A Message From the General Manager
(Spring 2022)
As we celebrate 50 years of caring for the land that cares for us, we invite you to join us in-person or online to learn more about Midpen’s work and why it matters. When local voters created Midpen in 1972, it was largely in reaction to a population explosion, fueled by the emergence of Silicon Valley, that was quickly replacing orchards and green space. As development plans circulated more frequently among the cities and counties that shared the foothills and ridgelines, conservationists organized themselves into groups like Green Foothills to monitor planning commission, city council and county supervisor meetings. They conducted surveys that showed residents valued the green hills enough to pay a modest tax to protect the lands from uncontrolled development.
One local woman, Nonette Hanko, voiced her concerns that the NO TRESPASSING signs marking more and more private property, and the growing construction from the valley floor to the ridgeline meant kids like her own would be left without nearby places to discover the wonders of nature. These concerns reverberated amongst her neighbors, friends, city councilmembers, county supervisors and a local journalist, Jay Thorwaldson. Thorwaldson responded in an editorial suggesting residents take a cue from the East Bay and form an independent park district to buy these special places on behalf of the public before they disappeared forever.
His editorial energized Hanko and friends to launch a determined grassroots effort from her living room, over homemade blueberry coffeecake. They successfully placed the Measure R “Room to Breathe” initiative on the ballot in northern Santa Clara County, where it passed with 67.71% approval on November 7, 1972, effectively creating Midpen.
When residents 50 years ago prioritized open space for future generations, they may not have realized what we now know — that these same natural lands full of meandering streams, tall trees and green foliage provide crucial ecosystem benefits such as clean air and water, healthy habitats for wildlife, and high levels of carbon sequestration and storage to counteract ongoing greenhouse gas emissions. Particularly along the rural San Mateo County Coast, these lands also support viable agricultural uses that sustain the local food system.
The gift of having room to breathe enhances our quality of life and builds community resilience so that we all are better equipped in adapting to our changing climate. I invite you to come celebrate the awesome foresight of our founders throughout the year and gain inspiration about your role in the future of open space.
Ana María Ruiz
General Manager