Big Sur Land Trust

Cancelled – Guided Hike at Marks Ranch
2020-03-14 08:45 - 14:00 UTC | Marks Ranch, 117th Drive, Salinas, CA, 93908, United States
Cancelled – Guided Hike at Marks Ranch March 14, 2020 8:45 AM – 2:00 PM

After considering several of the current public health messages we are receiving, we have decided to postpone this guided hike at Marks Ranch.However, Big Sur Land Trust believes it is more important than ever to connect people to open spaces so that they may experience the proven mental and physical health benefits of time spent in nature. We encourage you to visit http://bigsurlandtrust.org/hike-request/ and sign up for a self-guided hike on one of our spectacular conserved properties.Home of Benjamin and Nisene Marks, who settled there in 1890, the ranch was once a major egg production enterprise. Since acquiring the ranch in 2007, Big Sur Land Trust has cared for its rolling hills, woodlands, meadows, grazing lands and 90 species of wildflowers. Critical wildlife corridors remain protected as well.The hike is a moderately strenuous loop, about 5 miles with 600 feet elevation gain at a leisurely pace. Dress appropriately for the weather, wear layers and comfy hiking shoes for uneven terrain. Bring your favorite trail snack, picnic lunch, sun protection and ample water. No pets please.

This event has passed. Please stay tuned for more events like this one.

An Evening with Best-Selling Author, Richard Louv
2020-03-06 19:30 - 21:00 | Hidden Valley, 104 West Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, CA, 93924, United States
Friday, March 6
Doors will open at 7:00PM
7:30 – 9:00PM
Hidden Valley
104 West Carmel Valley Road
Carmel Valley, CA 93924

Join Big Sur Land Trust for an inspirational evening with Richard Louv, author of Our Wild Calling: How Connecting With Animals Can Transform Our Lives — and Save Theirs and Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder.
Doors will open at 7:00PM, event will run from 7:30 – 9:00PM.

Presented in partnership with:
Pilgrim’s Way Bookstore
Ventana Wildlife Society
Sponsored by:
Balance Hydrologics
BFS Landscape Architects
Blink Optometry
Denise Duffy & Associates
Monterey Peninsula Volunteer Services Thrift Shop
Monterey Private Wealth
Monterey Signs
Natividad Foundation
Spoke Consulting
Whitson Engineers
Reviews and Articles on Our Wild Calling

“How Humans Can Coexist With Other Animals” New York Times

“‘Our Wild Calling’ argues for emotional connection with animals” The Christian Science Monitor

“Ecopsychology: How Immersion in Nature Benefits Your Health” Yale Environment 360
“Our Wild Calling by Richard Louv Is a Game Changer” Psychology Today

Tickets will be available for purchase at the door.

Free Art Show! Grand Opening | Convergence: Carr Lake Ecology and Community
2020-03-06 17:00 - 20:30 | CSUMB City Center, 1 Main St, Salinas, CA, 93901, United States
Grand Opening: March 6
5:00 – 8:30 PM
Exhibit will be open through August
CSUMB City Center, Salinas
We are excited to collaborate with California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB)’s Salinas City Center, Arts and Culture on this exhibition! The show is free and will run through early August. Free “First Friday” events will be held in March, April, May, June and August.
Convergences: expected and unexpected can enrich our lives with challenges and connections. At Carr Lake, CSUMB sees the convergence of three creeks; of urban, agricultural and wildland landscapes; of multiple communities and histories; and of an entire city. Big Sur Land Trust sees the park we are co-creating with the community on 73-acres at Carr Lake as the convergence of “people, place and opportunity.” Learn more by taking a Virtual Video Tour of our site at Carr Lake and reading ‘Convergence.’
Presented in partnership with:
CSUMB
Urban Arts Collaborative
Sponsored by:
Arts Council for Monterey County
Balance Hydrologics
Blink Optometry
BFS Landscape Architects
Denise Duffy & Associates
Monterey Private Wealth
Monterey Signs
Natividad Foundation
Rights and Opportunities Foundation
Spoke Consulting
Whitson Engineers

This event has passed. Please stay tuned for more events like this one.

