Monterey Bay Half Marathon Sustainability Sweep | November 13
2022-11-13 07:30 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
Last spring, Big Sur Land Trust partnered with Blue Strike Environmental as members of their ‘Green Team’ to make the Big Sur International Marathon a sustainable and eco-friendly event. This fall let’s do it again for the Monterey Bay Half Marathon!
On Sunday, November 13th volunteer on the Monterey Bay Half Marathon’s ‘Green Team’ on behalf of Big Sur Land Trust, as we help ‘leave no trace’ by sweeping the course of litter (7:30am-12:30pm shift) or sorting recyclables/compostables from trash and help with event tear-down (11:30am-4pm). Please sign up here using the password BSLT.
Kids are welcome (they do not need an RSVP) but must be accompanied by an adult. Volunteers should bring snacks, lunch, water, and sun protection.
Register here >>

Iceplant Pull | November 18
2022-11-18 09:30 - 13:30 | Martin Dunes, Marina, CA, United States
Join the BSLT team at Martin Dunes as we pull iceplant to give the local dune ecosystem more space to thrive.
Although iceplant has been almost completely eradicated from the Martin Dunes preserve in Marina, we must keep it in check. Endangered endemic species like the legless lizard and the Smith’s blue butterfly are depending on us!
Please join us Friday, November 18th to pull iceplant along with other Big Sur Land Trust volunteers and staff. We’ll also pick up trash along the way. Snacks will be provided. Sign up today!

You Make it Possible | January 27
2023-01-27 08:30 - 09:30 | CA
Every January, Big Sur Land Trust celebrates “Thankuary!” We celebrate all the ways your generosity as donors, volunteers, funders, partners, and sponsors makes such a positive impact for the lands we all love in Monterey County. Please take a few moments to watch our video below, and hear firsthand from our staff and board how much your support means to us all! Join us at our virtual event on January 27 to hear inspiring stories of your support in action and the exciting plans we have for 2023. And check out other opportunities to sign up for volunteer activities and guided hikes!
You Make It Possible!
Friday, January 27, 2023
8:30 AM-9:30 AM
With gratitude for you, we invite you to join our celebration of all you’ve made possible! Bring your cup of coffee for a virtual chat with our President and CEO Jeannette Tuitele-Lewis and Big Sur Land Trust staff. We’ll share this year’s inspirational stories of your generosity in action, as well as what we’re looking forward to accomplishing in 2023. We’ll also provide a sneak peek into next year’s events, and you’ll have an opportunity to ask questions.
Register >>

Community Planting Day at Carr Lake | January 28
2023-01-28 10:00 - 13:00 | Carr Lake, 618 Sherwood Drive, Salinas, CA, 93906, United States
Monterey County residents are invited to join Return of the Natives for a Community Planting Day at Big Sur Land Trust’s park project site at Lower Carr Lake.
Help bring back native plants to this land, and learn about Carr Lake and the plans for a neighborhood park in the heart of Salinas!

Consider bringing your own garden gloves and water if you can.
All participants must register for this event and submit a liability waiver.
Face masks are optional.
No dogs please.

Register >>

Mitteldorf Thistle Pull | February 4
2023-02-04 10:00 - 13:00 | Mitteldorf Preserve
Saturday, February 4
10:00am – 1:00pm
Distance: 5 Miles
Level of physical difficulty: Moderate
Mitteldorf Preserve Manager Hadley Hargrove has been doing all he can to contain the highly competitive thistles like the bull and milk thistle, and this is your chance to lend a helping hand. Equal parts hike and volunteer workday, join us for the 5-mile roundtrip walk up Williams Canyon Road, around the Nature Loop, and back again, stopping to pull thistles along the way. This will be a great way to connect with Mitteldorf and with Big Sur Land Trust staff as we help the local ecosystem by removing an invasive plants known to spectacularly out-compete native vegetation.
Register >>

Community Planting Day at Carr Lake | February 11
2023-02-11 10:00 - 13:00 | Carr Lake, 618 Sherwood Drive, Salinas, CA, 93906, United States

Eucalyptus Re-Sprout Cutting | February 17
2023-02-17 10:00 - 15:00 | Glen Deven Ranch
Help our Stewardship team with important land management at a restoration site on our Glen Deven Ranch property. The control of these Eucalyptus re-sprouts is critical to support the ongoing restoration of this property towards native coastal scrubland, and our Stewardship team needs help to stay on top of this! This will be moderately difficult, physical work in the sun with hand tools, so come prepared for a fun, rewarding challenge.
Register >>

