Martin Dunes Invasive Species Removal | June 10
2023-06-10 09:30 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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
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
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 >>

Let's Go Outdoors! San Jose Creek 2-mile hike with Big Sur Land Trust | October 19
2023-10-19 09:00 - 13:00 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
Join Big Sur Land Trust for a gentle 2-mile guided hike along the San Jose Creek Trail.

Distance: 2 miles
Elevation: 150′ total ascent
Difficulty: Easy
Pace: 2+ mph
Every step of this hike was made possible through our partnership with the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District, California State Parks, and Point Lobos Foundation as collaborative members of the Lobos Corona Parkland project — along with generous donors and funders. 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. From there, we will meander up the gentle incline along San Jose Creek, looking for early wildflowers along the way. After crossing over San Jose Creek’s three magnificent redwood bridges, we will arrive at the meadow that will be our turnaround point. This hike is a beautiful reminder that collaboration can bring beautiful change and that our actions are stronger when taken together. We are grateful to our partners and to our donors for each step forward that we take together.
Bring: Snacks to enjoy along the hike, plus everything you need for a half-day of backcountry hiking. Sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes are required, and layers are recommended.
Please note: While the trails we will be on are well-tended, this area is known to have extremely high tick densities. Please take extra precautions when preparing for this hike (wear light-colored clothes, wear pants that can be tucked into socks, bring and use tick repellent, etc.) and be sure to do a thorough tick-check following your day with us.
Please note that each participant must be individually registered (including kids, who need to be accompanied by an adult). Hikers must be 15+ years of age.

Register here >>

Walk-and-talk with Nikki Nedeff at Martin Dunes | October 29
2023-10-29 09:00 - 14:00 | Martin Dunes, Marina, CA, United States
Join us for a 4-5 hour walk focused on the natural history and ecology of Martin Dunes.

Since 2000, BSLT has protected 125 acres at Martin Dunes adjacent to the USFWS Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge on the Monterey Bay coastline. The sandy dunes closest to the beach serve as ideal habitats for snowy plovers and are protected from human disturbance, dogs, horses, hunting, etc.
Over the past 10 years, BSLT has implemented long-term stewardship strategies at Martin Dunes to restore the natural dune habitat. Since 2009, the removal of invasive plants has been a priority. As a result, the infestation of ice plant (Carpobrotus edulis), European beachgrass (Ammophila arenaria), and ripgut brome (Bromus diandrus) has been significantly reduced, which has allowed native flora and fauna to thrive. Removing these non-native plants directly benefits the snowy plovers nesting on the dunes, as well as several other threatened and endangered species unique to the Monterey Bay Area.
On October 29th, BSLT’s former Conservation Program Director/Associate Director of Conservation Nikki Nedeff, will lead a walk-and-talk describing the natural history and ecology of Martin Dunes. Join us for this wonderful opportunity to learn more about this amazing dune habitat and nature preserve. We will walk from the parking area to the beach, then loop through Martin Dunes.
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, binoculars, clothing layers, and everything you might need for a half-day of hiking with us.

Distance: 4 miles.
Total ascent: 50 ft.
Difficulty: Moderate (sandy terrain).
Facilities: There are no facilities available at this location.
Trail conditions: Hikers should expect rolling, sandy terrain.
Cell service: Cell phone service is intermittent at Martin Dunes. Please plan accordingly.

Register here >>

Healthy Soils at Marks Ranch Walk-and-Talk with Patrick Riparetti | November 4
2023-11-04 09:00 - 12:00 | Marks Ranch, 117th Drive, Salinas, CA, 93908, United States
Come to Marks Ranch to learn about our Healthy Soils Program from BSLT’s Director of Stewardship, Patrick Riparetti, and project partners.
During the Soberanes Fire in 2016 and most recently with the River Fire, Marks Ranch served as part of the incident command center. The land was impacted significantly by equipment and personnel. In our recovery efforts, Big Sur Land Trust (BSLT) partnered with the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation (CMSF) to initiate a three-year Healthy Soils Program project at Marks Ranch.Recognizing that the health of the Marine Sanctuary is tied directly to the health of the land, the Healthy Soils Program helps working ranches and farmlands improve soil health and promote its ability to sequester carbon that cause ocean acidification and warming. With the Marks Ranch Healthy Soils Project now entering its third and final year, project members from BSLT and CMSF will share how this area is recovering from the 2020 River Fire and what we have learned so far. Participants can expect a gentle and relaxed walk on the land and talk about the research at Marks Ranch that is furthering our understanding of soil restoration.
This event will have a mix of walking and talking. Participants are welcome to hike independently upon the conclusion of the event.
Register here >>

