Race for Open Space 2026 will be on Saturday, May 9!
Each spring, people of all ages and fitness levels join Big Sur Land Trust’s Race for Open Space—our largest annual community event. In 2025, over 300 runners, hikers, and walkers joined us to raise funds for the lands we all love in Monterey County.
Next year, the event will continue to offer multiple courses to experience conserved lands that are not usually open to the public. Whether you want to go deep into the backcountry, take it easier along shorter courses, run solo, walk with a group, or just cheer on your family and friends, the Race for Open Space has something for you!
- Palo Corona to South Bank Trail 1-mile Fun Run
- Palo Corona Front Ranch Lollipop 5K
- Palo Corona to Whisler Wilson Out-and-Back 12K
- Palo Corona to Williams Canyon Out-and-Back 25K
- Lunch Bench Lollipop 35K
Thanks to our continued partners at Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District, Inside Trail, and Alvarado Street Brewery.
Do you have a fitness-crazy friend on your holiday gift list? Why not gift them an entry to Race for Open Space!
Early registration will begin in December at a discounted price, so stay tuned for registration news.
“The Eternal Song”
Friday, November 21
5:00pm – 9:00pm
McCone Irvine Auditorium, Monterey
In collaboration with The Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, we will be co-sponsoring a screening of “The Eternal Song” and honoring our local Indigenous women leaders of the Rumsen Ohlone Tribal Community and Esselen Tribe of Monterey County. The film will be accompanied by a special panel discussion, a traditional native food offering, and a Q&A with the filmmakers, Maurizio and Zaya Benazzo. Please encourage your students, friends, and community members to attend and enjoy this free event. Learn more and get tickets >>
Volunteer with Big Sur Land Trust
Iceplant Removal at Martin Dunes
Saturday, November 810:00am – 1:00pm
Meet at Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge, Salinas
Join BSLT staff and volunteers in removing this invasive species to restore and care for the sensitive coastal habitat at Martin Dunes. Water, snacks, gloves, and hand tools will be provided. Volunteers will work to remove as many satellite populations of iceplants as possible to give native plants space to flourish. Register >>
Monthly Park Clean-ups at Ensen Community Park
Saturday, November 15
10:30am – 11:30am
99 La Posada Drive, Salinas
Join Big Sur Land Trust and Friends of Ensen Community Park Volunteers for our Monthly Park Clean-up at Ensen Community Park! Let’s work together to keep our local green space beautiful and clean. This is a great opportunity to meet your neighbors, get some fresh air, and hear updates on the restoration project. We will provide gloves and tools. Let’s make a difference together! Register >>
Big Sur Land Trust Volunteer Orientation
Thursday, December 4
12:00pm – 1:00pm
Online
Join our virtual orientation to learn more about Big Sur Land Trust’s mission, history, programs, organizational structure, and volunteer opportunities so that you are more fully informed about the organization you hope to so generously support through volunteering. This will also be your chance to interact with staff members and ask questions. Register >>