Stories

Surprising new discoveries at Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve revealed the presence of Santa Cruz kangaroo rats, a keystone species not seen since 1947. The western purple martin, another species believed to have disappeared from Santa Clara County, recently made an appearance as well. 

The winter storms from late 2022 and early 2023 have left long-term damage, with multiple repairs completed and many still in progress, partial or full preserve closures, and significant damage requiring a request for FEMA funding to help assuage the cost of repairs. 

Midpen's 27th preserve, Cloverdale Ranch, will be introduced the community this summer. A natural habitat rich in native plants and wildlife, Cloverdale Ranch is also home to some threatened and endangered species like the California red-legged frog, Coho salmon and steelhead trout.

Unlike previous years, low temperatures have slowed the appearance of wildflower blooms at Midpen preserves.

Statement on the incident at Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve on March 5, 2023.

Midpen grant and Saved by Nature Education help connect urban youth from Davis Junior High School Boys and Girls Club to nature at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve. 

Years ago, certain ponds in what were once ranch properties were created to provide water for grazing cattle.

Midpen forms part of the Los Gatos Creek Watershed Collaborative, a joint group taking a holistic approach to forest health and wildfire resiliency. Despite the rainy season, in late 2022 Midpen got an early start in implementing some of these measures. 

For thousands of years, fire was a natural part of California’s landscape and a land management tool the Native people in this region used to enhance hunting areas and plants they relied on for food and fiber.

A private property purchased by Midpen will connect La Honda Creek Preserve and El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve.