a view over the mountain range

50th Anniversary Celebration

Sierra Azul Preserve (Weiping Wang)
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From 50 to Forever

As we celebrate 50 years of caring for the land that cares for us, join us in-person or online to learn more about Midpen’s work and why it matters.

Over the last half-century, we have worked together as a community to protect a 65,000-acre greenbelt in the Santa Cruz Mountains in perpetuity. Throughout the year, there will be ample opportunities to commemorate past accomplishments, get excited about future projects and acknowledge many of the people who help bring Midpen’s mission to fruition. 

To stay up to date with our 50th Anniversary Celebration, sign up for our monthly Plug Into Nature email newsletter and follow @midpenopenspace on social media.

Celebrating together

a man taking a photo of the sunset

#SpottedAtMidpen

Celebrate with us by sharing what you see. When you spot something cool in a Midpen preserve, post your picture on social media, use the hashtag #SpottedAtMidpen and tag us @midpenopenspace — you could win a commemorative prize!
backlit hikers at sunset

Open Stories

Profiles of 50 people who have a relationship with the public open space land that Midpen manages, whether they protect it, care for it, play in it, work it, think in it, create in it or simply love it.
Screenshot of interactive timeline on Midpen's history webpage

Looking Back

An interactive historical timeline takes you on a tour through Midpen's first 50 years of public open space preservation, protection, restoration, access and education.
Public Event at Mount Umunhum

50th Anniversary Events

Join us for a variety of FREE events throughout the year including a springtime family festival, an autumn Coastside community celebration, docent-led hikes and activities, and more!
General Manager Ana Ruiz

A Message From the General Manager

We are excited to gather together, celebrating and connecting at community events planned for the bayside, the Coastside and in between. We will even be online with contests and commentary to deepen your connection with nature from home. Please join us as we look back and into the future to celebrate the people, the lands and the collective spirit of our community that allows us to preserve, protect, restore, educate and enjoy forever.

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50th Anniversary Sponsors

Join us this year as we celebrate all that we as a community have accomplished since 1972. Your organization can take part in a number of ways. 

Find out more

Related Stories

Vista from Mount Umunhum / photo by David Worthing

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Press Release

Press Release: Midpen Announces "From 50 to Forever" (Jan. 27, 2022)

Media Kit

50th Anniversary Celebration Media Kit

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Press Release: Bay Nature Names Nonette Hanko as 2022 Conservation Action Hero (March 28, 2022)

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