Healthy lands. Healthy people. Healthy communities.
No on Proposition 45. Yes on Measure G.
Dear Friend,
At Big Sur Land Trust, we know that caring for nature and investing in our communities go hand in hand. This November, two ballot measures put those commitments into focus.
We oppose Proposition 45 because it would narrow environmental review and limit consideration of less harmful project alternatives. These safeguards help communities protect clean water, wildlife habitat, and connected landscapes. California needs housing and essential infrastructure, and thoughtful environmental review helps us build responsibly.
We support Salinas Measure G because vibrant communities need sustained investment. By renewing the existing one-cent sales tax without increasing the rate, Measure G would continue funding parks, youth and senior programs, street and sidewalk repairs, and essential city services — with citizen oversight and annual audits. These investments help people connect, get outdoors, and enjoy healthier neighborhoods.
We hope you’ll join us in voting No on Proposition 45 and Yes on Measure G — for the lands we love and the communities we call home.
Thank you,
Jeannette Tuitele-Lewis
President & CEO
Big Sur Land Trust
Updates from Big Sur Land Trust
Getting Ready for El Niño
By Jim Cox, Glen Deven Ranch Caretaker
After many years as a fire chief, I know the value of preparing before an emergency arrives. These days, that same mindset guides my work at Glen Deven Ranch — and our team’s preparations for El Niño.
NOAA’s October forecast calls for a strong to very strong El Niño into early 2027. This warming pattern in the Pacific can steer more winter storms toward California. Exactly what it brings to Monterey County remains uncertain, but we’re taking the opportunity to get ready.
Our team has been working across Glen Deven Ranch, Marks Ranch, and Mitteldorf Preserve — properties I affectionately call “the big three.” They keep us busy, and through BSLT’s self-guided hiking program, they give visitors a chance to experience some extraordinary landscapes.
At Glen Deven Ranch, we’ve maintained roads and cleared culverts along the scenic route toward Garrapata Creek, helping heavy runoff flow through drainage systems instead of washing away roads. We’ve cleared roadside brush and serviced our generator, which can power the entire ranch during an outage.
We also ventured down the old road badly damaged by previous winter storms to prepare our well site and water infrastructure. Seeing that damage is a powerful reminder of why we do this work before the rain arrives.
At Mitteldorf Preserve, newly constructed bridges are designed to withstand major floods. We’re also addressing erosion and repairing structures to keep water outside where it belongs. At Marks Ranch, we’ve reduced irrigation at our restoration site to help prevent seeds from germinating prematurely. And across all three properties, we’re servicing vehicles so our team is ready when duty calls.
My years in the fire service taught me that readiness is a team effort. Here, it takes people who know these lands, notice what needs attention, and get the work done.
A cleared culvert may never be the highlight of someone’s hike. But when the rain comes, that quiet work can make all the difference.
We’re Hiring: Resource Development Project Coordinator
As Big Sur Land Trust prepares to celebrate 50 years of conservation, community, and connection, we’re looking for a Resource Development Project Coordinator who is organized and collaborative to help coordinate fundraising, donor engagement, communications, campaigns, and events that advance our mission. If you or someone you know is passionate about building relationships, supporting meaningful work, and helping connect people to the lands they love, we’d love to hear from you. Learn more and apply today >>
Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities
Monterey Bay Half Marathon BSLT Green Team
Sunday, November 8
9:30am – 2:30pm
Monterey & Pacific Grove
On Sunday, November 8 volunteer on the Monterey Bay Half Marathon’s ‘Green Team’ on behalf of Big Sur Land Trust, as we help the event ‘leave no trace’ by sweeping the start/finish and entire course of litter. Please sign up here using the password BSLT.
Ensen Park Cleanup
Saturday, November 21
10:30am – 11:30am
Ensen Community Park, 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. Register >>
Big Sur Land Trust Volunteer Orientation
Thursday, December 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. Register >>