Join Waitlist: San Jose Creek birding walk with Big Sur Land Trust and Monterey Audubon | September 22
2024-09-22 09:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
Join Big Sur Land Trust and Monterey Audubon Society for a gentle 2-mile birding walk along the San Jose Creek Trail.
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.
Big Sur Land Trust is thrilled to host a Monterey Audubon Society field trip along San Jose Creek Trail, as we explore and enjoy this piece of conserved land together.
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, birding 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.

Distance: 2 miles
Elevation: 150′ total ascent
Difficulty: Easy. We will be walking on a backcountry dirt road, on which we may encounter small rocks and sticks.
Pace: Easy
Participant limit: 12
Facilities: Restrooms are available at the meet-up location and at the trailhead.
Cell service: There is limited to no cell service at this location. Please plan accordingly.

Bring snacks to enjoy along the hike, plus everything you need for a half-day of birding and walking. 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).
Join the waitlist >>

Iceplant Removal at Martin Dunes | October 19
2024-10-19 09:30 - 13:30 | River Loop Trail, River Loop Trail, Marina, 93908, United States
Join BSLT to remove invasive iceplant in an effort to restore and care for Martin Dunes.

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 to restore and care for the lands we love at Martin Dunes on October 19 (9:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.). Water, snacks, gloves, and hand tools will be provided. Volunteers will work to manually remove as many satellite populations of iceplant as possible.
Register >>

Carmel River FREE Tour | October 25
2024-10-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
Enjoy a 3-mile round-trip hike/tour of the CR FREE project site, led by Big Sur Land Trust’s Director of Conservation, Rachel Saunders.
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.
Please note that minors will need to be accompanied by an adult. Please leave four-legged friends at home. Thank you!
Bring: Everything you will need for a gentle walk. Closed-toed hiking shoes and layers are strongly recommended.
Walk details:

Distance: 3 miles
Total ascent: 130 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Surface: Dirt trail (non-technical)

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 >>

Let’s Go Outdoors! Williams Canyon to Rancho Cañada | November 2
2024-11-02 08:00 - 17:00 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
Join Big Sur Land Trust on a guided hike from the Williams Canyon parking meadow to Palo Corona Regional Park’s Rancho Cañada Unit. We will traverse 8.5 miles (including three creek crossings) and climb over 1500 feet through Santa Lucia Conservancy land and Palo Corona Regional Park’s backcountry and front ranch. We will spend much of the day on lands not open to the public that are part of Big Sur Land Trust’s 45-year and 45,000-acre legacy of land conservation, so it will be our special pleasure to enable managed access to these conserved lands in support of our continuing land conservation efforts.
Bring: A picnic lunch and plenty of water, plus everything you need for a day of strenuous backcountry hiking. There will be creek crossings, so be prepared to get your feet wet! Sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes are required, and layers are recommended.

Distance: 8.5 miles
Elevation: 1500 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous. Hikers should expect creek crossings and plenty of climbing and descent along this beautiful backcountry route.

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 >>

Big Sur Land Trust Volunteer Orientation | November 7
2024-11-07 12:00 - 13:00 | CA
A virtual orientation to learn more about Big Sur Land Trust and our volunteer opportunities.

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 for this online volunteer orientation.
Through this orientation, you will become more familiar with Big Sur Land Trust’s mission, history, programs, organizational structure, and volunteer opportunities so that you are more fully informed about the organization you hope to so generously support through volunteering. This will also be your chance to interact with staff members and ask questions.
There is nothing you need to do to prepare for this orientation – just join us! However, if you’d like to learn more about who you will hear from, and some of the things you will hear about, here are a few links to peruse:

Our Get involved! page has links to all the ways you can get involved with Big Sur Land Trust, from making a hike request to submitting a photo. You can also review our volunteer roles and click each to learn more about them.
Check out our upcoming events, including upcoming public volunteer workdays. You can also review past events to get a feel for what we’ve been up to.
Your orientation will be given by Jenny Jacox, Organizational Engagement Lead for Big Sur Land Trust. Until you meet personally, you can learn more about Jenny, and all Big Sur Land Trust’s staff members, on our staff page.
Finally, you can learn about our work and where we (and often, volunteers) are most active by visiting our Where We Work page.