Volunteer Open House
2020-02-27 17:30 - 19:00 | Big Sur Land Trust, 509 Hartnell Street, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Thursday, February 27
5:30pm – 7:00pm
BSLT Office – 509 Hartnell Street
Monterey, CA 93940
We are lucky to work in a community of individuals who care deeply about the place they live.
With Big Sur Land Trust, your energy, time, curiosity and passion are put to good use to care for the lands you love throughout Monterey County.
Please join us at our Volunteer Open House to learn how you can contribute your skills, to get inspired by stories from current volunteers, and to sign up as a volunteer for one or more of the opportunities we will have throughout 2020.
If you can’t attend, you can learn more and easily sign-up online to be notified of volunteer opportunities.

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Free Art Show Opening | Convergence: Carr Lake Ecology and Community
2020-02-19 18:00 - 19:30 | CSUMB City Center, 1 Main St, Salinas, CA, 93901, United States
Opening: February 19
6:00 – 7:30 PM
Exhibit will be open February 19 – August
CSUMB City Center, Salinas
We are excited to collaborate with California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB)’s Salinas City Center, Arts and Culture on this exhibition! The show is free and will run through early August. Free “First Friday” events will be held in March, April, May, June and August.
Convergences: expected and unexpected can enrich our lives with challenges and connections. At Carr Lake, CSUMB sees the convergence of three creeks; of urban, agricultural and wildland landscapes; of multiple communities and histories; and of an entire city. Big Sur Land Trust sees the park we are co-creating with the community on 73-acres at Carr Lake as the convergence of “people, place and opportunity.” Learn more by taking a Virtual Video Tour of our site at Carr Lake and reading ‘Convergence.’
Presented in partnership with:
Urban Arts Collaborative
CSUMB
Sponsored by:
Arts Council for Monterey County
Rights and Opportunities Foundation
Whitson Engineers
Monterey Private Wealth
Balance Hydrologics
BFS Landscape Architects

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Carr Lake Community Volunteer Planting Day in Salinas
2020-02-08 10:00 - 13:00 | CA
Our community volunteers are planting and caring for trees and perennial native plants. This thriving and ever-expanding garden is helping to sequester carbon in the soil which can help lessen the effects of climate change. Want to be part of the solution? Join us at our next community planting day on Saturday, February 8th by signing up below.
Location details will be provided with your confirmation.
This event has passed. Please stay tuned for more events like this one.

Open Call for Art - Convergence: Carr Lake, Ecology and Community
2019-12-30 | CA
Open Call for Art!
Submissions Due: Monday, December 30
Exhibition Opening: Wednesday, February 12
In collaboration with California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB), we are seeking 2-dimensional images (artworks or personal images) engaging the theme of “Convergence.”
Convergences, expected and unexpected, can enrich our lives with challenges and connections.
At Carr Lake, CSUMB sees the convergence of three creeks; of urban, agricultural and wildland landscapes; of multiple communities and histories; and of an entire city. We see the park we are co-creating with the community on the 73-acres at Carr Lake as the convergence of people, place and opportunity.
For more inspiration:

Watch the Virtual Video Tour of Carr Lake
Read ‘Convergence: A Story of People, Place and Opportunity at Carr Lake‘

SUBMISSIONS:
It is FREE to submit! Please send an email to artscenter@csumb.edu with your:

Name
Mailing address
Email address
Cell phone number

Please provide the following information for each artwork submitted:

Title(s)
Medium of image(s)
Dimensions of image(s)
Date(s) of Completion
All artwork should be ready to install

Please email all entries and questions to artscenter@csumb.edu!