Martin Dunes Invasive Species Removal | December 2
2023-12-02 09:30 - 13:30 | Martin Dunes, Marina, CA, United States
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 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.
Register >>

You Make it Possible 2024! | January 24
2024-01-24 09:00 - 10:00
With gratitude for all your support, 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 inspirational stories of your generosity in action, as well as what we’re looking forward to accomplishing in 2024. We’ll also give you a preview of our events calendar, and you’ll have an opportunity to ask questions.
Register >>

Cancelled | Martin Dunes Invasive Species Removal | January 27
2024-01-27 09:30 - 13:30 | Martin Dunes, Marina, CA, United States
Cancelled! After checking the conditions of the road leading to the entrance of Martin Dunes, we determined that most vehicles will likely get stuck in the mud and have decided to cancel Saturday’s invasive species removal volunteer event.
We appreciate your understanding and ask you to sing up for our February 10th volunteer event at Martin Dunes.
We are looking forward to meeting all the people who are volunteering with us for the first time and to catching up with friends we have not seen since last year as we nurture the sensitive ecosystem of the dunes together!
Thank you for your flexibility and we hope to see you all soon.

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 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.

Cancelled: Martin Dunes Invasive Species Removal | February 10
2024-02-10 09:30 - 13:30 | Martin Dunes, Marina, CA, United States
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 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.

Martin Dunes Invasive Species Removal | March 23
2024-03-23 09:30 - 13:30 | Martin Dunes, Marina, CA, United States

Race for Open Space 2024 | May 11
2024-05-11
Each spring people of all ages and fitness levels join Big Sur Land Trust’s Race for Open Space – our largest annual fundraising event – to support healthy lands, healthy people, and healthy communities. In 2023, hundreds of runners, hikers, and walkers along with our generous sponsors raised funds for the lands we all love in Monterey County.
Thanks to our partners at Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District, California State Parks, Santa Lucia Preserve, and Santa Lucia Conservancy you have several options to experience conserved lands that are not usually open to the public. (Courses are subject to change.) 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 you!

Palo Corona to South Bank Trail 1-mile fun run
Palo Corona to Whisler Wilson Out-&-Back 12K
Palo Corona to Williams Canyon Out-&-Back 25K
Lunch Bench Loop 35K

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. A reminder to leave no trace!
Sign up now >>

Caminata y Loteria de Observación de Aves | September 14
2024-09-14 09:00 - 14:00 | Marks Ranch, 117th Drive, Salinas, CA, 93908, United States
Únase a nosotros para una caminata entre bosques de robles y pastorales locales en busca de vida silvestre. Todos son bienvenidos.
Big Sur Land Trust se complace en celebrar la Semana de la Conservación Latina con una caminata en español para observar aves y otras vidas silvestres en Marks Ranch. Este evento es apropiado para principiantes y todos aquellos interesados ​​en aprender cómo identificar mejor nuestras aves locales. Después de nuestra caminata de observación de aves, disfrutaremos de un picnic en el jardín de la Hacienda de Marks Ranch. Se proporcionará un refrigerio para el desayuno, un almuerzo ligero y bebidas.
Ubicado junto a la autopista 68, justo al norte de Toro Park, Marks Ranch lleva el nombre de Benjamin y Nisene Marks (que dan nombre al parque estatal), y una vez fue un rancho de producción de huevos. El terreno y muchas de las características originales ahora son preservados por Big Sur Land Trust. Aprenderemos sobre las aves, la historia natural y la historia humana de esta propiedad única.
Las aves probables son las típicas de la sabana de robles, e incluyen el pájaro Carpintero Bellotero, Chara californiana, Vireo de Hutton, Colín de California y Herrerillo unicolor.
Gracias a la asociación de Big Sur Land Trust con Monterey Audubon Society, ahora utilizamos eBird para monitorear las poblaciones de aves en las reservas de Big Sur Land Trust. Esta excursión es una oportunidad para contribuir a este creciente esfuerzo y todos los participantes tendrán acceso a una lista de aves vistas durante el día.
RSVP >>