Our work would not be possible without the generosity of our donors and volunteers. Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Big Sur Land Trust. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Register >>

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 >>

Let's Go Outdoors! Lunch Bench Guided Hike | November 17
2024-11-17 07:00 - 17:00 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
In celebration of National Hiking Day (Nov 17th), join Big Sur Land Trust on a guided hike from the Williams Canyon parking meadow to Palo Corona Regional Park’s Rancho Cañada Unit via the Lunch Bench (closeby to Palo Corona peak) and Corona Cabin. We will traverse 13 miles (including two creek crossings) and climb over 2400 feet through Santa Lucia Conservancy land, Mitteldorf Preserve, and Palo Corona Regional Park’s backcountry and front ranch. We will spend much of the day on lands not open to the public that are part of Big Sur Land Trust’s 45-year and 45,000-acre legacy of land conservation, so it will be our special pleasure to enable managed access to these conserved lands in support of our continuing land conservation efforts.
Bring: A picnic lunch and plenty of water, plus everything you need for a day of strenuous backcountry hiking. There will be creek crossings, so be prepared to get your feet wet! Sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes are required, and layers are recommended.

Distance: 13 miles
Elevation: 2400 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous. Hikers should expect creek crossings and plenty of climbing and descent along this beautiful backcountry route, including a significant ascent to the Lunch Bench via Mitteldorf Preserve’s Echo Ridge trail.

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 >>

Planting Pollinator Habitat at Marks Ranch | December 11 & 12
2024-12-11 10:00 - 15:00, 2024-12-12 10:00 - 15:00 | Marks Ranch, 117th Drive, Salinas, CA, 93908, United States
Come join us for a fun day of planting native flowering plants to create a welcoming environment for our pollinator friends at Marks Ranch! We’ll be getting our hands dirty while helping to support the local ecosystem. No green thumb required — just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to learn. This in-person event will provide a great opportunity to connect with nature and like-minded individuals. Don’t miss out on this chance to make a positive impact on the lands we all love!
Register >>

Big Sur Land Trust Volunteer Orientation | January 9
2025-01-09 12:00 - 13:00 | CA

Pollinator Habitat Planting | January 17
2025-01-17 10:00 - 15:00 | Marks Ranch, 117th Drive, Salinas, CA, 93908, United States
Join us at Marks Ranch to plant pollinator-friendly habitats and help support our local Monarch butterfly population!
Join us on Friday, January 17 for a fun day of planting milkweed plants to create a welcoming environment for our pollinator friends at Marks Ranch! We’ll be getting our hands dirty while helping to support the local ecosystem. No green thumb required – just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to learn. This in-person event will provide a great opportunity to connect with nature and like-minded individuals. Don’t miss out on this chance to make a positive impact on the lands we all love!
Register >>

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 >>

Help care for the lands you LOVE: February 15
2025-02-15 10:00 - 14:00 | Marks Ranch, 117th Drive, Salinas, CA, 93908, 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.
These fun events are a great way to meet like-minded individuals and connect with the lands you love. Join us!
When: Saturday, February 15 | 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Where: Meet outside the gate at Marks Ranch.
What: During this event we will be working together to plant milkweed saplings, a vital plant that is the habitat and food source of the Monarch butterflies. You’ll have the option to take some milkweed plants with you to plant outside your home.
Register >>

Help care for the lands you LOVE: February 26
2025-02-26 14:00 - 17:00 | Marks Ranch, 117th Drive, Salinas, CA, 93908, 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.
These fun events are a great way to meet like-minded individuals and connect with the lands you love. Join us!
When: Wednesday, February 26 | 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Where: Meet outside the gate at Marks Ranch.
What: During this event we will be working together to remove a common invasive species called Italian thistle (Carduus pycnocephalus). Read more about why we need to remove this tricky species, HERE.
Snacks and tools will be provided but bring plenty of water! Close-toed shoes, hats, and layers are strongly encouraged!
This is a family-friendly event. All participants must sign a waiver to participate. These events can count towards High School Community Service Hour requirements.
Additional instructions/directions provided via email once registration is complete.
Register >>

Let’s Go Outdoors! San Jose Creek 2-mile Hike | March 8
2025-03-08 09:00 - 14:00 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
Distance: 2 miles
Elevation: 150′ total ascent
Difficulty: Easy
Pace: Easy
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 Parklands 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).
Register >>