FULL - Presentation: Midway Atoll Annual Albatross Nesting Census
2019-12-12 12:00 - 13:00 | Big Sur Land Trust, 509 Hartnell Street, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
EVENT CLOSED
Come join long-time Big Sur Land Trust supporter and volunteer, Jan Loomis as she shares her recent experience on Midway Atoll with the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Through humor, story-telling and photos she will discuss the annual albatross nesting census and give an update on other current projects at Midway Atoll. While Jan’s main job on Midway was to census nesting birds, Jan’s training as an observer and emergency responder would not allow her to ignore the slow-moving crises of climate change and plastic pollution that were impacting a large breeding colony of birds on one of the most remote islands on the planet.
A light lunch will be provided. RSVP using the form below.
About Jan Loomis
In December of 2018, Jan Loomis went to Midway Atoll to have an adventure and be surrounded by the seabirds she had recently fallen in love with (thank you Makana). As a new member of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Annual Nesting Albatross Census Team, she came to know all things Albatross. For nearly six weeks she lived and worked among the largest nesting colony of Laysan Albatross in the world. Jan loves to travel and the more remote and exotic, the better! Her formal training/background has been a thirty-five-year career in emergency medicine (RN and paramedic), but her true love has always been marine biology – in particular shore and seabirds.
She currently works in the field of travel medicine – keeping everyday travelers, marine biologists (including MBA and MBARI staff!), Peace Corps workers, members of the Department of Defense, foreign governments and Homeland Security from contracting diseases while away on foreign assignments and travel. Locally, Jan is involved with two citizen-science projects that give ample opportunities for enjoying the Monterey Bay’s amazing wildlife while contributing to local conservation efforts. She recently completed her third year with the Central Coast Black Oystercatcher Monitoring Project and as a volunteer naturalist for the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (NOAA).
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Carr Lake Community Meeting
2019-11-20 18:00 - 20:00 | Sherwood Hall, 940 N. Main Street, Salinas, CA, 93906, United States
Wednesday, November 20
Sherwood Hall
940 N Main St, Salinas
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Join us at our community meeting for a presentation of new design ideas for our 73-acre site at Carr Lake! We’ll be asking you to share your views afterwards.
Childcare will be available, and food will be served at 5:30 p.m.
This event has passed. Please stay tuned for more events like this one.

Guided Trail Run at Marks Ranch
2019-11-17 08:00 - 10:00 | Marks Ranch, 117th Drive, Salinas, CA, 93908, United States
This event has passed. Please stay tuned for more events like this one.
Sunday, November 17
Marks Ranch
8am-10am
Come run at Marks Ranch and get a glimpse of what the trails look like before Big Sur Land Trust’s Race for Open Space comes in the spring. Kick-off your Sunday morning with a 3.5-mile or 6-mile elevationally-challenging run. Big Sur Land Trust staff and volunteers will guide small groups at varying paces and distances.
Space is limited to those who have reserved a spot online. Please note that this rain-or-shine event is a guided run, not a hike. We recommend bringing a trail running pack with water, dressing appropriately for the weather or in packable layers, and wearing trail running shoes or shoes with good traction.

FULL - Carmel River FREE Tour
2019-11-15 09:30 - 12:00 | MPRPD Discovery Center Parking lot, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
FULL – This hike is currently full. Please check our events calendar for upcoming tours www.bigsurlandtrust.org/events
Friday, November 15
9:30 am – 12:00 pm
BSLT’s Nikki Nedeff and Rachel Saunders will lead this informational tour of the site for the Carmel River Floodplain Restoration and Environmental Enhancement (Carmel River FREE) Project.
The tour is a moderate 2.5-mile walk from the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District’s (MPRPD) Discovery Center to Palo Corona’s front ranch trails. It’s a wonderful opportunity to envision the floodplain restoration of the former Odello agriculture fields as BSLT’s 128-acre property is transformed in the coming years.

Carr Lake Community Volunteer Planting Day in Salinas
2019-11-09 10:00 - 13:00 | CA
Our community volunteers are planting and caring for trees and perennial native plants. This thriving and ever-expanding garden is helping to sequester carbon in the soil which can help lessen the effects of climate change. Want to be part of the solution? Join us at our next community planting day on Saturday, November 9th by signing up below.

