Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District

Founded in 1972 by voter initiative, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is a regional greenbelt system in the San Francisco Bay Area, that includes parts of San Mateo and Santa Clara counties and a small portion of Santa Cruz county. It is one of California’s largest urban regional open space districts with nearly 65,000 acres, 26 preserves and more than 225 miles of trails. Midpen protects over 70 rare native species and critical habitats like waterways and redwood forests. Over 2 million visits are made annually to its regional preserves. Of Midpen's 26 preserves, 24 are open to the public free of charge, 365 days a year from dawn until one-half hour after sunset.Midpen's mission is to acquire and preserve a regional greenbelt of open space and agricultural land of regional significance in perpetuity, protect and restore the natural environment and provide opportunities for ecologically-sensitive public enjoyment and education.