Midpen volunteer hand pulls invasive nonnative French Broom at Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve / photo by Alisha Laborico

Integrated Pest Management

Midpen volunteer hand pulls invasive nonnative French Broom at Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve (Alisha Laborico)

Integrated Pest Management is a method for efficiently managing plant and animal pests while protecting human health and the environment. Midpen adopted an IPM Guidance Manual to direct its management of harmful invasive plants and animals on preserves, as well as rodents and insects in Midpen-owned buildings.

Midpen biologists develop specific multi-year IPM plans based on the biology of the pest, ecological conditions at the treatment site and any potential secondary impacts such as soil erosion. Nonchemical techniques to control pests, like prevention, pulling, cutting, digging, mowing and/or setting traps, are considered before chemical methods.

In 2018, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation recognized Midpen's leadership in the Integrated Pest Management field with an IPM Achievement Award.

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Natural Resources Protection and Restoration
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Invasive Species Control

An invasive species is a plant or animal, often not originating from the local area, that has competitive advantages that allow its population to expand rapidly, reducing biodiversity in ways that often cause ecological and/or economic harm.

Midpen follows a strategic plan when dealing with invasive species and Midpen biologists prioritize treatment using the best science. Of particular concern are invasive plants that threaten rare native species or sensitive natural communities. Through this process, Midpen determines the best treatment approach and long-term management plan for the site.

Applying adaptive management practices, Midpen staff update work plans on an annual basis based on prior treatment results, new environmental conditions and any new invasive species sightings made by Midpen staff, volunteers or contractors, as well as community scientists like you using observation apps like iNaturalistMidpen strictly adheres to the best management practices outlined in the Integrated Pest Management Program and updates them as the science of weed management evolves to ensure the safety of all those inhabiting our preserves.

    Rodenticides

    At-home use of rodenticides (pesticides that target rodents) pose a significant threat to the wildlife in our preserves and are especially dangerous to predators and scavengers, such as owls, coyotes, mountain lions and bobcats. 

    Midpen continues to work with other agencies and organizations to limit rodenticides and promote alternative pest control methods. Learn more about our efforts to reduce use of rodenticides in our community.

     

     

    Sudden Oak Death

    Midpen staff research and monitor Sudden Oak Death (SOD) in more than half the open space lands that the agency manages, including El Corte de Madera Creek, Long Ridge, Los Trancos, Monte Bello, Rancho San Antonio, Russian Ridge, Saratoga Gap and Skyline Ridge open space preserves.