Looking Ahead with Gratitude
As we launch Big Sur Land Trust’s (BSLT) 2026-2029 Strategic Plan, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible work that has brought us to this point and to express my gratitude to the many colleagues whose dedication, expertise, and collaboration made it possible. This strategy is the culmination of months of thoughtful planning, research, discussion, and creativity. It reflects not only the hard work of our team, but also a shared commitment to ensuring that BSLT’s voice, values, and impact are clearly understood by the people and partners we serve and engage.
At its core, this strategy is about connection. It is about telling our story in a more compelling and consistent way, highlighting the impact of our work, and creating opportunities for greater collaboration. It provides a framework for how we engage externally while remaining grounded in the mission, values, and principles that guide us every day. Just as importantly, it positions us to respond to new opportunities, elevate our leadership, and broaden our influence in ways that support our long-term goals. As we look ahead, I am energized by what is possible. We know that meaningful progress is achieved through partnership, and we are excited to work alongside our many collaborators, supporters, and stakeholders as we bring this strategy to life. Together, we have an opportunity to strengthen our collective impact, advance shared priorities, and build momentum for the future.
This strategy marks an important milestone, but it is only the beginning. The real work, and the real opportunity, lies in how we put these ideas into action. I am confident that with the talent of our team, the strength of our partnerships, and a shared sense of purpose, we are well positioned for the journey ahead.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this effort and to all our partners who continue to believe in and support our work. We look forward to the path ahead and to all that we will accomplish together.
Jeannette Tuitele-Lewis
President/CEO, Big Sur Land Trust
Strategic Priorities
Our five strategic priorities for 2026-2029 include:
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Grounding ourselves in every place we serve. Big Sur Land Trust (BSLT) works across many communities in Monterey County, each with its own needs and opportunities. By listening closely and using the full range of our conservation tools, we meet local needs and provide regional benefits. When we succeed locally, everyone gains.
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Working together with trusted partners. We rely on strong partnerships to achieve our mission. Our partners bring skills, knowledge, and community ties that help us protect land and expand access to nature more effectively and equitably. We will continue building relationships that are transparent, reliable, and mutually accountable.
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Preparing the organization for the future. The need for conservation and community access is growing, and we must grow with it. Strengthening our people, systems, technology, communications and financial health gives us the ability to deliver on our mission and serve our communities more effectively. It is essential as we honor the promise of permanent conservation.
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Connecting people and places. Healthy lands and healthy communities depend on connection. When we connect natural systems and communities, both become stronger.
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Using data to ensure better choices. Data is critical to measure our progress. From calculated metrics to captured moments, strong data helps us make decisions and readjust as needed. Data helps us understand what is working, what needs attention, and how our actions affect land and people.
Values
COMMITMENT TO HUMAN DIGNITY. The dignity and well-being of all individuals within our communities is core to the work we do. We will center well-being, dignity, and inclusion in our work.
NATURE CENTERED. Nature has an inherent right to exist; at our core is the preservation of wild spaces that supports biodiversity, climate resilience and the softening of human impacts on the land. We strive to balance the needs of people to engage with outdoor spaces with the health of nature.
CONNECTED SYSTEMS. We are a part of interconnected, interdependent, and inseparable communities and systems. We will apply disciplined systems-level thinking that is data-informed and relationshipcentered so we are clear on how our choices impact individuals, communities, and ecosystems.
RIGHT TO EXPERIENCE NATURE. The many physical, mental, and socio-emotional health benefits gained from spending time connecting with nature is a human right for all. We will advocate for and prioritize projects that increase equitable access to parks and open space, balancing the needs of nature while providing a multitude of environmental and social benefits.
DIVERSITY AS A STRENGTH. Diversity at all levels supports resilient communities. Just as we actively seek ways to increase biodiversity for our landscapes, we strive for human diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and ideas throughout our organization and work.
INTEGRITY. Every contribution to our mission is an act of trust. We will honor every contribution of service, expertise, and financial gifts to our mission and ensure public trust by modeling the highest of standards of partnership and practice.
Goals
1 | HEALTHY LANDS
Critical lands and their waters are conserved and cared for in perpetuity, ensuring their ecological integrity, enhanced connectivity, climate resilience, and community access.
