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

- POSTPONED - Volunteer: Martin Dunes Invasive Species Removal | May 12
2023-05-12 10:00 - 14:00 | Martin Dunes, Marina, CA, United States
Located within the Monterey Bay dune complex, Martin Dunes protects critical habitat for several special status species, including the Monterey spineflower, Smith’s blue butterfly, and Western snowy plover. However, introduced invasive species such as ice plant and annual grasses are prime threats to this native coastal dune system.
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 on May 12th (10 a.m.- 2 p.m.). 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.
Register >>

Volunteer: French Broom Removal at Glen Deven Ranch | May 13
2023-05-13 10:00 - 15:00 | CA
French Broom is a fast-spreading species which forms dense monocultures if left unmanaged. It can be devastating to the micro-habitats of Big Sur Land Trust’s Glen Deven Ranch, especially the grasslands.
With your help we will remove satellite populations of French broom, ensuring that the population does not continue to spread across the preserve.
You will use wrenches and other hand tools – as well as pulling by hand – to remove mature shrubs and sprouts, so make sure you come full of energy! Our goal is to remove as many satellite populations of French broom as possible as we make our way along the Garrapata Ridge Trail.
Please note that minors will need to be accompanied by an adult.
Register >>

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Volunteer for Race for Open Space | May 27
2023-05-27 | CA
Calling all volunteers! Are you interested in volunteering on Saturday, April 1 as a course monitor, parking attendant, course sweep, or photographer?
Sign up to volunteer >>

Volunteer: Course Monitor for Race for Open Space | May 27
2023-05-27 | CA
Do you love spending time in solitude out of doors? Do you enjoy backcountry adventures and helping others have a good experience on the land? Then this is the opportunity for you! Big Sur Land Trust is seeking volunteers to help monitor four in-person trail courses in Carmel Valley. These courses will be open on May 27 from 7:30am to 3pm for registered participants to run during their chosen time slot.
Course monitors are stationed out on the land within the 7am to 3pm timeframe for single-day or half-day time commitments. An orientation will be provided over Zoom the week before. Course monitors will arrive up to an hour before their shift for a day-of orientation and transport or hiking onto the trails, depending on assignment. Course monitors are responsible for radio communications along the lengths of the courses, helping keep runners on the correct path during their race, and helping our team address issues that might come up during the event. This is a special opportunity to immerse yourself in natural areas usually closed to the public while helping make these incredible race courses a success!
Learn more and register to volunteer here >>

Volunteer: Photographer for Race for Open Space | May 27
2023-05-27 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
Are you a skilled action photographer looking to give back to the community, or perhaps a budding photographer looking to build your portfolio? Help capture the thrill of race day and magnificence of running on the land by being a race photographer! Big Sur Land Trust is seeking volunteers to help photo-document the live Race for Open Space “Adventure Courses” beginning at Palo Corona Regional Park. These courses will be open on April 1 from 7:30am to 3pm for registered participants to run during their chosen time slot.
Photographers will coordinate with race staff to determine where photos should be captured and to divide the areas that should be covered. Volunteers will be stationed either out on the trails or near the front of Palo Corona within the 7am to 3pm timeframe for single-day or half-day commitments. Attendants will arrive up to an hour before their shift for a day-of orientation and transportation to their stations, if needed. Photographers will be responsible for following Big Sur Land Trust’s volunteer photographer guidelines and will be required to sign an agreement regarding ownership of photos, granting of license to use photos, and self-promotion. Guidelines and agreement will be provided once your volunteer registration has been received.
Learn more and register to volunteer here >>

Volunteer: Parking Attendant for Race for Open Space | May 27
2023-05-27 06:00 - 11:00 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
Help trail participants have an adventure out on the land by being a parking attendant! Big Sur Land Trust is seeking volunteers to help direct traffic and parking during the live Race for Open Space “Adventure Courses” beginning at Palo Corona Regional Park. These courses will be open on May 27 from 7:30am to 3pm for registered participants to run during their chosen time slot.
Parking volunteers are stationed near the front of Palo Corona within the 6:30am to 11am timeframe. Attendants will arrive up to an hour before their shift for a day-of orientation and walking to their stations. Parking attendants are responsible for coordinating parking spot availability over radio, directing Race for Open Space participants to open parking spots, ensuring participants stay on trail from the parking area to the check-in table, and answering basic questions to help participants get to the check-in table. This is a low-key opportunity that makes a world of a difference for participants who will be experiencing long-distance trail courses in the backcountry of Palo Corona!
Learn more and register to volunteer here >>