Carmel River FREE Tour | May 12
2023-05-12 10:00 - 11:30 | CA
Big Sur Land Trust’s Carmel River Floodplain Restoration and Environmental Enhancement (CR FREE) project is one of the most extensive and important multi-benefit flood protection and riparian habitat restoration efforts on the Central Coast. Using a nature-based green infrastructure approach, it will reclaim the southern floodplain to direct water away from developed areas north of the river.
Our hike will be a slow-paced, staff-led tour of this project site.
Sign up here >>

Monterey Symphony presents John Wineglass's Sacred Land: Concerto for Violin and Orchestra | May 20
2023-05-20 19:30 - 21:30 | Sunset Center, San Carlos Ave & 9th Ave, Carmel
The Inspiration Behind John Wineglass’s Sacred Land: Concerto for Violin and Orchestra
Even though it was years in the making, John Wineglass remembers exactly where he was when the first violin theme in Sacred Land: Concerto for Violin and Orchestra came to him. “I was feeling my ‘city boy’ roots as I was settling in at Big Sur Land Trust’s Glen Deven Ranch. I was a bit uncomfortable at the prospect of no phone, and no internet in this beautifully remote place. Using the ranch as my home base and creative space to work on 2016’s commissioned piece Big Sur: The Night Sun, as I immersed myself in the wild spaces throughout Big Sur and at Glen Deven, I heard many stories of the Esselen Peoples in the area. As I began to write, a haunting violin theme emerged first. I wanted to spend more time with this piece of music that I knew was directly inspired by the voices of the past I was hearing.” He set the theme aside and knew he would return to it if he ever got the chance to compose another piece of music about Big Sur.
And now, on May 20, the Sacred Land concerto, commissioned by the Monterey Symphony with support from Big Sur Land Trust, will premiere at Sunset Center featuring soloist Edwin Huizinga. The piece starts with the violin theme that John heard at the beginning of his stay at Glen Deven. John explains, “Because of this experience, and all that I have learned since, I wanted to bring awareness to the Esselen Tribe of Monterey County.”
The name Sacred Land came from a conversation John had with Tom Little Bear Nason, the Esselen Tribe of Monterey County’s Tribal Chairman, as John and Edwin visited Rancho Aguila in Big Sur (formally known as Adler Ranch), on the land the tribe reclaimed in 2020. “We learned so much from that day with Little Bear. He led us through the land, blessing and thanking all that we saw along the way…the deer in the distance, the river that we crossed, the trees, and the birds flying overhead.” John specifically asked Tom how he felt about having Edwin, a man of Nordic descent, playing this piece. Little Bear said he loved all people and gave Edwin permission to play the concerto.
John says Sacred Land is a tribute to the Esselen Tribe. “It is especially important to raise awareness and to keep documenting these stories of human frailty and tragedy, so we don’t repeat the behaviors. It is also important to honor the Esselen People’s deep knowledge of, and reverence for, these lands and waters and all the beings that live here.”
Edwin Huizinga: Sacred Land Concerto Soloist
Photo Credit: Randy Tunnell
Edwin Huizinga has been playing Sacred Land for months now. “It is such a beautiful piece! It has an important story line that is dramatic and intense,” Edwin says. Reminiscing about the years that he has known John, including their time spent together at Glen Deven Ranch with kids attending Big Sur Land Trust’s Youth Outdoor Program’s summer camps, Edwin explains, “We have had so many opportunities to share in each other’s music and discuss the meaning of art, language, culture, and the land. We’ve built up a real sense of trust.”
Edwin adds, “I feel very connected to this piece because there are parts of it that John and I were improvising on when we were at Glen Deven!” He feels the concerto shares a profoundly sad, yet beautiful story that captures the struggles and the hopes of the human experience.

Monterey Symphony presented John Wineglass’s Sacred Land: Concerto for Violin and Orchestra
Saturday, May 20 & Sunday, May 21
Monterey Symphony
Sunset Center, Carmel
Commissioned by Monterey Symphony, with support from Big Sur Land Trust, Composer in Residence John Wineglass wrote his Sacred Land concerto after spending time at Glen Deven Ranch and other parts of Big Sur. This experience inspired John to bring awareness to the Esselen Tribe of Monterey County.
The Symphony and soloist Edwin Huizinga hosted two amazing musical performances on Saturday, May 20 and Sunday, May 21, 2023.

