Big Sur Land Trust

CANCELLED | French Broom Removal | March 26
2022-03-26 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Glen Deven Ranch
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED

French Broom Removal – Volunteer Event
Glen Deven Ranch
Saturday, March 26 from 10:00AM-2:00PM
Join us at Glen Deven Ranch as we work to conserve the cultivated coastal grasslands of the property from the spread French Broom (Genista).
French Broom is a fast spreading species which forms dense monocultures if left unmanaged. It can be devastating to the micro habitats of the Ranch, especially the grasslands. Together with your help and the help of our partners we will be treating a large stand of French broom; ensuring that the population does not continue to spread across the Ranch.
At the event you will be helping us pull French Broom sprouts before they have a chance to grow and seed. You’ll also be hearing from our Project Manager Alex Kalish the effects of French Broom on the grasslands of the Central Coast.

2022 Race for Open Space
2022-04-01 - 2022-04-30 | CA
Thanks to all Race for Open Space Participants, Supporters, Sponsors, and Partners
Everyone who participated, supported, and volunteered at this year’s Race for Open Space is a champion for Big Sur Land Trust’s mission! Over 400 people ran, walked, and hiked at Glen Deven Ranch, Mitteldorf Preserve, Marks Ranch, or on one of our special Adventure Courses.
Between all of these stellar humans who found their wonder out on the lands they love and our generous sponsors, we raised $69,000!
Though everyone’s a winner in our book, here are the top finishers in each of our Race for Open Space categories:
SPEEDY RUNNER AWARDS (Based on the results submitted online)

Christina Moreno (Glen Deven Ranch)
Robin Dickson (Marks Ranch)
David Loutzenheiser (Marks Ranch)
Robin Dickson (Mitteldorf Preserve 4-mile)
William Tovar (Mitteldorf Preserve 4-mile)
Barratt Rowley (Mitteldorf Preserve 8.5-mile)
Megan Thomas (Mitteldorf Preserve 8.5-mile)
Stian Goransson (San Jose Creek 9-mile)
Sylvie Maxwell (San Jose Creek 9-mile)
Steve White (Palo Corona 10-mile)
Graciela Wilcox (Palo Corona 10-mile)
Robert Beverly (Palo Corona 21-mile)
Kara Hall (Palo Corona 21-mile)

MOST MILES AWARDS

Emily Motz (individual)
Hikers for Mother Earth (team)

TOP FUNDRAISERS

Linda Mullally (individual fundraiser)
Coastal Pup Pack (team fundraiser)

iNATURALIST SUPERHERO

Fred Watson (Most iNaturalist species observed on BSLT nature preserves)

PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS

Kimberle Herring (Tiny Treasures)
David Mullally (Animal Sightings)
Penny Partch (Connecting to the Land)
William Tovar (Sense of Community)

Kimberle Herring (Tiny Treasures)

David Mullally (Animal Sightings)

Penny Partch (Connecting to the Land)

William Tovar (Sense of Community)

Take a look at all the photo submissions here!
As we begin planning next year’s Race for Open Space, we are sending all our gratitude from our hearts to yours.

ADVENTURE COURSE PARTNERS

SPONSORS
We are grateful for the contributions from runners, partners, and sponsors including:

Spring Cleaning at Marks Ranch | April 26
2022-04-26 17:30 - 19:30 | Marks Ranch, 117th Drive, Salinas, CA, 93908, United States
Tuesday April 26
5:30PM-7:30PM
Marks Ranch
The weather is nice and we are out and about celebrating spring in our own personal way! From a napkin to a reusable bottle, inevitably stuff gets left behind.
You are invited to join the Big Sur Land Trust at Marks Ranch for a spring cleaning walk with a mission to ensure we leave no trace.
Join us Tuesday, April 26 from 5:30PM to 7:30PM for this family-friendly volunteer event. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. Sign up today!

By clicking ‘Submit’ above, you agree that you have read and agree with the terms of the Liability Waiver and Video & Photo Release and that the information you provided is accurate. You furthermore agree that your submission of this form, via the ‘Submit’ button, shall constitute the execution of this document in exactly the same manner as if you had signed, by hand, a paper version of this agreement.

