Race for Open Space
Come out and support the Race for Open Space on Saturday, May 9! Did you know that our annual community run event started off as a small group of strong and scrappy trail runners? Now, over 400 people participate in the event each year! The Race for Open Space is a multi-course trail run throughout pristine conserved lands, taking place on and around Palo Corona Regional Park’s backcountry. The event raises funds and awareness for Big Sur Land Trust’s important work in Monterey County.
While this year’s event is full and we are no longer accepting registrations, spectators are welcome at the start and finish line. Bring coffee, gather with friends, and cheer on participants.
With it also being Mother’s Day weekend, there’s an added bonus for families showing up together to support BSLT’s mission, the people, and land we all love.
- Date: Saturday, May 9
- Time: Runners begin around 8:00am
- Location: Palo Corona Regional Park in Carmel
No registration needed to watch — just come out, find a spot, and be part of this year’s event. Learn more >>
Big Sur Land Trust Honored with Change Maker Award
On April 27, Big Sur Land Trust was named a recipient of the prestigious Change Maker Award at the Monterey County Business Council’s 30th Annual Gala, recognizing nearly five decades of transformative leadership in land conservation, community connection, and environmental stewardship across Monterey County.
Jeannette Tuitele-Lewis, President and Chief Executive Officer at Big Sur Land Trust, accepted the award on behalf of the organization’s staff, partners, and supporters, emphasizing that the honor reflects the collective effort behind the work. “Stewardship is not just about protecting land — it’s about ensuring that people can experience it, learn from it, and carry that connection forward,” Tuitele-Lewis said. “As Big Sur Land Trust looks ahead, it remains committed to bringing meaningful change through conservation, community and collaboration, ensuring that Monterey County’s landscapes inspire and sustain for generations to come.” Read the full press release >>
American Water Charitable Foundation’s 2026 Water and Environment Grantees Announced
Big Sur Land Trust has been named a 2026 Water and Environment grant recipients by the American Water Charitable Foundation. This grant is issued as part of the Foundation’s nationwide investment in projects that protect and restore vital water resources.
With this funding, Big Sur Land Trust will advance the Lower Carmel Valley Erosion and Invasive Species Management project to further safeguard the health of the Carmel River ecosystem for generations to come. Read the full press release >>
Photo Credit: Monterey County Weekly
As We See It — And How It Could Be
Art Exhibit in Pacific Grove
Open Now – June 26
Big Sur Land Trust is one of six environmental nonprofits chosen to have an art piece created based on a project the organization supports in As We See It – And How It Could Be. The art exhibit is open now through June 26 at Pacific Grove Art Center, 568 Lighthouse Ave. in Pacific Grove. Monterey County Weekly has more >>
Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities
Race for Open Space
Saturday, May 9
Palo Corona Regional Park, Carmel
Spend a meaningful day at Palo Corona Regional Park by volunteering or cheering on this year’s Race for Open Space participants at the start and finish line. Whether you’re helping guide participants as a course monitor or capturing shots of the day as a photo coordinator — your time and encouragement will make a difference. Sign up to volunteer >>
Monthly Park Clean-up
Saturday, May 16
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! This is a great opportunity to meet your neighbors, get some fresh air, and hear updates on the restoration project. Help clean up our local park and make our community a better place for everyone! Register >>
San Jose Creek 2-mile Hike
Saturday, May 23
9:00am – 2:00pm
Palo Corona Regional Park, Carmel
Join Big Sur Land Trust for a gentle 2-mile guided hike along the San Jose Creek Trail. Shuttles will transport hikers from Palo Corona Regional Park (Rancho Cañada) to the Ishxenta State Park San Jose Creek trailhead, which is only accessible through guided hikes. Register >>
Volunteer Orientation
June 4
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 >>
Monthly Meeting at Ensen
June 12
5:30pm – 7:30pm
Ensen Community Park in Salinas
Let’s catch up and plan for next month’s park activities!/¡Reunámonos para planificar las actividades del parque para el próximo mes! Snacks and refreshments will be provided for all participants. Whether you can stay for the whole time or just drop in, all are welcome! Register >>