Help care for the lands you LOVE: March 8
2025-03-08 09:30 - 13:30 | 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.
These fun events are a great way to meet like-minded individuals and connect with the lands you love. Join us!
When: Saturday, March 8 | 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM.
Where: Meet at the Park and Ride at the Crossroads in Carmel. We will organize carpools and caravan together to Glen Deven Ranch.
What: 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.
Snacks and tools will be provided but bring plenty of water! Close-toed shoes, hats, and layers are strongly encouraged!
This is a family-friendly event. All participants must sign a waiver to participate. These events can count towards High School Community Service Hour requirements.
Additional instructions/directions provided via email once registration is complete.
Register >>

Big Sur Land Trust Volunteer Orientation | March 13
2025-03-13 12:00 - 13:00 | CA

Invasive Plant Removal at Marks Ranch | March 26
2025-03-26 14:00 - 17:00 | Marks Ranch, 117th Drive, Salinas, CA, 93908, United States
Join us at Mars Ranch to remove the invasive Italian thistle (Carduus pycnocephalus) and more.
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.
These fun events are a great way to meet like-minded individuals and connect with the lands you love. Join us!
When: Wednesday, March 26 | 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Where: Meet outside the gate at Marks Ranch.
What: During this event we will be working together to remove a common invasive species called Italian thistle (Carduus pycnocephalus). Read more about why we need to remove this tricky species, HERE.
Snacks and tools will be provided but bring plenty of water! Close-toed shoes, hats, and layers are strongly encouraged!
This is a family-friendly event. All participants must sign a waiver to participate. These events can count towards High School Community Service Hour requirements.
Additional instructions/directions provided via email once registration is complete.
Register >>

Let's Go Outdoors! San Jose Creek 2-mile Hike | April 5
2025-04-05 09:00 - 14:00 | 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.
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 Parklands 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.
Register >>

Volunteer French Broom Pull | April 12
2025-04-12 09:30 - 13:30 | 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.
These fun events are a great way to meet like-minded individuals and connect with the lands you love. Join us!
When: Saturday, April 12 | 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM.
Where: Meet at the Park and Ride at the Crossroads in Carmel. We will organize carpools and caravan together to Glen Deven Ranch.
What: 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.
Register >>

Let's Go Outdoors! BSLT Earth Day Guided Hike: Lunch Bench/Corona Cabin | April 22
2025-04-22 08:00 - 17:00 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
Join Big Sur Land Trust for a loop hike featuring highlights of the Lobos Corona Parklands, part of BSLT’s legacy of land conservation.
Celebrate Earth Day 2025 on a hike with Big Sur Land Trust from the Williams Canyon parking meadow through Mitteldorf Preserve and the Palo Corona Regional Park backcountry. We will traverse 8 miles and climb over 2200 feet. We will spend much of the day on lands not open to the public that are part of Big Sur Land Trust’s 46-year and 45,000-acre legacy of land conservation, so it will be our special pleasure to enable managed access to these conserved lands in support of our continuing land conservation efforts.
Register >>

Invasive Plant Pull | April 23
2025-04-23 14:00 - 17:00 | Marks Ranch, 117th Drive, Salinas, CA, 93908, 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.
These fun events are a great way to meet like-minded individuals and connect with the lands you love. Join us!
When: Wednesday, April 23 | 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Where: Meet outside the gate at Marks Ranch.
What: During this event we will be working together to remove a common invasive species called Italian thistle (Carduus pycnocephalus). Read more about why we need to remove this tricky species, HERE.
Snacks and tools will be provided but bring plenty of water! Close-toed shoes, hats, and layers are strongly encouraged!
Register >>

Big Sur International Marathon - Green Team | April 27
2025-04-27 11:00 - 16:00 | CA
Sign up to volunteer at the BSIM on behalf of Big Sur Land Trust! BSIM is an iconic and more sustainable event thanks to volunteers, and Big Sur Land Trust volunteers support BSIM sustainability as part of Big Sur Land Trust’s work to support healthy lands, healthy people, and healthy communities.
Volunteers should give themselves plenty of time to drive to the finish area, park, and walk to the meet-up location. Please plan to arrive 15-20 minutes before your shift begins.
Beginning at 11:00 AM, volunteers will help to keep the Big Sur International Marathon (BSIM) finish area clean and litter-free. Your help to capture any litter left behind by tired runners and their enthusiastic fans will help to ensure none of it ends up on nearby conserved lands or in rivers, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary waters, and neighborhoods.
In addition to litter picking, volunteers will help with the breakdown of the finish line infrastructure that helped to keep the marathon clean and green.
Your volunteer shift will end no later than 4:00 PM. You’ll receive more instructions over email the week before the event.
We look forward to a day of service with you!
Here is how to sign up for this truly ‘epic’ volunteer opportunity:

To be directed to sign in on the Volunteer Local site click here
Enter your password “BSLT” and the available shifts for your team will appear.
Then simply check your shift and fill in all your pertinent information.