Hacienda Front Clean Up | May 12
2022-05-12 17:30 - 19:30 | Marks Ranch, 117th Drive, Salinas, CA, 93908, United States
Thursday May 12
5:30PM-7:30PM
Marks Ranch

April’s Race for Open Space has come and gone and hikers are signing up to visit Marks Ranch again. There has been a continuous volunteer effort to keep the hacienda garden clean and free of bio fuels. We need your help clearing the front of the hacienda as months of gardening have accumulated a pile of wooden debris.
Please help us move the oak branches and palm fronds from the front of the hacienda to a decomposing pile that is out of sight and away from the historical structures.
Join us at Marks Ranch next Thursday, May 12 from 5:30PM to 7:30PM for this light stewardship volunteer event. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. Spaces are limited so sign up today!

By clicking ‘Submit’ above, you agree that you have read and agree with the terms of the Liability Waiver and Video & Photo Release and that the information you provided is accurate. You furthermore agree that your submission of this form, via the ‘Submit’ button, shall constitute the execution of this document in exactly the same manner as if you had signed, by hand, a paper version of this agreement.

Shovel Party – Land Stewardship Volunteer Event | June 11
2022-06-11 09:30 - 13:30 | Marks Ranch, 117th Drive, Salinas, CA, 93908, United States
Shovel Party – Land Stewardship Volunteer Event
Where: Marks Ranch
Date: Saturday June 11
Time: 9:30AM – 1:30PM
Last year, the River Fire weakened the soil on the ridges above Marks Ranch. Earlier this year, the rains carried sediment from those ridges down to the main road. We need your help clearing the culverts to prevent road erosion near the hacienda.
Please join us Saturday, June 11 from 9:30AM to 1:30PM for this land stewardship project. Expect to work hard and get dirty for a couple of hours shoveling soil and pushing heavy wheelbarrows. You will have the option to visit the hacienda garden after our work where lunch and refreshments will be provided. Gloves and eye protection will be available to you. Please bring a ROUND POINT SHOVEL if you have one.
RSVP:

By clicking ‘Submit’ above, you agree that you have read and agree with the terms of the Liability Waiver and Video & Photo Release and that the information you provided is accurate. You furthermore agree that your submission of this form, via the ‘Submit’ button, shall constitute the execution of this document in exactly the same manner as if you had signed, by hand, a paper version of this agreement.

Summer Solstice Clean-Up at Marks Ranch | June 20
2022-06-20 17:30 - 19:30 | Marks Ranch, 117th Drive, Salinas, CA, 93908, United States
Summer Solstice Clean-Up
Where: Marks Ranch
Date: June 20, 2022
Time: 5:30PM – 7:30PM
Please join us for a light stewardship event at Marks Ranch as we clear the ranch of litter that may have blown in these past windy spring months. If encountered, we will also remove two invasive thistle species, the Italian Thistle and Milk Thistle. We look forward to marking the solstice with you by taking steps together in a beautiful place, making sure Marks Ranch has a fresh start to the summer.
Thistle plants are a skin irritant, so please be sure to wear long sleeve shirts and pants. We will provide gloves and buckets for litter. If you have favorite pair of leather work gloves please bring it along.
Light stewardship events with Big Sur Land Trust are family friendly. Please note that all participants, including kids, must be registered individually. Kids must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Register Here

Irrigation Line Sorting | June 23
2022-06-23 10:00 - 14:00 | Glen Deven Ranch
Irrigation Line Sorting
Where: Glen Deven Ranch
Date: Thursday, June 23
Time: 10:00AM – 2:00PM
We have recently removed a lot of irrigation lines from our restoration site at Glen Deven Ranch and need help sorting out the useable line and fittings! This involves removing fittings (emitter heads, T-joints, metal clamps, etc. and sorting them) and then sorting out useable stretches of irrigation line itself. This will likely require cutting out the damaged sections of line and then sorting by thickness. The lines are currently in 2 piles at the property – 1 near the entrance gate and 1 near the property caretakers house in the driveway. Space is limited so sign up today!
Register Here

