Big Sur Land Trust

Community Planting Day at Carr Lake | February 11
2023-02-11 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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 >>

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 >>

Thistle Pull at Marks Ranch | April 22
2023-04-22 10:00 - 13:00 | Marks Ranch, 117th Drive, Salinas, CA, 93908, United States
Celebrate Earth Day with Big Sur Land Trust at Marks Ranch! Join us in an effort to steward the lands we all love by hand pulling invasive thistles found across the property.
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: Mitteldorf Preserve to Joshua Creek (10.5mi) | April 23
2023-04-23 08:00 - 17:00 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
Whether you have hiked this region a hundred times or whether you are new to the area, this guided “adventure hike” is one you won’t want to miss! This all-day hike loops through several conserved lands along the Central Coast: Santa Lucia Preserve, Mitteldorf Preserve, Patriarch Ridge, Joshua Creek Canyon Ecological Reserve, and Palo Corona Regional Park. Access to the backcountry of Palo Corona Regional Park and Joshua Creek Canyon Ecological Reserve is not offered to self-guided hikers through Big Sur Land Trust’s hiking program, so this is a unique opportunity to explore the mosaic of conserved lands in this area. This magical trek will highlight the importance of individuals and groups working together to conserve and care for the lands they love.
This is a full-day guided hike taking place on April 23 and on April 29. With travel time, this event will last from roughly 8am-5pm each day. Total elevation gain (ascent): Approximately 2,600ft. Three hills, including one long, steep hill climbing 1,500ft. Given the strenuous nature of this hike, the varied terrain you will encounter, and the possibility for extremes in temperature, we ask you to carefully consider your personal health and fitness level before signing up for this guided opportunity. An elevational profile diagram will be coming soon to show how hilly this hike will be. Hikers will be expected to carry their own water and snacks, and to pack a lunch. No restrooms are available in the backcountry, so please plan accordingly and bring necessary supplies to leave no trace. Shuttle and carpool logistics will be confirmed.
Learn more and register >>

Guided Hike: Marks Ranch Wildflowers (2mi) | April 28
2023-04-28 09:00 - 12:00 | 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.

Guided Hike: Mitteldorf Preserve to Joshua Creek (10.5mi) | April 29
2023-04-29 08:00 - 17:00 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States

Volunteer with BSLT’s “Green Team” at Big Sur International Marathon | April 30
2023-04-30 03:30 - 14:00 | CA
During the Big Sur International Marathon upcoming on Sunday, April 30, Big Sur Land Trust will be stepping up to ensure that this iconic running event achieves its goal of ecological sustainability. This will be our second year extending our work for healthy lands, healthy people, and healthy communities in this way. As is true with so much of what we accomplish, we couldn’t have done it without our volunteers and we hope you will join us again to help runners from around the world leave no trace on the lands we love.
What this opportunity entails:
Your volunteer shift will begin… at the finish! Volunteers will gather at Hwy 1 and Rio Road at 4:00 am on Sunday, April 30. Vans will transport volunteers to a station along the marathon course, where you will wait… and then cheer! When the final runner has passed your station, you can begin your 3-mile sweep towards the finish line. Once you have finished sweeping your 3-mile segment, and once the road has reopened to traffic, vans will transport you back to the finish line. Volunteers should count on arriving back at the finish line by around 2:00 pm. Volunteers should expect a big day of on-course excitement that will include some downtime (bring a book!), lots of cheering for runners from around the world (break out that cowbell!), and variable weather (wear all your layers!).
What volunteers will receive:

Big Sur Land Trust Volunteer hat
BSIM Green Team t-shirt
The thanks of Big Sur Land Trust, BSIM, and thousands of runners ensured to leave nothing but footsteps behind during the Big Sur International Marathon of 2023!

Please remember to bring:

Gloves
Warm layers
More warm layers!
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, etc.)
Books or entertainment for while you wait (please keep in mind there may not be cell service along the marathon course)
Good energy for our runners
Snacks/lunch
Water

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

Volunteer Orientation | May 2
2023-05-02 12:30 - 13:30 | 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 for a volunteer orientation via Microsoft Teams.

Register >>

Volunteer: Thistle Pull at Marks Ranch | May 3
2023-05-03 17:30 - 19:30 | Marks Ranch, 117th Drive, Salinas, CA, 93908, United States
Introduced invasive thistle species can outcompete native plants and take over large areas, creating dense monocultures if left unmanaged. In addition, invasive thistles, such as Italian thistle, can form physical barriers that inhibit livestock and wildlife from entering an area, and their height can increase the risk of severe wildfire by creating readily available ladder fuels.
Volunteers will use hand tools to remove as many Italian thistle sprouts as possible along the main road to the Hacienda.
Register >>

Carmel River FREE Tour | May 12
2023-05-12 10:00 - 11:30 | 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 >>
