Harriet Mitteldorf thanking some of the valiant firefighters who saved the lodge and the bunk house at Mitteldorf Preserve during the 2016 Sobranes Fire.
Honoring the Legacy of Harriet Mitteldorf
Harriet was a trailblazer as the first woman in her family to attend college and earned a physics degree. After achieving professional success with her husband Arthur on the east coast, they retired to Pebble Beach. The need to conserve the area’s beauty quickly became an important focus of their lives. In 1990, Harriet and Arthur provided the funds for Big Sur Land Trust to purchase 1,057 acres southeast of Carmel to protect it from logging – this land became Mitteldorf Preserve. They also launched a campaign to raise funds for the stewardship and long-term care of the land. After the Soberanes fire damaged the Preserve in 2016, Harriet provided a matching gift to fund repairs. Mitteldorf Preserve now provides habitat for several protected species and is home to the oldest known redwood tree in Monterey County.
As Big Sur Land Trust evolved, Harriet was pleased to see how our expanding community engagement activities meant more youth could experience our properties and hopefully gain a life-long love of and respect for the spirituality and wildness of nature. She said, “These programs are such a worthy effort—it’s hard to believe that many of the kids in your programs have never seen a redwood or the ocean.” When asked about the use of Mitteldorf Preserve, Harriet replied in her characteristically get-to-the-point manner. “Keep it as wild as possible for as long as possible!” We are more than happy to carry out her wishes.
Celebrate California Wildlife Day
Sunday, April 6
11:00am-3:00pm
Palo Corona Regional Park, Carmel
Immerse yourself in a day filled with eye-opening environmental presentations, exhibits, nature walks, hands-on activities, food, and more! Come say hi to our staff and volunteers at our table. More info here!
Earth Day Hike
Tuesday, April 22
8:00am – 5:00pm
Mitteldorf Preserve, Carmel Valley
Celebrate Earth Day 2025 on a hike with Big Sur Land Trust from the Williams Canyon parking meadow through Mitteldorf Preserve and the Palo Corona Regional Park backcountry. We will traverse 8 miles and climb over 2200 feet. We will spend much of the day on lands not open to the public that are part ofBig Sur Land Trust’s 46-year and 45,000-acre legacy of land conservation, so it will be our special pleasure to enable managed access to these conserved lands in support of our continuing land conservation efforts. Register here.
Volunteer with Big Sur Land Trust
You can join Big Sur Land Trust in taking care of the land on the second Saturday and fourth Friday of every month! No prior experience or green thumb required—just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to roll up your sleeves.
In April, you can also join our green team to pick up litter at the Big Sur International Marathon.
Remove Invasive French Broom at Glen Deven Ranch
Saturday, April 12 from 9:30am-1:30pm
Remove Invasive Italian Thistle at Marks Ranch
Wednesday, April 23 from 2:00pm-5:00pm
Green Team at Big Sur International Marathon
Sunday, April 27 from 11:00am-4:00pm
Race for Open Space
Saturday, May 10
Palo Corona Regional Park, Carmel
Race for Open Space is centered around Palo Corona Regional Park and participants can choose their own adventure by registering for a 5K, 12K, 25K, or 35K+ trail run. Each course promises a spectacular journey through sections of the Palo Corona Regional Park (all distances) and Mitteldorf Preserve (35k+ only). A 1-mile Fun-Run will also be offered for individuals of all ages and abilities.