Shovel Party at Marks Ranch | July 11
2022-07-11 17:30 - 19:30 | Marks Ranch, 117th Drive, Salinas, CA, 93908, United States
Stewardship Volunteers – Shovel Party at Marks Ranch
Where: Marks Ranch
Date: Monday, July 11
Time: 5:30PM – 7:30PM
Last year, the River Fire weakened the soil on the ridges above Marks Ranch. Earlier this year, the rains carried sediment from those ridges down to the main road. We need your help clearing the culverts to prevent road erosion near the hacienda.
Please join us for this land stewardship project! Expect to work hard and get dirty for a couple of hours shoveling sediment out of a culvert. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. Gloves and eye protection will be available to you. Please BRING A SHOVEL if you have one! Space is limited so sign up today!
Register Here

Irrigation Line Sorting at Glen Deven Ranch
2022-08-19 11:00 - 14:00 | Glen Deven Ranch
We have recently removed a lot of irrigation lines from our restoration site at Glen Deven Ranch and need help sorting out the useable line and fittings! This involves removing fittings (emitter heads, T-joints, metal clamps, etc. and sorting them) and then sorting out useable stretches of irrigation line itself. This will likely require cutting out the damaged sections of line and then sorting by thickness. The lines are currently in 2 piles at the property – 1 near the entrance gate and 1 near the property caretakers house in the driveway.
Space is limited so sign up today!

Volunteer Orientation | August 25
2022-08-25 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, August 25 in our volunteer orientation via Zoom.
RSVP here

Iceplant Pull at Martin Dunes | August 29
2022-08-29 14:00 - 17:00 | Martin Dunes, Marina, CA, United States
Although iceplant has been almost completely eradicated from the Martin Dunes preserve in Marina, we must keep it in check. Endangered endemic species like the legless lizard and the Smith’s blue butterfly are depending on us!
Please join us Monday, August 29 to pull iceplant along with other BSLT volunteers and staff. We’ll also pick up trash along the way. Snacks will be provided. Sign up today!
RSVP here!

Light Stewardship Event - Trail Tending at Mitteldorf Preserve | September 16
2022-09-16 09:30 - 14:30 | Mitteldorf Preserve
Please join us for a light stewardship event at Mitteldorf Preserve as we take a gentle walk up Williams Canyon Road clearing rocks and clipping encroaching twigs from the trail. Participants should be prepared to walk up to 4 miles total.
Light stewardship events with Big Sur Land Trust are family friendly. Please note that all participants, including kids, must be registered individually. Kids must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
RSVP here!

Tour of Carmel River FREE Project Site
2022-09-25 09:00 - 10:30, 2022-09-25 10:00 - 11:30 | CA
Sign up now for one of our Carmel River Floodplain Restoration and Environmental Enhancement project (Carmel River FREE) tours on:

Sunday, September 25 – SOLD OUT!

9:00am-10:30am
10:00am-11:30am

Big Sur Land Trust’s Carmel River FREE is one of the most extensive and important multi-benefit flood protection and riparian habitat restoration efforts on the Central Coast. After the site visit, you may opt to continue hiking a variety of regional park trails, including heading up to Animas Pond and Inspiration Point for amazing views of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and the Carmel Lagoon.
Click here to sign up for one of the Carmel River FREE Project Tours.

iNaturalist Oak Sapling and Sycamore Survey | October 15
2022-10-15 09:00 - 12:00 | Marks Ranch, 117th Drive, Salinas, CA, 93908, United States
Help us survey Marks Ranch for oak and sycamore saplings!

Give Big Sur Land Trust’s stewardship team a hand by joining us on Saturday, October 15 to conduct an oak sapling and sycamore survey at Marks Ranch using the citizen science app, iNaturalist. Knowing where these species are will help our team plan future projects and will improve the monitoring they do to protect these species from harmful herbivory and other impacts. If you will be joining us, please download iNaturalist onto your phone in advance of the event.
Please note that minors will need to register individually and be accompanied by an adult.
Register Here

Volunteer Orientation | October 20
2022-10-20 10:00 - 11:00 | 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 virtually on Thursday, October 20 from 10:00am – 11:00am in our Volunteer Orientation via Microsoft Teams.
Register >>

Monterey Bay Half Marathon Sustainability Sweep | November 13
2022-11-13 07:30 - 16:00 | CA
Last spring, Big Sur Land Trust partnered with Blue Strike Environmental as members of their ‘Green Team’ to make the Big Sur International Marathon a sustainable and eco-friendly event. This fall let’s do it again for the Monterey Bay Half Marathon!
On Sunday, November 13th volunteer on the Monterey Bay Half Marathon’s ‘Green Team’ on behalf of Big Sur Land Trust, as we help ‘leave no trace’ by sweeping the course of litter (7:30am-12:30pm shift) or sorting recyclables/compostables from trash and help with event tear-down (11:30am-4pm). 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 >>

