Big Sur Land Trust Group Access Policies & FAQs
Big Sur Land Trust (BSLT) is a non-profit accredited land trust with a mission to inspire love of land across generations, conservation of our unique Monterey County landscapes, and access to outdoor experiences for all. We recognize the health and wellness benefits of connecting with conserved lands. When requests are made by groups or individuals for special access to our preserves, we strive to accommodate organizations and individuals whose values and mission align with ours.
Nature is a place of balance. When there is healthy balance, we enjoy a landscape of diversity, beauty, and vitality. As a conservation organization, our success is according to our ability to sustain balance. We look forward to considering your group access request as we consider every decision: holistically, in commitment to our work for healthy lands, healthy people, and healthy communities. Please remember Big Sur Land Trust preserves are nature preserves and not private event venues. Thank you for your understanding and support, which enable us to conserve the lands we love and ensure their equitable access now and for generations to come.
To better understand how we sustain the balance necessary for conservation of the lands we all love, it may be helpful to review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below.
Once you have reviewed the FAQs, we welcome you to submit your inquiry through the Big Sur Land Trust preserve access request form. Please keep in mind that our work is according to the rhythms of the lands, and that our capacity is limited. We look forward to being in touch with you as soon as possible.
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If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us directly at info@bigsurlandtrust.org.
FAQs
Q: Why does Big Sur Land Trust use a managed access approach?
A: Our managed access approach ensures that access to our nature preserves is equitable and maintains the conservation value of the lands we all love.
Q: By what criteria does Big Sur Land Trust evaluate group access requests?
A: Big Sur Land Trust evaluates group access requests on a case-by-case basis, according to factors such as alignment with Big Sur Land Trust’s mission and vision, the balancing of the various types of requests we accept, current conditions at the preserves, organizational capacity to accommodate the group request, and more.
Q: Does Big Sur Land Trust accommodate weddings?
A: We are unable to accommodate private weddings or other social events on Big Sur Land Trust preserves.
Q: Are there costs associated with group access to Big Sur Land Trust preserves?
A: Yes. Accommodation of group access requires staff time and, often, resources. As such, the cost of group access can vary. For requests we can responsibly accommodate, cost is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Q: Can I host a ticketed event on a Big Sur Land Trust preserve?
A: Our non-profit status prohibits for-profit use of our conserved lands. While a ticketed fee is at times assigned and collected by the groups we host, these fees may not be for profit.
Q: Do Big Sur Land Trust Preserves host work retreats?
A: We have hosted many work retreats at Big Sur Land Trust preserves over the years, with nonprofits and organizations whose work/mission aligns with our own.
Q: Is there WiFi at your preserves?
A: No, WiFi is not available on Big Sur Land Trust preserves.
Q: Is there cell phone service on Big Sur Land Trust preserves?
A: In general, no. There is no reliable cell service at Glen Deven Ranch and Mitteldorf Preserve. Visitors may encounter intermittent/poor cell service at Marks Ranch.
Q: Are there restrooms on the preserves?
A: A restroom is available at Glen Deven Ranch during preserve hours, or through prior arrangement. A port-a-let is usually available near the Marks Ranch Big House. There is a hiker restroom available in the stone building behind the Mitteldorf Lodge.
Q: Are pets allowed?
A: We do not accommodate pets as part of group access requests. We look forward to our furry friends visiting us on-leash through self-guided hiking, where and when appropriate.
Q: Can I make a reservation to camp on a Big Sur Land Trust preserve?
A: Big Sur Land Trust is a non-profit conservation organization with a mission and resources that are different from, though aligned with, public parks and recreation areas. As such, our nature preserves are not open to the public for camping (tent, RV, etc.).
Q: Can I have a campfire or use a camping stove while visiting a Big Sur Land Trust preserve?
A: No. For safety, fire, including smoking, vaping, or open flame of any type is not permitted at Big Sur Land Trust preserves. If you have an exceptional request, please reach out to Big Sur Land Trust staff directly.
Q: Can Big Sur Land Trust preserves accommodate filming projects, either commercial or private?
A: Please submit a Big Sur Land Trust preserve access request form to help us understand the nature of your request and evaluate it as an appropriate use of a managed-access nature preserve.
Q: I have a class that I would like to connect with Big Sur Land Trust’s work and/or preserve(s). Are there opportunities for classes to be led on a guided hike or hear a presentation from Big Sur Land Trust staff?
A: We love to connect with students! Please submit a Big Sur Land Trust preserve access request form to help us evaluate our capacity to accommodate your request. If funding is available to offset the cost of an experience with us, please note this in your submission.
Q: Can my hiking group reserve a hike on a Big Sur Land Trust preserve?
A: Yes! Members of small hiking groups (up to 10 individuals) can make reservations to hike through our self-guided hike request system. If your hiking group is large, we recommend submitting a Big Sur Land Trust preserve access request form to inquire about more streamlined group accommodation.
Q: Do you offer group guided hikes by request?
A: Guided hikes and tours are offered to the public several times a year. Guided hikes are also one of our favorite ways to thank our generous donors and share our work to cultivate new relationships. If your hiking group is interested in a private group guided hike, please submit a Big Sur Land Trust preserve access request form.
Q: I’d like help getting acquainted with Big Sur Land Trust preserves. Can BSLT help with this?
A: We’d love to, yes! If you are new to BSLT preserves, or would just like help familiarizing yourself with them, Big Sur Land Trust volunteer hike leaders can help you get acquainted with our lands and trails. If you are interested in being connected with a Big Sur Land Trust volunteer hike leader for a ‘get acquainted’ hike, please reach out to jjacox@bigsurlandtrust.org.