Cancelled | Martin Dunes Invasive Species Removal | January 27
2024-01-27 09:30 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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
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 >>

Race for Open Space 2024 | May 11
2024-05-11 | CA
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 | CA
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 | CA
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 | CA
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 >>

Monterey Bay Half Marathon BSLT Green Team | November 9
2025-11-09 09:30 - 14:30 | CA
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 9 volunteer on the Monterey Bay Half Marathon’s ‘Green Team’ on behalf of Big Sur Land Trust, as we help the event ‘leave no trace’ by sweeping the start/finish and entire course of litter. Please sign up here using the password BSLT.
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 >>

Great Backyard Bird Count with Monterey Audubon Society | February 16
2026-02-16 09:00 - 11:00 | Ensen Community Park, 99 La Posada Drive, Salinas, CA, 93906
Join us for this Monterey Audubon–Friends of Ensen collaboration! We’ll have the opportunity to scan the skies for raptors, check on the new landscaping plants, and explore the wild, native plant area. This trip will introduce participants to various resources that are available to learn about birds, commonly seen local birds and tips and tricks to identify them, plus guidance on how to locate and observe birds no matter where you are! Register >>

Monthly Meeting at Ensen Community Park | May 8
2026-05-08 17:30 - 19:30 | Ensen Community Park, 99 La Posada Drive, Salinas, CA, 93906
Let’s catch up and plan for next month’s park activities!/¡Reunámonos para planificar las actividades del parque para el próximo mes!

When: 2nd Friday of each month
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Where: Ensen Community Park
(Outdoors if weather and daylight allow; otherwise, we’ll meet in an indoor space at the park.)
Snacks and refreshments will be provided for all participants. Whether you can stay for the whole time or just drop in, all are welcome!
Register >>

SOLD OUT! Race for Open Space 2026 | May 9
2026-05-09 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
SOLD OUT! While the race itself is sold out, you can still spend a meaningful day at Palo Corona Regional Park by volunteering at this year’s Race for Open Space. Volunteer opportunities >>

Each spring, people of all ages and fitness levels join Big Sur Land Trust’s Race for Open Space—our largest annual community event. In 2025, over 300 runners, hikers, and walkers joined us to raise funds for the lands we all love in Monterey County.
This year, the event will continue to offer multiple courses to experience conserved lands that are not usually open to the public. Whether you want to go deep into the backcountry, take it easier along shorter courses, run solo, walk with a group, or just cheer on your family and friends, the Race for Open Space has something for you!

SOLD OUT! Palo Corona to South Bank Trail 1-mile Fun Run
SOLD OUT! Palo Corona Front Ranch Lollipop 5K
SOLD OUT! Palo Corona to Whisler Wilson Out-and-Back 12K
SOLD OUT! Palo Corona to Williams Canyon Out-and-Back 25K
SOLD OUT! Lunch Bench Lollipop 35K+

Thanks to our continued partners at Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District, Inside Trail, and Alvarado Street Brewery.
Learn more >>

Monthly Meeting at Ensen Community Park |
2026-06-12 17:30 - 19:30 | Ensen Community Park, 99 La Posada Drive, Salinas, CA, 93906
June and July Monthly Meetings at Ensen Community Park will be paused as we are bringing new and exciting activities to the park for the summer! Be on the lookout in August for our next meeting.
Let’s catch up and plan for next month’s park activities!/¡Reunámonos para planificar las actividades del parque para el próximo mes!

When: 2nd Friday of each month
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Where: Ensen Community Park
(Outdoors if weather and daylight allow; otherwise, we’ll meet in an indoor space at the park.)
Snacks and refreshments will be provided for all participants. Whether you can stay for the whole time or just drop in, all are welcome!
