Stories

Midpen wrapped up the restoration of several recently acquired properties that were incorporated into Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve.

It’s spring, which means that wildflowers of all shapes, sizes and colors begin to decorate Midpen preserves, including in areas managed with conservation grazing. Carefully managed conservation grazing can create specific conditions that help rare and common native wildflower species thrive.

After the Santa Cruz kangaroo rat was rediscovered in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve in 2019, Midpen and collaborators launched a genetic research project to better understand this rare species and its evolutionary history.

Midpen is inviting passionate individuals to become part of our vital mission by applying to become a Ranger. Midpen Rangers serve in a dynamic and rewarding role that combines public safety, natural resource protection and community engagement.

Midpen’s board of directors approved a new management agreement for Bear Creek Stables, located within Midpen’s Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve, with the local nonprofit Friends of Bear Creek Stables.

Midpen staff are fondly remembering our friend and partner in storytelling about the natural world, Doug McConnell, after learning of his passing last month.

The sold-out Science and Stewardship Symposium recently took place in Santa Cruz, bringing together more than 250 leaders working on scientific research and hands-on land stewardship in the Santa Cruz Mountains region.  

While you are busy making dinner reservations and panic-buying chocolates, a different kind of love is blooming in the underbrush. As Valentine’s Day rolls around, romance isn’t just for humans.

How one local mountain lion's journey highlights the need for wildlife crossings and landscape linkages.

Midpen, along with our partners, have been working to find ways to create trail access at Sierra Azul while protecting migrating newts. Late last year, our project team came up with a solution.