Salinas River Day Celebration | September 21
2024-09-21 09:00 - 15:00 | ​National Steinbeck Center, 1 Main Street, Salinas, CA, 93901, United States
Visit three different locations along the river to learn from experts about hydrology, ecology, and alternative forms of river management.
Running 175 miles, the Salinas river is an upside-down river. There, present, supporting the whole valley, but hard to see and acknowledge by human eyes. Its existence has been suppressed by design, hidden behind fences, absorbed by sprinkles, and disconnected from its plains. This event celebrates the Salinas River and invites the community to relate with it, immersing themselves in its nature. The goal is to spend the day, from 9 am to 3 pm, in a field trip that includes three different locations along the river where participants will have the opportunity to learn from experts about hydrology, ecology, and alternative forms of river management focused on nature-based solutions and environmental justice. At the end of the field trip we will have a short workshop modeling the river in the sand to understand movements of water and sediments, and share visions and desires for the river. The event is free and transportation, snacks, and materials will be provided.
Register >>

Wildlife Conservation Board Strategic Plan Workshop in Monterey | October 30
2024-10-30 15:30 - 18:30 | Japanese American Citizens League Hall, 424 Adams St, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
The California Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) plays a crucial role in allocating funds for the purchase of land and waters for the preservation, protection, and restoration of wildlife habitat and for recreation purposes. WCB has been a significant supporter of Big Sur Land Trust by providing substantial financial assistance for projects like our Ensen Community Park and restoration project at Carr Lake in Salinas and our protection of critical wildlife corridors on over 5,000 acres at Basin Ranch in Carmel Valley.
WCB is holding workshops around the state to discuss their 2025-2030 Strategic Plan. You’re invited to this informal, open house-style workshop to learn about WCB and help them chart their future. Interactive stations will highlight programs that support protecting biodiversity, increasing access to nature, and taking action on climate change with plenty of opportunities to ask questions. Stop by and stay as long as you like!
What: WCB Strategic Plan Workshop
When: Wednesday, October 30 from 3:30pm – 6:30pm
Where: Japanese American Citizens League Hall, 424 Adams St. in Monterey
Thank you to the Japanese American Citizens League for hosting this special event. We hope to see you there!
RSVP >>

Monterey Bay Half Marathon BSLT Green Team | November 10
2024-11-10 07:30 - 14:00
Big Sur Land Trust is proud to be among the over 50 community groups that volunteer to make the Monterey Bay Half Marathon a sustainable and eco-friendly event each fall. This partnership is a joyful part of our work for healthy lands, healthy people, and healthy communities.
On Sunday, November 10th 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 of litter (7:30am-12:30pm shift) as well as the course itself (10am-2pm shift). 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 >>

You Make it Possible | January 30
2025-01-30 17:00 - 18:00
With gratitude for all your support, we invite you to join our celebration of all you’ve made possible! Bring a glass of water, wine, or both for a virtual chat with our President and CEO, Jeannette Tuitele-Lewis, and Big Sur Land Trust staff. We’ll share inspirational stories of your generosity in action, as well as what we’re looking forward to accomplishing in 2025. We’ll also give you a preview of our events calendar, and you’ll have an opportunity to ask questions.
Register >>

Help care for the lands you LOVE | February 8
2025-02-08 09:30 - 13:00 | Crossroads Park & Ride, 3650 Rio Road, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA, 93923, United States
Big Sur Land Trust is providing regular monthly opportunities for community members to actively help us steward our preserves in Monterey County. No prior experience or green thumb required—just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to roll up your sleeves.
During this event we will be working together to remove a common invasive species called French Broom (Genista monspessulana). Read more about why we need to remove this tricky species, HERE.
Meet at the Park and Ride at the Crossroads in Carmel. We will organize carpools and caravan together to Glen Deven Ranch.
Register >>

Race for Open Space | May 10
2025-05-10 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
Each spring people of all ages and fitness levels join Big Sur Land Trust’s Race for Open Space – our largest annual fundraising event – to support healthy lands, healthy people, and healthy communities.
Thanks to our partners at Monterey Peninsula Regional Parks District, California State Parks, Santa Lucia Conservancy, Santa Lucia Preserve every year participants have several options 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!