Monterey Symphony presents John Wineglass's Sacred Land: Concerto for Violin and Orchestra | May 21
2023-05-21 15:30 - 17:30 | Sunset Center, San Carlos Ave & 9th Ave, Carmel
Monterey Symphony presents John Wineglass’s Sacred Land: Concerto for Violin and Orchestra
Saturday, May 20 & Sunday, May 21
Monterey Symphony
Sunset Center, Carmel
Commissioned by Monterey Symphony, with support from Big Sur Land Trust, Composer in Residence John Wineglass wrote his Sacred Land concerto after spending time at Glen Deven Ranch and other parts of Big Sur. This experience inspired John to bring awareness to the Esselen Tribe of Monterey County.
Join the Symphony and soloist Edwin Huizinga for two amazing musical performances on Saturday, May 20 and Sunday, May 21.
Learn more and get your tickets >>

The Inspiration Behind John Wineglass’s Sacred Land: Concerto for Violin and Orchestra
Even though it was years in the making, John Wineglass remembers exactly where he was when the first violin theme in Sacred Land: Concerto for Violin and Orchestra came to him. “I was feeling my ‘city boy’ roots as I was settling in at Big Sur Land Trust’s Glen Deven Ranch. I was a bit uncomfortable at the prospect of no phone, and no internet in this beautifully remote place. Using the ranch as my home base and creative space to work on 2016’s commissioned piece Big Sur: The Night Sun, as I immersed myself in the wild spaces throughout Big Sur and at Glen Deven, I heard many stories of the Esselen Peoples in the area. As I began to write, a haunting violin theme emerged first. I wanted to spend more time with this piece of music that I knew was directly inspired by the voices of the past I was hearing.” He set the theme aside and knew he would return to it if he ever got the chance to compose another piece of music about Big Sur.
And now, on May 20, the Sacred Land concerto, commissioned by the Monterey Symphony with support from Big Sur Land Trust, will premiere at Sunset Center featuring soloist Edwin Huizinga. The piece starts with the violin theme that John heard at the beginning of his stay at Glen Deven. John explains, “Because of this experience, and all that I have learned since, I wanted to bring awareness to the Esselen Tribe of Monterey County.”
The name Sacred Land came from a conversation John had with Tom Little Bear Nason, the Esselen Tribe of Monterey County’s Tribal Chairman, as John and Edwin visited Rancho Aguila in Big Sur (formally known as Adler Ranch), on the land the tribe reclaimed in 2020. “We learned so much from that day with Little Bear. He led us through the land, blessing and thanking all that we saw along the way…the deer in the distance, the river that we crossed, the trees, and the birds flying overhead.” John specifically asked Tom how he felt about having Edwin, a man of Nordic descent, playing this piece. Little Bear said he loved all people and gave Edwin permission to play the concerto.
John says Sacred Land is a tribute to the Esselen Tribe. “It is especially important to raise awareness and to keep documenting these stories of human frailty and tragedy, so we don’t repeat the behaviors. It is also important to honor the Esselen People’s deep knowledge of, and reverence for, these lands and waters and all the beings that live here.”
Edwin Huizinga: Sacred Land Concerto Soloist
Photo Credit: Randy Tunnell
Edwin Huizinga has been playing Sacred Land for months now. “It is such a beautiful piece! It has an important story line that is dramatic and intense,” Edwin says. Reminiscing about the years that he has known John, including their time spent together at Glen Deven Ranch with kids attending Big Sur Land Trust’s Youth Outdoor Program’s summer camps, Edwin explains, “We have had so many opportunities to share in each other’s music and discuss the meaning of art, language, culture, and the land. We’ve built up a real sense of trust.”
Edwin adds, “I feel very connected to this piece because there are parts of it that John and I were improvising on when we were at Glen Deven!” He feels the concerto shares a profoundly sad, yet beautiful story that captures the struggles and the hopes of the human experience.

