Click here to watch a video created by our partners at Nonprofit Finance Fund celebrating Ensen Community Park and the Wetlands.
Dear Friend,
Thank you to everyone who joined us this past Sunday for the Grand Opening of the 67-acre Restoration Area at Ensen Community Park! The day was filled with excitement and exploration, as the community joined together to officially open this special restoration area.
This ambitious effort has transformed land once drained for agriculture into a vibrant landscape where wetlands, wildlife, and community recreation can prosper together. The newly contoured terrain now includes elevated ground for 1.7 miles of intertwining trails as well as basins that will hold ponds and slow-moving waterways. Three new bridges totaling 240 feet in length stand ready to carry walkers and runners across the restored channels.
This revitalized environment now provides refuge for migrating birds, breeding space for native frogs, and shaded corridors for wildlife seeking relief in summer. The redesigned waterways will slow storm flows, help recharge groundwater, and filter water on its journey toward Monterey Bay. Meanwhile, the growing wetland plants will capture carbon dioxide, contributing to regional climate resilience.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who has helped restore this remarkable natural space in the heart of Salinas. A very special thanks to our partners:
- City of Salinas
- Center for Community Advocacy
- Habitat Stewardship Project Monterey Bay
- CHISPA Housing
- Monterey County Health Department
We invite you to visit the new restoration area at Ensen Community Park and see the ongoing stewardship of the habitat and for the enrichment of the entire community.
Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities
Ensen Park Cleanup
Saturday, October 17
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 >>
LGO! San Jose Creek Meander
Saturday, October 24
9:00am – 2:00pm
Palo Corona Regional Park
Join Big Sur Land Trust for a gentle 2-mile guided meander 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 like this one. Register >>
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.
LGO! Lobos Corona Parklands Backcountry Hike with BSLT
Tuesday, November 17
8:00am – 5:00pm
Palo Corona Regional Park
Join Big Sur Land Trust for a loop hike featuring highlights of the Lobos Corona Parklands, part of BSLT’s legacy of land conservation. 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 of Big Sur Land Trust’s 47-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 >>