Volunteer: Check-In Assistant for Race for Open Space | May 27
2023-05-27 06:30 - 10:00 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
Help trail participants have an adventure out on the land by being a check-in assistant! Big Sur Land Trust is seeking volunteers to help registered participants check in and receive race bibs during the live Race for Open Space “Adventure Courses” beginning at Palo Corona Regional Park. These courses will be open on May 27 from 7:30am to 3pm for registered participants to run during their chosen time slot.
Check-in assistants are stationed at the Palo Corona Discovery Center within the 7:00am to 10:00am timeframe. Assistants should arrive a half hour before their shift for a day-of orientation. Check-in assistants are responsible for checking in registered participants, providing them with their assigned race bib, encouraging participants to visit the start/finish aid station to fill up on water and snacks before they begin their race, answering basic questions to help participants get to the race starting line or shuttle pick-up zone, and referring more detailed questions to race staff. This is a low-key opportunity that makes a world of a difference for participants who will be experiencing long-distance trail courses in the backcountry of Palo Corona!
Learn more and register to volunteer here >>

Volunteer: Course Sweep for Race for Open Space | May 27
2023-05-27 12:00 - 16:00 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
Are you an avid trail runner? Do you feel comfortable running solo over long distances and hilly terrain? Are you passionate about leave-no-trace principles? Then this is the opportunity for you! Big Sur Land Trust is seeking volunteers to sweep four in-person trail courses in Carmel Valley that overlap each other. These courses will be open on Saturday, May 27 from 7:30am to 3pm for registered participants to run during their chosen time slot.
Course sweeps are given four hours to sweep between 13-15 miles of trail within the 12pm to 4pm timeframe. They will pick up any trash and remove flagging tape and other lightweight course markers along the way. An orientation will be provided over Zoom the week before. Course sweeps will arrive up to a half hour before their shift for orientation, preparation, and transport to the trailhead where they will begin sweeping. A radio will be provided for periodic communications with race staff. This is a special opportunity to immerse yourself in natural areas usually closed to the public while helping make these incredible race courses a success!
Learn more and register to volunteer here >>

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 >>

Solstice Sunset Invasive Species Removal at Martin Dunes | June 21
2023-06-21 17:30 - 20:30 | Martin Dunes, Marina, CA, United States
Located within the Monterey Bay dune complex, Martin Dunes protects critical habitat for several special status species, including the Monterey spineflower, Smith’s blue butterfly, and Western snowy plover. However, introduced invasive species such as ice plant and annual grasses are prime threats to this native coastal dune system.
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 on June 21st (5:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m.). 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 >>

Volunteer Orientation | July 20
2023-07-20 12:00 - 13:00 | 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 Thursday, July 20th in our online volunteer orientation.
Register >>

Join Waitlist: San Jose Creek Trail Hike on World Conservation Day | July 28
2023-07-28 09:00 - 16:00 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
Enjoy an out-and-back hike from Palo Corona (Rancho Cañada) to San Jose Creek!

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. This inspiring hike will first take us from Palo Corona Regional Park (Rancho Cañada) to the high point of Inspiration Point and the quiet beauty of Animas (“spirit”) Pond. From there, we cross into former ranchlands (Whisler Wilson). The acquisition of the centrally located Whisler Wilson Ranch by Big Sur Land Trust, and its subsequent transfer, played a critical role in the trail connectivity we now enjoy. From there, we will enjoy peeks of Point Lobos as we dip down, winding along San Jose Creek and across three beautiful redwood bridges. We will enjoy our picnic lunches before our return hike. 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 and a picnic lunch to enjoy along the hike, plus everything you need for a day of strenuous backcountry hiking. Sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes are required, and layers are recommended.
Distance: 9 miles
Elevation: 1500′ total ascent
Difficulty: Strenuous
Pace: 2+ mph
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.
Join the waitlist >>

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 >>

Join Waitlist: San Jose Creek Trail hike (9-mile) | August 12
2023-08-12 09:00 - 16:00 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States

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 >>