Race for Open Space Carb-Loading & Community Hangout | May 24
2023-05-24 17:00 - 19:00 | Alvarado Street Brewery, 426 Alvarado Street, Monterey, CA, 93940
Please join us on Wednesday, May 24 to celebrate the Race for Open Space with our good friends at Alvarado Street Brewery!
From 5pm – 7pm, we will be at their downtown Monterey location in the beer garden. During this window, 15% of all food and beverage sales will be donated to Big Sur Land Trust! Grab your friends and family and come join us for a good time! We will be hanging out, telling all the great BSLT stories, and offering a last-minute sign-up opportunity for Race for Open Space! See you then, and cheers!
RSVP here >>

Palo Corona to South Bank Trail (2mi) - Fun Run | May 27
2023-05-27 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
This May, Big Sur Land Trust is hitting the trails once again for our annual fundraiser to save open space and care for the lands you love in Monterey County! Whether you want to go fast, slow, solo, or with others, this year’s Race for Open Space has something for you.
Palo Corona to South Bank Trail (2mi) – Fun Run
For kids, families, or people who want to get out on a shorter course while supporting Big Sur Land Trust, this is the option for you! This 2-mile up-and-back course provides a relatively flat, partially-paved option surrounded by the rolling hills of Carmel Valley that is accessible to people of all abilities. The trailhead begins at Palo Corona Regional Park Discovery Center, with portalets and an aid station available on site.
Learn more and register >>

2023 Race for Open Space
2023-05-27 | CA
This May, Big Sur Land Trust is hitting the trails once again for our annual fundraiser to save open space and care for the lands you love in Monterey County! Whether you want to go fast, slow, solo, or with others, this year’s Race for Open Space has something for you.
Throughout April & May, you can run/walk/hike through Big Sur Land Trust’s nature preserves in Big Sur, Carmel Valley, Greenfield, and Salinas. And, thanks to our partners at Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District, California State Parks, Santa Lucia Preserve, and Santa Lucia Conservancy, on Saturday, May 27 you have several options to experience conserved lands that are not usually open to the public. You can choose the 8.5-mile, 9.5-mile, or 21-mile Adventure Courses — or from our new 2-mile fun run! During the rest of the month, we will also lead guided hikes at additional open spaces that are rarely open to the public. Live out of the area? You can participate virtually on your favorite local trails.
These treasured open spaces represent the vitality of Monterey County. Please join us and support healthy lands, healthy people, and healthy communities! You’ll be supporting our mission to inspire love of land across generations, conservation of our unique Monterey County landscapes, and access to outdoor experiences for all. Get more details and sign up here >>

Williams Canyon to Palo Corona (8.5mi) | May 27
2023-05-27 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
This May, Big Sur Land Trust is hitting the trails once again for our annual fundraiser to save open space and care for the lands you love in Monterey County! Whether you want to go fast, slow, solo, or with others, this year’s Race for Open Space has something for you.
Williams Canyon to Palo Corona (8.5mi)
This is the second half of the Palo Corona to Mitteldorf Preserve course, made accessible for hikers and for runners requiring a shorter distance. This course is a one-way variation of the Palo Corona to Mitteldorf Preserve course. You will be required to select a shuttle time slot for this course between 7:30am and 9:00am. You should aim to finish the course within 6 hours.
Learn more and register >>

Palo Corona to San Jose Creek Trail (9.5mi) | May 27
2023-05-27 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
This May, Big Sur Land Trust is hitting the trails once again for our annual fundraiser to save open space and care for the lands you love in Monterey County! Whether you want to go fast, slow, solo, or with others, this year’s Race for Open Space has something for you.
Palo Corona to San Jose Creek Trail (9.5mi)
A beautiful trip through a redwood canyon and across a creek. This course is an out-and-back from the Palo Corona Discovery Center to San Jose Creek. You will be required to select a starting time slot for this course between 7:30am and 9:00am. You should aim to finish the course within 6 hours.
Learn more and register >>

