Thanks to a recent federal grant, the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation is leading a collaborative, multi-institutional project to build climate resilience for the Monterey Bay area’s low-lying, coastal communities threatened by sea level rise, storm surge, and flooding. We are extremely excited about this $71.1M federal investment and what it means for the coalition of partners working in our region.
Our director of stewardship Patrick Riparetti said, “A total of $5.4M will advance wildfire fuels reduction projects on three of Big Sur Land Trust’s nature preserves and support floodplain restoration efforts for the Carmel River FREE Project. These initiatives will enhance forest and rangeland health, protect surrounding natural and human communities, and address historic flooding issues. We are also excited about how this transformative work will deepen our engagement with local communities, tribes, and other partners. This is an amazing collaborative effort, made possible by this generous NOAA investment and the leadership of the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation. We are honored to work together and grateful to be able to put this meaningful work into action.”
You can find more information about this important investment here.
Invasive Species Removal at Martin Dunes
Saturday, August 17
9:30am – 1:30pm
Martin Dunes, Marina
Join BSLT staff and volunteers in removing invasive species in an effort to restore and care for the lands we love at Martin Dunes on Saturday, August 17 from 9:30am – 1:30pm. Water, snacks, gloves, and hand tools will be provided. Volunteers will work to manually remove as many satellite populations of iceplant as possible while also tackling Ripgut Brome, which has begun to take over in areas. Register >>
Carmel River FREE Tour
Friday, September 20
9:00am – 11:00am
Palo Corona Regional Park, Carmel
Big Sur Land Trust’s Carmel River Floodplain Restoration and Environmental Enhancement (CR FREE) project is one of the most extensive and important multi-benefit flood protection and riparian habitat restoration efforts on the Central Coast. Using a nature-based green infrastructure approach, it will reclaim the southern floodplain to direct water away from developed areas north of the river. Our hike will be a slow-paced, staff-led tour of this project site. Register >>
San Jose Creek Birding Walk with Big Sur Land Trust and Monterey Audubon
Saturday, September 21
9:00am – 2:00pm
Palo Corona Regional Park, Carmel
Join Big Sur Land Trust and Monterey Audubon Society for a gentle 2-mile birding walk along the San Jose Creek Trail. Shuttles will transport hikers from Palo Corona Regional Park (Rancho Cañada) to the Ishxenta State Park San Jose Creek trailhead, which is only accessible through guided hikes. This hike is a beautiful reminder that collaboration can bring beautiful change and that our actions are stronger when taken together. Register >>