We can thank the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District for 26 open space preserves totaling some 65,000 acres of pristine, gorgeous land for hiking, cycling and horseback riding, and more. This independent special district in the San Francisco Bay Area includes parts of Santa Clara, San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties. The Midpen is funded largely by property taxes and is governed by a seven-member board of directors, each elected to a four-year term.