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)

Midpen’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program guides how we care for our preserves by managing plant and animal pests in a way that protects people, wildlife, and the environment. Our work supports healthy ecosystems, safe public access, and reduced fire risk. This work is guided by Midpen’s IPM Guidance Manual, which outlines our science-based, District-wide approach. 

For every project, Midpen biologists evaluate site conditions and select methods that are effective while minimizing impacts. We prioritize non-chemical methods whenever possible, including hand removal, cutting, mowing, trapping, and sanitation practices that prevent the spread of pests. When needed, additional tools are used as part of the IPM toolkit, applied carefully and only when they are the right fit. Our approach is adaptive, with ongoing monitoring and adjustments to support long-term stewardship.