Palo Corona to Mitteldorf Preserve (21mi) - Runners Only Except By Prior Approval | May 27
2023-05-27 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
This May, Big Sur Land Trust is hitting the trails once again for our annual fundraiser to save open space and care for the lands you love in Monterey County! Whether you want to go fast, slow, solo, or with others, this year’s Race for Open Space has something for you.
Palo Corona to Mitteldorf Preserve (21mi) – Runners Only Except By Prior Approval
If you wish to hike this course instead of run, please request prior approval by clicking here before you register.
This course is an out-and-back from the Palo Corona Discovery Center to Mitteldorf Preserve with a lollipop loop in the middle. You will be required to select a starting time slot for this course between 7:30am and 9:00am. Approved hikers should select the 7:30am starting time slot, and will be directed to start after 7:30am runners have taken off. The cut-off time for reaching the Mitteldorf Preserve checkpoint is 12:30pm.
Total elevation gain (ascent): Approximately 4,250ft. Seven hills.
Learn more and register >>

Birding with Monterey Audubon Society | June 2
2023-06-02 08:00 - 12:00 | CA
Big Sur Land Trust is thrilled to host Monterey Audubon Society field trips at Big Sur Land Trust Preserves. Monterey Audubon Society members and Big Sur Land Trust supporters are invited to this wonderful opportunity to explore the lands we love in a new way. This event is appropriate for beginning birders and all those interested in learning how to better identify our local breeding birds. Thanks to Big Sur Land Trust’s growing partnership with Monterey Audubon Society, we have begun using eBird to monitor the bird populations on Big Sur Land Trust preserves. This field trip is an opportunity to contribute to this new and growing effort, and all participants will have access to a list of birds seen during the day.

Distance: 1 mile
Elevation: <10 ft
Difficulty: Easy. We’ll walk about one mile round trip on flat paths. (There may be a few small rocks and roots.)
Pace: Very easy

Please note that each participant must be individually registered (including kids, who need to be accompanied by an adult)
Register >>

Birding with Monterey Audubon Society | June 3
2023-06-03 08:00 - 12:00 | CA

Martin Dunes Invasive Species Removal | June 10
2023-06-10 09:30 - 14:00 | Martin Dunes, Marina, CA, United States
It’s California Invasive Species Action Week (CISAW)! CISAW is an annual weeklong event, organized by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, to increase public awareness of invasive species issues and promote public participation in the fight against California’s invasive species and their impacts on our natural resources.
Removing ice plant and annual grasses is hard work but necessary to protect the biodiversity of Martin Dunes, which protects critical habitat for several special status species, including the Monterey spineflower, Smith’s blue butterfly, and Western snowy plover.
Please join BSLT staff and volunteers in removing these invasive species as part of CISAW and in an effort to restore and care for the lands we love at Martin Dunes. Water, snacks, gloves, and hand tools will be provided. Volunteers will work to manually remove as many satellite populations of ice plant as possible while also tackling Ripgut Brome, which has begun to take over in areas.
There is no shade cover where we will be pulling invasives, so please bring sun protection.
PLEASE NOTE OUR MEET-UP LOCATION: We will convene in the REI Marina parking lot. Please park in the parking spaces facing General Stillwell Drive, and look for Big Sur Land Trust staff in that area.
Sign up today >>

Naming the Future Park at Carr Lake in Salinas | July 13
2023-07-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Carr Lake, 618 Sherwood Drive, Salinas, CA, 93906, United States
The purpose of this meeting is to share with residents the process and timeline for the naming of the park and to allow space for residents to generate and submit their ideas in-person. We strongly believe that decisions regarding our shared spaces should reflect the values, aspirations, and heritage of our community. By involving community members like yourselves, we aim to ensure that the chosen name resonates with the collective spirit and vision of our city.
During the meeting, BSLT will provide project updates, information on the naming process and timeline, and space for residents to work together and individually to submit their park name ideas for consideration.
This is a chance for everyone to contribute their ideas. We encourage you to invite friends, neighbors, and community members who may have an interest in this process.

English and Spanish presentations
Food will be available at 6 PM until supplies run out
Childcare available

RSVP >>

Join Waitlist: Walk-and-talk with Nikki Nedeff at Marks Ranch | August 3
2023-08-03 10:00 - 13:00 | Marks Ranch, 117th Drive, Salinas, CA, 93908, United States
Marks Ranch was once a major egg production ranch, and home of Benjamin and Nisene Marks, who settled there in 1890. Big Sur Land Trust purchased the ranch in 2007, protecting important wildlife corridors. We continue to care for its beautiful rolling hills, woodlands, meadows, grazing lands and 90 species of wildflowers.
On August 3rd, former Conservation Program Director/Associate Director of Conservation, Nikki Nedeff, will lead a walk-and-talk describing the natural history and ecology of Marks Ranch. Join us for this wonderful opportunity to learn more about this amazing wildlife corridor and nature preserve. We will follow an easy walking route, from the parking area to the hacienda.
We are so grateful to have Nikki joining us to lead this walk, and are excited to have her share her incredible wealth of knowledge about this special conserved land. We look forward to walking, talking, and learning from Nikki together!
Bring: Snacks or a picnic lunch to enjoy, closed-toe hiking shoes, and everything you might need for a half-day of hiking with us.

