Current Projects

Midpen's projects are designed to ensure proper care of the land and provide for ecologically sensitive public access opportunities. Our aim is to allow more people, including hikers, mountain bicyclists and equestrians, to experience firsthand the beauty of the Bay Area's natural setting.

Opportunities for public recreation are balanced with natural resource protection through a comprehensive planning approach in partnership with the community. New trails and staging areas are built with environmentally sound construction techniques, and natural resource restoration is a key component of every project.

Learn more about key projects currently underway.

Highway 17 Wildlife and Trail Crossings

Midpen is developing wildlife and regional trail crossings across Highway 17 to connect over 30,000 acres of protected public lands.Learn more

Rancho San Antonio Multimodal Access Project

The Rancho San Antonio Mulitmodal Access Project was developed to encourage visitors to opt for greener forms of transportation and reduce parking demand and traffic, while maintaining equitable access for both local and regional visitors.Learn more

La Honda Creek Master Plan

The District has developed a 30-year use and management Master Plan for this Preserve that aims to balance the preservation of viable agriculture, cultural history, and the natural environment with public education and low-intensity recreation.Learn more

a man in a wheelchair overlooking a pond

ADA Barrier Removal

ADA Barrier Removal project was created to systematically remove accessibility barriers at Midpen facilities and preserves.Learn more

Beatty Parking Area and Trail Connections

Midpen is beginning the planning process for new public access in the northern area of Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve.Learn more

Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve Plan

The Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve Plan is a long-term use and management plan for the preserve.Learn more

Climate Change

Midpen adopted a Climate Action Plan in 2018 to minimize the impact our operations as an agency have on the environment.Learn more

Coastside Protection

Midpen's Coastside Protection Program was implemented in September 2004 when the Midpen boundary was extended to the Pacific Ocean from the City of Pacifica to the Santa Cruz County line.Learn more

Cooley Landing

Midpen is working in conjunction with the City of East Palo Alto to renovate this bayshore property.Learn more

Hawthorns Historic Complex

The Hawthorns Historic Complex (historically referred to as “The Hawthorns”) is situated on the southeastern portion of the 79-acre Hawthorn property, which is located between Alpine and Los Trancos Roads in the Town of Portola Valley.Learn more

Hawthorns Area Plan

A multiyear public planning process will begin in 2021 to explore the feasibility of introducing ecologically sensitive public access to the Hawthorns Area of Windy Hill Open Space Preserve.Learn more

Midpen Office Building

A new office building is under development to bring Midpen’s administrative staff under one roof to save money and increase efficiency.Learn more

Mount Umunhum Radar Tower Project

The board of directors is considering a range of options for short-term and long-term repairs for the Radar Tower that supports the retain and seal option previously approved by the board.Learn more

Regional Trail Connections

Midpen is working with numerous partners and stakeholders to complete regional trail connection projects in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties.Learn more

illustration of a mountain lion and a deer

Mountain Lion Conservation Research

Midpen is conducting conservation research to learn more about how mountain lions use open space lands also frequently visited by people.Learn more

Beatty House Removal and Site Restoration Project

This project includes removal of a historic residence followed by habitat improvementson the former Beatty property in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve and ecological enhancements to restore the area.Learn more

view of the Pacific Ocean beyond tree covered hills

Purisima-to-the-Sea Trail and Parking Area Project

When built, the long-envisioned Purisima-to-the-Sea Trail will link the California Coastal Trail to the Bay Area Ridge Trail.Learn more

Forest Health Management Assessment

Mature forests are complex ecosystems that have survived for millennia. They teach us about living with fire and climate change, and how to care for the formerly logged second-growth forests on Midpen lands. Building on the success of several partner projects, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is assessing the potential benefits of a similar science-based restoration forestry project...Learn more

Hiker in Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve by Vince Leone.

Purisima Creek Redwoods Multimodal Access Project

The goals of the Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve Mulitmodal Access Project are to encourage visitors to opt for greener forms of transportation and reduce parking demand and traffic, while maintaining equitable access for local and regional visitors.Learn more

Ridgeline Protection Easement at Lehigh Quarry

Midpen is working with Santa Clara County to protect the ridgeline between Lehigh Quarry and Rancho San Antonio Preserve.Learn more

Trail Information Sharing System Project

This summer, Midpen is launching a pilot project for trail data collection at Rancho San Antonio and Skyline Ridge preserves. Midpen staff will be hiking approximately 37 miles of trail across these two preserves while measuring the physical terrain. The quantitative data collected will help us characterize the physical attributes of our trails, from steepness to tread width and obstacles...Learn more