Bear Creek Redwoods Access: Midpeninsula Improvements
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District’s budget unlocks notable improvements, with improved trail access to Bear Creek Redwoods being a primary focus. The recently approved budget allocates crucial funds, sparking new developments for Los Gatos open spaces and beyond. We’re talking about a new northeast trailhead and four additional miles of trail, revolutionizing access to the primary_keyword Bear Creek Redwoods. Furthermore, a new parking lot will address the frequently crowded existing spaces. Secondary_keyword trail access projects also include plans for multiuse trails, creating more sustainable paths. News Directory 3 is your source for the latest updates. The approved budget also covers habitat restoration targeting Santa Cruz kangaroo rats. Discover what’s next in these exciting projects.
Midpen budget Funds Los Gatos Projects, Trail Access Improved
Updated June 25, 2025
The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District has approved its budget for the upcoming fiscal year, earmarking funds for several projects in and around Los Gatos. The approved budget outlines $95.1 million in revenue and $94.1 million in expenditures.
According to the district, revenue is projected to increase by 2%, a rise of $1.8 million. Expenditures are expected to climb by 5%, or $4.6 million.property taxes account for 86% of the district’s revenue, supplemented by grants, interest, and rental income.
Nearly $8.8 million is allocated for Measure AA capital projects, with an additional $12 million from the general fund for other initiatives. Voters approved Measure AA, a $300 million bond measure, in June 2014.
Ryan McCauley, Midpen spokesman, highlighted improved access to bear Creek Redwoods as a key project. A new northeast trailhead and four additional miles of trail will connect Lexington reservoir county Park directly to the redwoods. The Bear Creek Redwoods project aims to improve trail access.
McCauley said the district plans a multiuse trail extending from the northeast trailhead, allowing bicycle access through the preserve. Currently, only hikers and horseback riders are permitted. Measure AA partially funds both the trailhead and the multiuse trail.
A new 40-space parking lot near the redwoods is also in the design phase. Construction, slated for six months between spring and fall, avoids the rainy season to prevent waterway pollution. This project is not funded by Measure AA.
“Because it’s so well-loved and well-visited, on weekends the parking lot can fill up,” McCauley said. “It does pretty regularly in the morning on weekends regularly, so being able to expand the parking area to allow for more people to access the preserve is something we’re really excited for Bear creek Redwoods.”
Community input following Measure AA’s passage shaped these projects, with the trailhead and parking area among the initial suggestions, according to McCauley.
McCauley also noted plans for a wildlife undercrossing and pedestrian overcrossing along Highway 17, near Lexington Reservoir’s northern point. The wildlife crossing targets deer and mountain lions, while also benefiting bobcats, coyotes, squirrels, and foxes. The pedestrian overcrossing will link El Sereno Open Space Preserve with the Los Gatos Creek Trail. the project is in its final design phase and partially funded by Measure AA, with the district seeking grants for full funding.
“We think of roads as connecting communities, but roads can also act like walls and barriers for wildlife that are trying to move to new places, find shelter, find mates,” McCauley said.
Since the discovery of endangered santa Cruz kangaroo rats in the Sierra Azul Open Space preserve, Midpen is enhancing their chaparral habitat with sandy soil. McCauley explained that these kangaroo rats are a keystone species, impacting numerous other species. As a notable example, they bury manzanita seeds, aiding plant germination. This habitat restoration effort is not funded by Measure AA.
“It’s always good when we can see these vrey rare species pop back up again,” McCauley said.
What’s next
The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District will continue to seek grant funding for the Highway 17 overpass project and monitor the progress of the Santa Cruz kangaroo rat habitat restoration.