Distance: 2.5 miles
Total ascent: 180 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Facilities: A portalet is available at the hacienda, approximately 1 mile from the parking area.
Trail conditions: Hikers should expect gravel roads and the occasional narrow livestock passageway.
Cell service: Cell phone service is intermittent at Marks Ranch. Please plan accordingly.

Speaker/walk leader: Nikki Nedeff, former BSLT Conservation Program Director/Associate Director of Conservation
Join the waitlist >>

Join Waitlist: Birding with Monterey Audubon Society at Glen Deven Ranch | August 4
2023-08-04 08:00 - 14:00 | Crossroads Park & Ride, 3650 Rio Road, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA, 93923, United States
Big Sur Land Trust is thrilled to host Monterey Audubon Society field trips at Big Sur Land Trust Preserves. Monterey Audubon Society members and Big Sur Land Trust supporters are invited to this wonderful opportunity to explore the lands we love in a new way. This event is appropriate for beginning birders and all those interested in learning how to better identify our local breeding birds. Thanks to Big Sur Land Trust’s growing partnership with Monterey Audubon Society, we have begun using eBird to monitor the bird populations on Big Sur Land Trust preserves. This field trip is an opportunity to contribute to this new and growing effort and all participants will have access to a list of birds seen during the day.

Distance: 2.5 miles
Elevation: ~900 ft
Difficulty: Easy. We’ll walk up to 2.5 miles round trip on dirt roads. (There may be a few small rocks and roots.)
Pace: Easy

Please note that each participant must be individually registered (including kids, who need to be accompanied by an adult)
Join the waitlist >>

Join Waitlist: Birding with Monterey Audubon Society at Glen Deven Ranch | August 5
2023-08-05 08:00 - 14:00 | Crossroads Park & Ride, 3650 Rio Road, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA, 93923, United States

Mid-summer Clean-up at Marks Ranch | August 9
2023-08-09 17:45 - 19:45 | Marks Ranch, 117th Drive, Salinas, CA, 93908, United States
Join us at Marks Ranch on Wednesday, August 9th from 5:45 pm to 7:45 pm for this family-friendly volunteer event. Along with other volunteers and staff, you will pick up trash and debris starting at the front of the property and slowly working your way in along the fence line extending to the boundary line of Toro Park.
Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. Sign up today!
Please bring: Snacks, water, sun protection, long-sleeve shirt and pants, and closed-toed shoes.
ALERT: Please know that this area has ticks and poison oak! Please come prepared.
RSVP here >>

Carr Lake Park Community Meeting | August 17
2023-08-17 18:00 - 20:00 | Carr Lake, 618 Sherwood Drive, Salinas, CA, 93906, United States
Help design and name a park at Big Sur Land Trust’s 73 acres in Carr Lake!
Join us at our Community Meeting to learn about the design of the 67-acre restoration project area and the naming process for the entire 73-acre park, and submit YOUR ideas on both aspects.
The meeting will take place at the Carr Lake Project Site: 618 Sherwood Drive (https://goo.gl/maps/dnCRXuBm3KzB7gMM6)
This is a chance for everyone to contribute their ideas. We encourage you to invite friends, neighbors, and community members who may have an interest in this process.

