Dear Friends,
One of the greatest privileges of Big Sur Land Trust’s work is seeing people come together on the land — to explore, celebrate, learn, and simply spend time together. Whether it’s hiking, neighbors gathering, young people discovering the outdoors for the first time, or volunteers working side by side to care for our special places, these moments remind us that conservation includes the importance of community.
At Big Sur Land Trust, we believe protected lands are strongest when they are places of belonging, connection, and shared purpose. Caring for the landscapes we love also means creating opportunities for our communities to experience them, build relationships with them, and protect the lands we all love.
Thank you for being part of our community. Your support and partnership help ensure these extraordinary places continue to inspire connection for generations to come.
Jeannette Tuitele-Lewis
President/CEO
Big Sur Land Trust
Community, Culture, and Conservation Come Together in New Mural
A beautiful new mural by Hijos Del Sol (Children of the Sun) Arts Productions and Big Sur Land Trust are bringing vibrant public art to Salinas.
At Ensen Community Park, a 260-foot mural is nearing completion, celebrating the connection between people, wildlife, and the park’s seasonal wetlands. Featuring native animals and imagery inspired by the Ohlone/Costanoan-Esselen Nation, the artwork reflects the importance of protecting the natural world while honoring the area’s cultural heritage.
The project has also been a true community effort, with local residents of all ages joining artists during a series of community painting days to help bring the mural to life.
Big Sur Land Trust is grateful to partner with Hijos Del Sol on this inspiring project and looks forward to celebrating the completed mural at Ensen Community Park as a lasting symbol of community, culture, and conservation.
Community and Glen Deven Ranch
This summer, Glen Deven Ranch has been filled with opportunities for people to connect — with nature and with one another. In July, we welcomed neighbors from the Palo Colorado community for an afternoon of hiking, storytelling, and traditional Mesoamerican music, celebrating the rich cultural and natural heritage of the land. Summer also brought the return of our overnight camp programs, where youth from across Monterey County are exploring the outdoors, building friendships, and, for many, experiencing camping for the very first time. Thanks to generous grant funding, these camps are offered at no cost to our partner organizations, including Community Partnership for Youth in Seaside, CHISPA in Salinas, and The Epicenter.
We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve our communities and for the supporters whose generosity makes these experiences possible. Together, we are creating meaningful opportunities for people of all ages to connect with the land, one another, and a lifelong sense of belonging in nature.
Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities
Ferrini + Marks Ranch Community Survey
3–4 Minutes
Bilingual
Marks Ranch and Ferrini Ranch are part of a cherished landscape along the Highway 68 corridor in Monterey County—rolling hills, grasslands, and oak woodlands that support both people and wildlife. Together, they connect more than 20,000 acres of open space stretching from the Sierra de Salinas to Toro Park and Fort Ord National Monument.
Big Sur Land Trust acquired Marks Ranch in 2007 and retains ownership of 79 acres that is the gateway to this remarkable landscape. We are currently working to raise funding to acquire the surrounding 869‑acre Ferrini Ranch for permanent conservation, with a goal of completing the acquisition by early 2027. This is a major step in a long‑term effort to protect this landscape and ensure it remains cared for by future generations.
As we move forward, we want to hear from you, our community. Your perspectives will help guide future stewardship and thoughtful, low‑impact opportunities for people to connect with and learn from this place.
Take the survey (before August 7) >>
Community Day at Marks Ranch
Sunday, July 26
9:00am – 1:00pm
Marks Ranch
Big Sur Land Trust warmly invites you to explore this historic ranch along the Highway 68 corridor. Enjoy an easy self-guided 1-mile walk through open fields and under shady oaks while soaking in the peace and seasonal beauty of this cherished landscape.
Along the way, hone your birdwatching skills with our friends from Monterey Audubon Society, learn about the recent history of Marks Ranch from Big Sur Land Trust staff, and wander through the rare cactus garden behind the historic house. Please register at the link below to attend.
BSLT Volunteer Orientation
Thursday, September 3
12:00pm – 1:00pm
Online
Through this orientation, you will become more familiar with 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. Thanks for your interest!