FULL - Guided Hike at Arroyo Seco Ranch
2019-11-09 07:30 - 15:00 | CA
FULL – This hike is currently full. Please check our events calendar for upcoming guided hikes www.bigsurlandtrust.org/events
Saturday, November 9, 2019
Arroyo Seco Ranch
7:30 am – 3:00 pm
Level of Difficulty – moderately strenuous.
This full-day hike will take you through rich riparian habitat, dense oak woodlands, steep canyons and a historical location on the ranch. Along the way, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the Arroyo Seco Watershed. Hiking poles highly recommended for shallow river crossings, steep slopes and rocky terrain. Temperatures can be expected to exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Elevation gain – 500 ft. Distance – 4 miles.

Guided Hike at Martin Dunes
2019-10-18 09:00 - 14:00 | CA
Friday, October 18
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Martin Dunes is a 125-acre biological wonderland filled with wind-swept sands, wildflowers, and spectacular views. You’ll want to bring binoculars to view everything this unique ancient seafloor offers including 17 different rare and threatened plants and animals. Wear layers as temperatures can vary. Pack water, sunscreen, snacks, and a blanket to sit on. No pets, please. This hike is moderately strenuous as we’ll be trekking around the coastline and sand dunes.

Click here to view more photos from this guided hike.
Want to join us next time? Check out our calendar of events for other upcoming hikes.

FULL - Glen Deven Ranch Native Seed Collection Volunteer Day
2019-10-05 09:00 - 13:00 | Glen Deven Ranch
FULL – Thanks to an overwhelming response, we have enough volunteers for this year’s seed collection. Please check our calendar for upcoming volunteer events.
Glen Deven Ranch Native Seed Collection Day
Saturday, October 5 | 9:00am – 1:00pm
We have completed the eucalyptus removal effort at Glen Deven Ranch and are moving into the restoration phase of the project. This volunteer work day will be centered on native seed collection, enabling us to create a native seed bank to be used for Glen Deven Ranch’s restoration. We plan to restore the newly-opened understory to high quality native chaparral habitat from local sources of seed. The event will involve low strenuous activity, and some hiking will be required.
Please wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring sun protection and water. Some of the collection sites may have exposure to poison oak so please wear long-sleeved clothing. We will provide tools and instruction.
Carpooling is encouraged. Glen Deven Ranch is approximately 20 minutes south of Carmel. Directions will be provided with your confirmation email.

Carr Lake Park Site Tour
2019-09-20 09:30 - 12:00, 2019-07-19 10:00 - 12:00 | CA
Join us for a tour of our Carr Lake site in Salinas with Rachel Saunders, Director of Conservation, and Jennifer Vasquez, Conservation Program Assistant, who will share the vision for this new park in the heart of Salinas. We’ll be sharing the history of the property, our goals for the park, and how the community is engaged in the design process. You’ll walk through the native plant demonstration garden and see examples of our restoration plans. As we explain the benefits of restoring the floodplain, you’ll learn about the relationship between the site and the larger watershed and the connection between Carr Lake and the ocean. And you’ll have plenty of time to ask questions!

Guided Hike at Glen Deven Ranch
2019-09-13 08:30 - 14:00 | CA
Glen Deven Ranch covers 860 acres of preserved land 10 miles north of Big Sur with breathtaking views of the coastline. Volunteer hike leaders will lead two hikes of this magnificent property. Carpooling is encouraged. Wear layers as temperatures can vary. Pack water, sunscreen, and snacks. No pets, please. This hike is moderately strenuous.
Plan on meeting at 8:30 AM at the Starbucks parking lot in the Carmel Crossroads. Space is limited, please register today.