English and Spanish Presentations
Food will be available first come-first-serve at 6:00pm
Childcare available

RSVP here >>

Day-of-Service Volunteer Orientation | September 11
2023-09-11 11:00 - 12:00 | CA
Your dedication to your community is what makes it a vibrant place! You have chosen to become a volunteer with Big Sur Land Trust, and we want us to get better acquainted. Whether you are a new or current volunteer, please join us Monday, September 11 in our online volunteer orientation.
Sign up today >>

Carmel River FREE Tour | September 22
2023-09-22 09:00 - 10:30, 2023-09-22 10:00 - 11:30 | CA
Big Sur Land Trust’s Carmel River Floodplain Restoration and Environmental Enhancement (CR FREE) project is one of the most extensive and important multi-benefit flood protection and riparian habitat restoration efforts on the Central Coast. Using a nature-based green infrastructure approach, it will reclaim the southern floodplain to direct water away from developed areas north of the river.
Our hike will be a slow-paced, staff-led tour of this project site. We will host two groups that will be leaving at either 9:00 a.m. or 10:00 a.m. Please note which ticket time you reserved.
Sign up here >>

Birding at Mitteldorf Preserve (Nature Loop) | October 6
2023-10-06 08:00 - 17:00 | Mitteldorf Preserve
Join expert leaders from Monterey Audubon Society to explore the preserve and enjoy the birds that live there on this beginner-level outing.
Big Sur Land Trust is thrilled to host Monterey Audubon Society field trips at Big Sur Land Trust Preserves. On these outings to Mitteldorf Preserve, Monterey Audubon Society members and Big Sur Land Trust supporters are invited to this wonderful opportunity to explore the lands we love in a new way. This event is appropriate for beginning birders and all those interested in learning how to better identify our local resident and migrant birds. On this trip through a riparian redwood forest we’re likely to encounter residents of forested canyons such as Pacific Wren, Steller’s Jay, and a variety of woodpeckers. Although far from guaranteed, we may also encounter Mountain Quail and maybe even a Varied Thrush. On these field trips, we use eBird to monitor the bird populations on Big Sur Land Trust preserves. This field trip is an opportunity to contribute to this new and growing effort, and all participants will have access to a list of birds seen during the day.
We’ll walk about two forested miles through Williams Canyon along a well-graded dirt road to the Mitteldorf Preserve Lodge and Legacy Redwood Tree. We’ll have a snack on picnic tables near the lodge. We’ll then walk an approximately 1-mile Nature Loop trail before heading back out through Williams Canyon. The total distance will be about five miles over well-graded trails and dirt roads.
Since parking is limited at Mitteldorf Preserve, participants will be arranged into carpools for the approximately 20-minute drive from the meet-up location to Mitteldorf Preserve.

Distance: ~5 miles
Elevation: ~500 ft
Difficulty: Moderate.
Pace: Easy

Register here >>

Birding at Mitteldorf Preserve (Red-Tailed Overlook) | October 7
2023-10-07 08:00 - 17:00 | Mitteldorf Preserve
Join expert leaders from Monterey Audubon Society to explore the preserve and enjoy the birds that live there on this beginner-level outing.

Big Sur Land Trust is thrilled to host Monterey Audubon Society field trips at Big Sur Land Trust Preserves. On these outings to Mitteldorf Preserve, Monterey Audubon Society members and Big Sur Land Trust supporters are invited to this wonderful opportunity to explore the lands we love in a new way. This event is appropriate for beginning birders and all those interested in learning how to better identify our local resident and migrant birds. On this trip through a riparian redwood forest we’re likely to encounter residents of forested canyons such as Pacific Wren, Steller’s Jay, and a variety of woodpeckers. Although far from guaranteed, we may also encounter Mountain Quail and maybe even a Varied Thrush. On these field trips, we use eBird to monitor the bird populations on Big Sur Land Trust preserves. This field trip is an opportunity to contribute to this new and growing effort, and all participants will have access to a list of birds seen during the day.
We’ll walk nearly two forested miles through Williams Canyon along a well-graded dirt road to the boundary of Mitteldorf Preserve. From there we will climb up the moderately steep Headwaters Road for about a mile to the Red-tailed Overlook. After pausing for a snack and looking for Red-tailed Hawks, we’ll head back down the road, but turn off at the upper end of the Nature Loop and follow it down to the Mitteldorf Preserve Lodge. We’ll have a snack before admiring the Legacy Redwood Tree and then heading out through Williams Canyon back to the trailhead. The total distance will be about seven miles, about a mile of which will be a moderate climb.
Since parking is limited at Mitteldorf Preserve, participants will be arranged into carpools for the approximately 20-minute drive from the meet-up location to Mitteldorf Preserve.

Distance: ~7 miles
Elevation: ~1000 ft
Difficulty: Moderate.
Pace: Moderate

Register here >>