Iceplant Pull | November 18
2022-11-18 09:30 - 13:30 | Martin Dunes, Marina, CA, United States
Join the BSLT team at Martin Dunes as we pull iceplant to give the local dune ecosystem more space to thrive.
Although iceplant has been almost completely eradicated from the Martin Dunes preserve in Marina, we must keep it in check. Endangered endemic species like the legless lizard and the Smith’s blue butterfly are depending on us!
Please join us Friday, November 18th to pull iceplant along with other Big Sur Land Trust volunteers and staff. We’ll also pick up trash along the way. Snacks will be provided. Sign up today!

San Jose Creek Trail Hike | November 19
2022-11-19 09:00 - 16:00 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
When: Saturday, November 19 from 9:00am – 4:00pm
Distance: 9 miles
Elevation: 1500′
Difficulty: Strenuous
This rigorous hike through a mosaic of conserved lands 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! The trail includes spectacular coastal views, a beautiful redwood-, sycamore-, and cottonwood-lined creek canyon and sensitive riparian habitat that is home to Central Coast steelhead, California red-legged frogs, and migrating songbirds.
Register >>

Volunteer Orientation | December 2
2022-12-02 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 Friday, December 2 from 12:00pm – 1:00pm, in our Volunteer Orientation via Microsoft Teams.
Register >>

You Make it Possible | January 27
2023-01-27 08:30 - 09:30 | CA
Every January, Big Sur Land Trust celebrates “Thankuary!” We celebrate all the ways your generosity as donors, volunteers, funders, partners, and sponsors makes such a positive impact for the lands we all love in Monterey County. Please take a few moments to watch our video below, and hear firsthand from our staff and board how much your support means to us all! Join us at our virtual event on January 27 to hear inspiring stories of your support in action and the exciting plans we have for 2023. And check out other opportunities to sign up for volunteer activities and guided hikes!
You Make It Possible!
Friday, January 27, 2023
8:30 AM-9:30 AM
With gratitude for you, we invite you to join our celebration of all you’ve made possible! Bring your cup of coffee for a virtual chat with our President and CEO Jeannette Tuitele-Lewis and Big Sur Land Trust staff. We’ll share this year’s inspirational stories of your generosity in action, as well as what we’re looking forward to accomplishing in 2023. We’ll also provide a sneak peek into next year’s events, and you’ll have an opportunity to ask questions.
Register >>

Community Planting Day at Carr Lake | January 28
2023-01-28 10:00 - 13:00 | Carr Lake, 618 Sherwood Drive, Salinas, CA, 93906, United States
Monterey County residents are invited to join Return of the Natives for a Community Planting Day at Big Sur Land Trust’s park project site at Lower Carr Lake.
Help bring back native plants to this land, and learn about Carr Lake and the plans for a neighborhood park in the heart of Salinas!

Consider bringing your own garden gloves and water if you can.
All participants must register for this event and submit a liability waiver.
Face masks are optional.
No dogs please.

Register >>

Mitteldorf Thistle Pull | February 4
2023-02-04 10:00 - 13:00 | Mitteldorf Preserve
Saturday, February 4
10:00am – 1:00pm
Distance: 5 Miles
Level of physical difficulty: Moderate
Mitteldorf Preserve Manager Hadley Hargrove has been doing all he can to contain the highly competitive thistles like the bull and milk thistle, and this is your chance to lend a helping hand. Equal parts hike and volunteer workday, join us for the 5-mile roundtrip walk up Williams Canyon Road, around the Nature Loop, and back again, stopping to pull thistles along the way. This will be a great way to connect with Mitteldorf and with Big Sur Land Trust staff as we help the local ecosystem by removing an invasive plants known to spectacularly out-compete native vegetation.
Register >>

Community Planting Day at Carr Lake | February 11
2023-02-11 10:00 - 13:00 | Carr Lake, 618 Sherwood Drive, Salinas, CA, 93906, United States

