Since 1978, we have worked to steward, preserve, and protect the unique landscapes that define Monterey County. From sensitive dunes in Marina and redwood forests in the Santa Lucia Mountains to expansive oak woodlands and river corridors winding from Arroyo Seco to the Gabilan Mountains, our work provides a safe haven for the diverse habitats, clean water, and resilient ecosystems that’ll thrive for generations to come.
Loving the land means showing up for it. This Valentine’s Day, we invite you to show the land some love by volunteering with Big Sur Land Trust at our Monthly Ensen Community Park Clean-Up Day on Saturday, February 21 in Salinas. This is a great opportunity to meet your neighbors, get some fresh air, and hear updates on the restoration project.
Our work is a true labor of love. Big Sur Land Trust is proud to work with you to care for these special places so they can continue to inspire, offer refuge, and belong to everyone.
With love,
Lobos-Corona Parklands Partnership
Since 2014, Big Sur Land Trust has partnered with Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District, California State Parks, and the Point Lobos Foundation to connect more than 10,000 acres between Carmel and Garrapata State Park via the Lobos-Corona Parklands Partnership. United by a shared vision that recognizes the significant conservation, recreational, historical, and cultural values of this remarkable geography, this collaboration coordinates efforts related to land management such as habitat stewardship, conservation planning, and trail connectivity.
The partnership seeks to advance green infrastructure through a connected network of conserved lands, parklands, and green spaces to offer accessible trails, on-the-land stewardship activities, and educational programming. With an emphasis on long-term stewardship and responsible public access, the project works to ensure these remarkable spaces can be experienced and cherished now while remaining resilient for generations to come.
Each month, representatives of each organization come together to learn from one another and coordinate activities. This ongoing partnership has made our annual Race for Open Space possible — celebrating the power of collaboration, conservation, and community connection to these irreplaceable parklands.
Come on out to this year’s Race for Open Space on Saturday, May 9 to experience conserved lands that are not usually open to the public. Whether you want to go fast, slow, solo, with a group, or just cheer on your friends, the Race for Open Space has something for everyone! Register >>
Photo Courtesy: Rich Hamilton, 2016, ferns sprouting after Soberanes Fire
Prescribed Burns: Intention & Care
As we near the 10-year anniversary of the Soberanes Fire, Big Sur Land Trust continues to carry its lessons forward — not in fear, but in action. Caring for our landscapes with intention, science, and best land management practices is one of the most powerful ways to protect the places and communities we love.
Big Sur Land Trust is implementing proven land management tools like prescribed burns to better care for and protect our lands. When planned with intention and care, this proactive approach can reduce danger, increase resilience, and help our landscapes thrive. General requirements for a prescribed burn include:
- Burn Prescription: the burn plan and required conditions
- Smoke Permit: ensuring predicted smoke levels meet air quality standards
- Coordination & Planning: including maps, partnerships, communications with adjacent landowners, and other administrative preparation
- Additional Resources: such as engine crews, handcrews, aircraft, and specialized equipment
By engaging in these practices now, we are creating a safer landscape for generations to come. One resource for information about the science and planning behind a prescribed burn is the Climate & Wildfire Institute. Learn more >>
Cozy Gifts for Those You Love
Share a little love by sending a cozy gift to your friends and family this winter season. Our cotton hoodie (a BSLT staff favorite) will become your new favorite layer to put on misty mornings and foggy evenings. Our beanies, made of skin-friendly wool, feel like a warm reading nook you can wear outside. Plus, when you wear BSLT merch, you’re not just staying warm and dry but you’re helping protect the places that make Monterey County so special.
We’re proud to now offer FREE SHIPPING on all our products. Shop your favorites today and support your local land trust >>
Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities
Great Backyard Bird Count with Monterey Audubon Society
Monday, February 16
9:00am – 11:00am
Ensen Community Park
Join us for this Monterey Audubon–Friends of Ensen collaboration! We’ll have the opportunity to scan the skies for raptors, check on the new landscaping plants, and explore the wild, native plant area. This trip will introduce participants to various resources that are available to learn about birds, commonly seen local birds and tips and tricks to identify them, plus guidance on how to locate and observe birds no matter where you are! Register >>
Monthly Park Clean-Up
Saturday, February 21
10:30am – 11:30am
Ensen Community Park
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 >>
Volunteer Orientation
Thursday, March 5
12:00pm – 1:00pm
Online
Through this virtual 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 >>
LGO! Carmel River FREE Tour
Friday, March 20
9:00am – 11:30am
Palo Corona Regional Park, Carmel
Enjoy a 3.5-mile round-trip hike of the Carmel River Floodplain Restoration and Environmental Enhancement (CR FREE) project site, led by Big Sur Land Trust’s Vice President of Conservation, Rachel Saunders. Our hike will be a slow-paced, staff-led tour of this project site. Register >>