BSLT will continue to protect and steward Monterey County’s most important landscapes in ways that strengthen ecological health, climate resilience, cultural heritage, and community access. Conservation efforts will expand through strategic land protection and strong partnerships that support long-term stewardship.
Protected lands will be cared for using science-based practices and Traditional Ecological Knowledge, while advancing regional conservation efforts such as California’s 30×30 initiative. Ecological protection will be balanced with thoughtful public access through well-maintained infrastructure, volunteer stewardship, and strengthened partnerships with Indigenous communities to protect cultural resources.
Progress will be measured through indicators that track both ecological outcomes and stewardship effectiveness. These include acres of critical habitat conserved or restored, improvements in habitat quality and biodiversity, soil and vegetation health indicators, and the condition of trails and stewardship infrastructure.
Additional measures will assess the extent to which conserved lands provide multiple benefits including habitat protection, recreation, and cultural stewardship while ensuring conservation easements are monitored and remain in compliance to maintain long-term conservation integrity.
Fox and flower photos by Bradley Dunbaugh
2 | HEALTHY PEOPLE + COMMUNITIES
An increased number and diversity of people who live, work, and visit Monterey County experience the many health and well-being benefits of a deep and enduring connection to nature.
BSLT will expand opportunities for people across Monterey County to experience and benefit from meaningful connections to nature. Through welcoming preserves, inclusive programming, and strong community partnerships, we will ensure that more people, especially those who historically experience barriers to accessing outdoor spaces, have opportunities to build lasting relationships with the land.
Community programs will educate, inspire, and engage people of all ages through guided experiences, educational opportunities, volunteerism, and youth-focused initiatives. Partnerships with schools, community organizations, healthcare providers, and Indigenous communities will strengthen access to nature while supporting community health, cultural connection, and environmental stewardship.
BSLT will also work with local governments, transportation partners, and community organizations to expand access to open spaces, improve trail connectivity, and support planning efforts that bring nature closer to the communities.
Progress will be measured through indicators that track participation, equity, and community impact. These include the number of people engaged through programs and events, the diversity of participants relative to Monterey County demographics, and the extent to which participants report increased inspiration, well-being, and connection to nature following their experiences.
Additional measures will assess the growth of community partnerships, workforce and youth leadership development opportunities, and improvements in local access to natural spaces through expanded trail networks and connections to preserves.
3 | HEALTHY ORGANIZATION
Staff, board, and volunteers feel successful, valued, and engaged in meaningful work and have the support and resources they need to accomplish BSLT’s long-term promise.
BSLT will strengthen its organizational foundation to ensure it has the people, systems, and resources needed to sustain conservation and community benefit for generations to come. By investing in staff, board leadership, volunteers, and internal systems, we will build the capacity required to steward conserved lands and expand access to nature across Monterey County.
A diversified and mission-aligned fundraising system will deepen relationships with individuals, foundations, corporations, and public partners while strengthening long-term financial resilience. BSLT will also develop earned income opportunities, improve financial systems and forecasting tools, and build a culture of shared financial literacy and accountability across staff and leadership.
Clear and cohesive communications will connect BSLT’s conservation impact, partnerships, and community programs with donors, partners, and the broader public. A unified narrative and stronger internal communication practices will ensure staff, board, and volunteers share a common understanding of the organization’s work and priorities.
BSLT will also invest in growing a strong organizational culture that supports staff development, collaboration, and a sense of belonging. By strengthening recruitment, onboarding, and professional development practices, we will attract and retain talented staff, board members, and volunteers who are committed to the mission and values of the organization.
Progress will be measured through indicators that track organizational health, financial sustainability, and engagement. These include staff and board retention, employee engagement and well-being, growth in public support, and diversification of revenue sources. Additional measures will assess financial performance, public visibility, and the expansion of partnerships and community support which are at the heart of BSLT’s ability to sustain its mission and impact over the long term.
Vision
We work towards a future where natural landscapes, working lands, urban open spaces and healthy communities are cared for by people who share a love of nature and a deep appreciation for the richness of their diverse cultures. We seek to build an organization worthy of the communities we serve and the nature we protect through our steadfast commitment to the vitality of land and well-being of people.
Mission
To conserve our unique Monterey County landscapes, inspire love of land across generations, and promote access to outdoor experiences for all.
All landscape photos by © Kip Evans