FULL - Make a Difference at Martin Dunes in Marina
2019-09-07 09:00 - 12:00 | CA
FULL – Thank you to an overwhelming response we have enough volunteers for this event. Please check our website frequently for other events http://bigsurlandtrust.org/events/
Saturday, September 7
9:00 AM – Noon
Maintaining Martin Dunes as one of the most intact dune systems in California means removing invasive plants. Join us for a tour of this beautiful property and learn more about the plants and animals thriving there. Then we’ll pull iceplant for a couple of hours. The snowy plovers will be so grateful! We’ll provide transportation, gloves and snacks. Please bring at least two liters of water, sunscreen and wear layers and sturdy shoes as we’ll be hiking the dunes.

FULL - Marks Ranch Guided Hike
2019-09-07 08:45 - 14:00 | CA
FULL – This hike is currently full. Please check our events calendar for upcoming guided hikes www.bigsurlandtrust.org/events
Come explore the living beauty of historic Marks Ranch! Home of Benjamin and Nisene Marks, who settled there in 1890, the ranch was once a major egg production enterprise. Since acquiring the ranch in 2007, Big Sur Land Trust has cared for its rolling hills, woodlands, meadows, grazing lands and 90 species of wildflowers. Critical wildlife corridors remain protected as well.
The hike is a moderately strenuous loop, about 5 miles with 600 feet elevation gain at a leisurely pace. Dress appropriately for the weather, wear layers and comfy hiking shoes for uneven terrain. Bring your favorite trail snack, picnic lunch, sun protection and ample water. No pets please.

FULL - Help our “Stew Crew” at Mitteldorf Preserve
2019-08-27 09:30 - 14:30 | CA
FULL – Thanks to all who signed up to help clean Mitteldorf Preserve.
Have a sense of adventure? Come to magnificent Mitteldorf Preserve and help with trail maintenance, decommission damaged trails, restore drainage features, remove encroaching brush, and more. We’ll provide transportation, instruction, maps, tools, safety gear, gloves and snacks. Please bring at least two liters of water, bug spray, sunscreen, and a lunch! Wear sturdy hiking/work boots and long pants.

FULL - Guided Hike at Mitteldorf Preserve
2019-08-21 09:00 - 14:00 | CA
This moderate hike through an old-growth redwood forest is approximately a 4-mile roundtrip. Hiking poles are recommended. All other upper trails beyond the lodge are closed for recovery and repair at this time. Please note, the water system was damaged by the Soberanes fire and there will be no restrooms available during this hike.
This event is now FULL! We look forward to seeing those who registered on Saturday, August 21st.

Carmel River FREE Tour
2019-08-17 09:30 - 12:00 | MPRPD Discovery Center Parking lot, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
BSLT staff members Nikki Nedeff and Rachel Saunders will lead a guided tour of the site for the Carmel River Floodplain Restoration and Environmental Enhancement (Carmel River FREE) Project. This is an approximately 2.5-mile informational walk from the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District’s (MPRPD) new Discovery Center to the Palo Corona front ranch trails. On this moderate walk you will have an opportunity to envision the floodplain restoration of the former Odello agriculture fields as BSLT’s 128-acre property is transformed in the coming years.
Meet at 9:30 am at the MPRPD Discovery Center Parking lot (former Rancho Canada Golf Club parking lot) 4860 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel.

FULL - Guided Hike at Glen Deven Ranch
2019-08-10 08:30 - 14:00 | CA
Our guided hike to Glen Deven Ranch is currently full. If interested, we have another hike scheduled in September. Please check back soon.
Glen Deven Ranch covers 860 acres of preserved land 10 miles north of Big Sur with breathtaking views of the coastline. Volunteer hike leaders will lead two hikes of this magnificent property. Carpooling is encouraged. Wear layers as temperatures can vary. Pack water, sunscreen, and snacks. No pets, please. This hike is moderately strenuous.