Palo Corona to Southbank Trail – Fun Run (1mi)
Palo Corona Front-ranch – Lollipop (5k)
Palo Corona to Whisler Wilson Overlook – Out & Back (12k)
Palo Corona to Williams Canyon – Out & Back (25k)
The Lunch Bench Lollipop (35k+)

Learn more >>

Grand Opening of the Neighborhood Park at Ensen Community Park | August 17
2025-08-17 11:00 - 15:00 | Ensen Community Park, 99 La Posada Drive, Salinas, CA, 93906
Join Big Sur Land Trust, the City of Salinas, and the Center for Community Advocacy for the Grand Opening of the Neighborhood Park at Ensen Community Park!When:
Sunday, August 17
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Where:
99 La Posada Drive
Salinas, CA 93906 Event Parking:
Mount Toro High School
10 Sherwood Place
Salinas, CA 93906 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Download in English | Descargar en español
11:00 AM
- ZUMBA with Martha Grimes (Amphitheater)
- Bird Watching with Monterey Audubon (Meet at Ensen Arch)
11:30 AM
- Overview of 67-Acre Habitat Restoration Project with Rachel Saunders, VP of Conservation (Meet at Ensen Arch)
- Ballet Folklorico Performance by Alisal Center for Fine Arts (Amphitheater)
12:00 PM
- Indigenous Land Blessing with Ohlone/Costanoan Esselen Nation Tribal Chairwoman Louise Ramirez (Amphitheater)
- Bird Watching with the Bird School Project (Meet at Ensen Arch)
- Blue Zones Project Monterey County Fitness Walk/Walking Moai (Meet at Ensen Arch)
12:30 PM
- Formal Speaking Program (Amphitheater)
- Invited Speakers: Jeannette Tuitele-Lewis (CEO/President – BSLT), Joel Hernandez (Executive Director – CCA), Dennis Donohue (Mayor – City of Salinas), Robert Rivas (Speaker of the California State Assembly - pending), John Laird (California State Senator), Gloria Sandoval (Deputy Secretary for Access - California Natural Resources Agency), Armando Quintero (Director - California Department of Parks and Recreation), Amy Hutzel (Executive Officer - California Coastal Conservancy), Dr. Jen Norris (Executive Director- The Wildlife Conservation Board), Colleen Bailey (President/CEO – Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce)
- Emcee: Esmerelda Owen | DJ: Hanif Wondir
1:00 PM
- Formal Speaking Program – Continued (Amphitheater)
- Skate Park Demo with Krown Skate Shop (Skate Spot)
1:30 PM
- Ribbon Cutting with Salinas Valley Chamber (Ensen Arch)
- Skate Park Demo with Krown Skate Shop – Continued (Skate Spot)
- Native Plant Activity with Habitat Stewardship Project (meet near Ensen Arch)
2:00 PM
- Alfred Diaz-Infante Trail Dedication (meet at Ensen Arch)
- Skate Park Demo with Krown Skate Shop – Continued (Skate Spot)
2:30 PM
- Native Plant Activity with Habitat Stewardship Project (meet near Ensen Arch)
- Skate Park Demo with Krown Skate Shop – Continued (Skate Spot) ONGOING ACTIVITIES:
Food & Beverage Trucks (North Parking Lot) — Gorditos Tacos, Tacos el Jerry, Cal Water
Community Resources (North Parking Lot) — Salinas Valley Health Mobile Clinic, Pacific Grove Natural History Museum ‘Wonder on Wheels’, City of Salinas Library Van
Exhibitors: AMOR Salinas, Bird School Project, Blue Zones Project Monterey County, California Conservation Core, Center for Community Advocacy / “Friends of Ensen Community Park” Group, City of Salinas Recreation and Community Services, USFWS – Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge, Habitat Stewardship Project, Hijos del Sol, Hitchcock Animal Services, KAZU, Monterey Audubon Society, Monterey County Health Department, Monterey County Solidarity Network, SPCA, SPCA – Wildlife Center, Urban Arts Collaborative
Basketball and Pickleball Demos with the City of Salinas Recreation Department (Sport Courts)
Facepainting (Lawn near playground)
Playground & Dog Park Open! QUESTIONS?
Please contact Burke Boynton at bboynton@bigsurlandtrust.org.
For more information on the history and funding of the Ensen Community Park project, please click here and review our FAQ document.
EVENT PARTNERS: THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS
Neighborhood Stewards Park Supporters Media & Event Supporters

Salinas River Day Celebration | September 20
2025-09-20 09:00 - 16:00
Saturday, September 20
9:00am – 4:00pm
Nob Hill Foods, Salinas
In honor of Latino Conservation Week, join us on Saturday, September 20 for a field trip to celebrate the Salinas River, which is the backbone of the Salinas Valley.
During the field trip, enjoy a day of recreation, art, exploration and reflection on our public lands. We will also hear from experts about the history, hydrology, ecology, conservation of the Salinas River, and ways to care for the river through nature-based solutions, climate adaptation, and environmental justice.
Register >>
