Published 5/1/2025
Midpen is growing its community partnerships to bring more outdoor experiences to the public. Branching Out Adventures and Boys and Girls Club of the Coastside are the newest Midpen partners to offer community event series with engaging, inclusive and environmentally conscious recreation and education. Whether it’s hiking, nature journaling or simply connecting with the outdoors, these programs invite people to explore, learn and have fun in beautiful open spaces.
Let’s meet the partners!
Branching Out Adventures
Branching Out Adventures is a Bay Area nonprofit dedicated to celebrating queerness through community, education and outdoor experiences. With a deep understanding of the mental and physical benefits of nature, Branching Out works to break down barriers that have historically limited LGBTQ+ access to outdoor recreation. Through inclusive programming, Branching Out creates safe and welcoming spaces that help participants overcome challenges such as financial constraints, social exclusion and concerns about personal safety, ensuring that everyone can connect with nature in a meaningful way.
In 2024, Midpen partnered with Branching Out Adventures to host a pilot hike at Monte Bello Open Space Preserve where participants explored California’s diverse ecosystems, learning about rain systems and species identification. With a shared commitment to creating welcoming outdoor spaces, the program aimed to foster a sense of belonging and joy in experiencing nature as a queer individual. Building on this success, Midpen has formalized its partnership with Branching Out Adventures to support a new series of six community outdoor events, the first of which, focused on nature journaling, will take place on May 18 at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve.
Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside
The Boys and Girls Club of the Coastside (BGCC) has been a cornerstone of youth development since 1994, empowering thousands of young people with a strong sense of belonging, purpose and confidence. Through engaging daily programs and activities designed to be both age-appropriate and well-rounded, BGCC equips Coastside youth with the skills, knowledge and attributes needed to pursue their aspirations and thrive. With a focus on five core areas, character and leadership development, education and career readiness, health and life skills, the arts and sports and recreation, BGCC fosters a supportive environment where young people can grow, learn and build a foundation for lifelong success.
In February 2024, the Boys and Girls Club of the Coastside (BGCC) partnered with Midpen to support its T.E.E.N. program, receiving $2,500 in funding for a hike at El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve. Designed for teens facing academic and social challenges, the T.E.E.N. program encourages self-reflection and mindfulness through nature walks. Fourteen participants joined the hike, guided by a Midpen ranger. Following the success of this pilot event, Midpen is continuing to its partnership with BGCC for two additional community hikes, the first held on March 28 at Purisima Creek Open Space Preserve with the second scheduled for July 2025.
Aligning with the Midpen’s commitment to inclusivity, Branching Out Adventures and Boys and Girls Club of the Coastside play a vital role in expanding access to public open spaces. Through their initiatives, they create engaging and safe opportunities for a diverse range of community members to experience and learn about our public open space lands.