment by all.
The Midpeninsula Regional “Park” District, as it was then named, was “swept into being” on November 7, 1972, as Measure R passed by more than a two-thirds vote: 67.71 percent in favor.
New Grazing Management Policy
At its February 7, 2007 special meeting, the Board of Directors tentatively adopted amendments to the District’s Resource Management Policy to include a new chapter on Grazing Management. To develop the draft Grazing Management Policy, District staff met with and consulted a number of agencies and organizations, including the San Mateo County Farm Bureau, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the San Mateo County Agriculture Advisory Committee, and the San Mateo Resource Conservation District.
Once the comprehensive review of all District Resource Management Policies is complete, the Policies will be returned to the Board for formal adoption.
New Land Purchase - Tunitas Creek Property
The 707-acre Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) Tunitas Creek property was approved by the Board of Directors at their February 7, 2007 meeting as an addition to the District’s system of open space land. This property will create a new preserve named Tunitas Creek Open Space Preserve. Located on the western slope of the Santa Cruz Mountains in coastal San Mateo County, the Tunitas Creek property is within the District’s Coastside Protection Area. Although Tunitas Creek is not immediately adjacent to existing District lands, it is within one-quarter mile downstream of Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve and El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve is one mile east of the property. A resource protection and visitor use plan will be developed for the property.
Sierra Azul-Bear Creek Redwoods Master Plan
In 2005, the District began a 15-month master planning process to develop a resource protection and visitor use plan for Sierra Azul-Bear Creek Redwoods Preserves. Through this process, the District aims to provide the public with greater opportunities for recreation access, interpretation, and education, while protecting the natural, cultural, and historic resources of the combined 18,000 acres that comprise this area. Check the Sierra Azul-Bear Creek Redwoods Master Plan Project for updates.
La Honda Creek Master Plan
The District kicked off the master planning process for La Honda Creek Preserve in 2004 and has completed two public workshops. Through the master planning process, the District will develop a resource protection and visitor use plan that aims to provide the public with greater opportunities for recreation access, interpretation, and education while protecting the natural, cultural, and historic resources of this 5,759-acre preserve. For updates, see the La Honda Creek Master Plan Project.
Activities
Any time of year is a great time to enjoy nature. Find out about the variety of free Outdoor Activity adventures offered. All programs are led by volunteer docents.
Connection to Foothills Park
The first regional trail connection of its kind, this hiking only trail connects the District’s Page Mill Trail in Los Trancos Preserve with the Los Trancos Trail in Palo Alto's Foothills Park, and makes a key connection between the Bay Trail and the Bay Area Ridge Trail.
Peninsula Tales & Trails Available
The District's first-ever trail guide book is now available. Peninsula Tales & Trails is a comprehensive guide to the magnificent, unspoiled public open spaces
in the Midpeninsula area. Peninsula Tales & Trails features 38 selected routes in
22 open space preserves and offers fascinating facts about the area's
natural environment and history. Peninsula Tales & Trails is $19.95 (not including tax) and is available at the District office or online.
Protect Valuables
There has been a recent increase in the number of automobile break-ins
at some of the preserves in the Skyline Area, including Los Trancos,
Monte Bello, Russian Ridge, Skyline Ridge, and Windy Hill Open Space
Preserves. Please be advised to lock your vehicle and take valuables
with you on the trail.
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