Monterey Symphony presents John Wineglass's Sacred Land: Concerto for Violin and Orchestra | May 20
2023-05-20 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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 >>

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.
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You Make it Possible 2024! | January 24
2024-01-24 09:00 - 10:00 | CA
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.
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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