FULL - Volunteer Event - Carr Lake Weed Warriors Needed
2019-08-03 08:00 - 11:00 | CA, United States
You can be part of history at our Carr Lake site in Salinas, August 3rd from 8:00 – 11:00 AM! As we plan a new park in the heart of the city, we are working with CSUMB’s Return of the Natives on growing a native plant garden. The garden serves as a demonstration site for what will be possible when our property is fully restored. Students and community members who work on the garden are all making history as they bring back these native plants to Carr Lake: White Yarrow, Mugwort, California Poppy, Santa Barbara Sedge, Creeping Wild Rye, Coast Live Oak and Valley Oak. You can be part of this amazing story too!
After all the spring rains, the garden is thriving – and so are the weeds. We need several volunteers to help us maintain the garden, remove vegetation from the walkways, pick up litter and apply mulch. Gloves and snacks will be provided.
This event is now FULL! We look forward to seeing those who registered on Saturday, August 3rd.

Carmel River FREE Tour
2019-07-26 09:30 - 11:30 | MPRPD Discovery Center Parking lot, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
BSLT staff members Nikki Nedeff and Rachel Saunders will lead a guided tour of the site for the Carmel River Floodplain Restoration and Environmental Enhancement (Carmel River FREE) Project. This is an approximately 2.5-mile informational walk from the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District’s (MPRPD) new Discovery Center to the Palo Corona front ranch trails. On this moderate walk you will have an opportunity to envision the floodplain restoration of the former Odello agriculture fields as BSLT’s 128-acre property is transformed in the coming years.

FULL - Guided Hike at Mitteldorf Preserve
2019-07-20 09:00 - 14:00 | CA
Our guided hike to Mitteldorf is currently full. If interested, we have another hike scheduled August 21.
This moderate hike through old growth redwood forest is approximately a 4-mile roundtrip. Hiking poles are recommended. All other upper trails beyond the lodge are closed for recovery and repair at this time. Please note, the water system was damaged by the Soberanes fire and there will be no restrooms available during this hike.

FULL - Guided Hike at Martin Dunes
2019-07-06 09:00 - 14:00 | CA
Our guided hike to Martin Dunes is currently full. Please check our events calendar for a scheduled hike to Martin Dunes this fall.
Martin Dunes is a 125-acre biological wonderland filled with wind-swept sands, wildflowers, and spectacular views. You’ll want to bring binoculars to view everything this unique ancient seafloor offers including 17 different rare and threatened plants and animals. Wear layers as temperatures can vary. Pack water, sunscreen, snacks, and a blanket to sit on. No pets, please. This hike is moderately strenuous as we’ll be trekking around the coastline and sand dunes.
Meet Up: Registration required. Please check in by 8:45 AM at the REI parking lot: 145 General Stilwell Dr., Marina, CA 93933. 9:00 AM departure from the parking lot to Martin Dunes. Look for our white BSLT van parked in the far corner. We will be organizing carpools and giving directions and plan to arrive back at REI by approximately 2:00 PM. Please register below.

Carmel River FREE Tour
2019-06-29 09:30 - 11:30 | MPRPD Discovery Center Parking lot, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
BSLT staff members Nikki Nedeff and Beth Febus will lead a guided tour of the site for the Carmel River Floodplain Restoration and Environmental Enhancement (Carmel River FREE) Project. This is an approximately 2.5-mile informational walk from the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District’s (MPRPD) new Discovery Center to the Palo Corona front ranch trails. On this moderate walk you will have an opportunity to envision the floodplain restoration of the former Odello agriculture fields as BSLT’s 128-acre property is transformed in the coming years.
Meet at 9:30 am at the MPRPD Discovery Center Parking lot (former Rancho Canada Golf Club parking lot) 4860 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel.

FULL - Carmel River FREE Tour
2019-05-31 09:30 - 11:00 | MPRPD Discovery Center Parking lot, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
FULL TOUR. Please check back frequently for another tour. BSLT staff member Rachel Saunders will lead a guided tour of the site for the Carmel River Floodplain Restoration and Environmental Enhancement (Carmel River FREE) Project. On this moderate walk you will have an opportunity to envision the floodplain restoration of the former Odello agriculture fields as BSLT’s 128-acre property is transformed in the coming years.