Eucalyptus Re-Sprout Cutting | February 17
2023-02-17 10:00 - 15:00 | Glen Deven Ranch
Help our Stewardship team with important land management at a restoration site on our Glen Deven Ranch property. The control of these Eucalyptus re-sprouts is critical to support the ongoing restoration of this property towards native coastal scrubland, and our Stewardship team needs help to stay on top of this! This will be moderately difficult, physical work in the sun with hand tools, so come prepared for a fun, rewarding challenge.
Register >>

Volunteer Orientation | February 20
2023-02-20 19:00 - 20:00 | CA
Join us for a virtual volunteer orientation to learn about our mission, programs, organizational structure and volunteer opportunities.
Register >>

Guided Hike: Palo Corona to San Jose Creek Trail (9mi) | April 7
2023-04-07 09:00 - 16:00 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
This is a full-day guided hike. This event will be held Friday, April 7. This event will last from roughly 9am-4pm.
Total elevation gain (ascent): Approximately 1,500ft. Four sizeable hills. Strenuous.
These lands are open to the public by permit. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the natural and cultural history of these lands from Big Sur Land Trust staff and volunteers.
Learn more and register >>

Spring Clean Up – Litter Pick Up at Marks Ranch | April 12
2023-04-12 09:30 - 12:30 | Marks Ranch, 117th Drive, Salinas, CA, 93908, United States
Bring your family and join us on this light volunteer day as we pick up litter at Marks Ranch!

Let’s remove trash and debris from your beloved and picturesque Marks Ranch. This is a family-friendly event, so bring your little ones and your not-so-little ones, too! We’ll collect litter from the entrance area and from the front pastures. You will also get to enjoy the first flower blooms of the year as you collect trash on the pastures and along the creek.
Please bring: snacks, water, sun protection, long-sleeve shirt and pants, and closed-toed shoes.
Warning: Please know that this area has ticks and poison oak! Please come prepared.
Learn more and register >>

Guided Hike: Marks Ranch (3.4mi/5K) | April 14
2023-04-14 09:00 - 13:00 | Marks Ranch, 117th Drive, Salinas, CA, 93908, United States
Nothing quite sums up springtime in the Salinas Valley like a walk through vast fields of wildflowers. This guided hike at Marks Ranch will surely delight you with rolling green pastures and endless lupines!
This hike spotlights Marks Ranch and the Toro County Park backcountry, especially the Robert V. and Patricia M. Brown Overlook Trail offering sweeping vistas of the Salinas Valley. On a clear day you can see the Gabilan mountain range, the city of Salinas, and even out to Monterey Bay. Hike leaders will touch on themes including the Marks family, the ranch’s history and conservation story, recovery after the 2020 Dolan Fire, and the many plants and animals found along the way.
Half-day guided hikes will be held Friday, April 14 (9am-1pm) and Friday, April 28 (9am-12pm). The 2-mile option is considered easy and is mostly flat, while the 3.4-mile (or ~5K) option is considered moderate with a total elevation gain/loss of approximately 550ft over two hills. Hikers will be expected to carry their own water and snacks, and to pack a picnic lunch. A portalet is located near the Barn and Egg Pond, about 1 mile from the front gate. Participants will park at the Marks Ranch gate and hike in together.
Learn more and register >>

Guided Hike: Williams Canyon to San Jose Creek Trail (8mi) | April 15
2023-04-15 08:00 - 13:00 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
This course offers varied terrain, sweeping panoramic views, many different ecosystems, and a journey across pristine conserved lands. This course boasts an estimated 1,100 feet of elevational gain over the 8 miles and includes some steep ascents and descents. The trailhead begins at Williams Canyon Road. The course passes from the Santa Lucia Preserve to the Palo Corona back country and the Whisler Wilson Loop trail where it connects to the San Jose Creek Trail. Participants will be shuttled back to the Discovery Center.
Guided Hike participants will complete this trek together on Saturday, 4/15. Bring a picnic lunch! We will meet up at 8am at Palo Corona Regional Park before shuttling to Williams Canyon Road. The hike will be expected to end around 1pm. The hike is considered strenuous, and there will be creek crossings. We strongly recommend hikers bring at least 1L of water.
Runners and hikers are most likely to successfully complete this course if they have previously completed a similar-length event on trail or a half marathon event on road.
Learn more and register >>