PHOTO CREDITS: William Brown, Luis Escobar, Karen Fenstermaker, Harrison Page, Andrew Tronick, Don Wilcoxon, Steve Zalan

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 >>

Iceplant Removal | May 28
2025-05-28 14:00 - 17:00 | Martin Dunes, Marina, CA, United States
Join BSLT to remove invasive iceplant in an effort to restore and care for Martin Dunes!

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 to restore and care for the lands we love at Martin Dunes on May 28 (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM). Water, snacks, gloves, and hand tools will be provided. Volunteers will work to manually remove as many satellite populations of iceplant as possible.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS:

There is no shade cover where we pull invasives, so please bring sun protection.
There are ticks, so come prepared with pants and closed-toed shoes. We’ll bring tick repellent for you to use.
You will be hiking strenuously for half a mile on sand.

PLEASE NOTE OUR MEET-UP LOCATION: We will convene in the parking area of the Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge at the end of Neposent Rd. which is a dirt road.
RSVP >>

World Ocean Day 2025 | June 6
2025-06-06 08:00 - 17:00 | Glen Deven Ranch
Join us for expert-led birding on a Monterey Audubon Society field trip at Big Sur Land Trust’s Glen Deven Ranch.
Friday, June 6
8:00am – 5:00pm
Glen Deven Ranch, Carmel
This World Ocean Day, Big Sur Land Trust and the Monterey Audubon Society will come together in the beauty of Glen Deven Ranch for a day of birding and spectacular views made possible by our ocean and the conservation of coastal lands. This event is appropriate for beginning birders and all those interested in learning how to better identify our local breeding birds. The day will begin with an easy, 2.5-mile out-and-back walk along the Ridge Trail and then continue after lunch with a moderate, 4.5 mile out-and-back hike along the Canyon Trail.

Register >>

Big Sur Land Trust Volunteer Orientation | June 12
2025-06-12 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
A virtual orientation to learn more about Big Sur Land Trust and our volunteer opportunities.

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 for this online volunteer orientation.
Through this orientation, you will become more familiar with Big Sur Land Trust’s mission, history, programs, organizational structure, and volunteer opportunities so that you are more fully informed about the organization you hope to so generously support through volunteering. This will also be your chance to interact with staff members and ask questions.
There is nothing you need to do to prepare for this orientation – just join us! However, if you’d like to learn more about who you will hear from, and some of the things you will hear about, here are a few links to peruse:

Our Get Involved! page has links to all the ways you can get involved with Big Sur Land Trust, from making a hike request to submitting a photo. You can also review our volunteer roles and click each to learn more about them.
Check out our upcoming events, including upcoming public volunteer workdays. You can also review past events to get a feel for what we’ve been up to.
Your orientation will be given by Jenny Jacox, Engagement Lead for Big Sur Land Trust. Until you meet personally, you can learn more about Jenny, and all Big Sur Land Trust’s staff members, on our Staff page.
Finally, you can learn about our work and where we (and often, volunteers) are most active by visiting our Where We Work page.

Our work would not be possible without the generosity of our donors and volunteers. Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Big Sur Land Trust. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Register >>

Iceplant Removal | June 14
2025-06-14 10:00 - 13:00 | 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 to restore and care for the lands we love at Martin Dunes on June 14 (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM). Water, snacks, gloves, and hand tools will be provided. Volunteers will work to manually remove as many satellite populations of iceplant as possible.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS:

There is no shade cover where we pull invasives, so please bring sun protection.
There are ticks, so come prepared with pants and closed-toed shoes. We’ll bring tick repellent for you to use.
You will be hiking strenuously for half a mile on sand.

PLEASE NOTE OUR MEET-UP LOCATION: We will convene in the parking area of the Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge at the end of Neposent Rd. which is a dirt road.
Register >>
