An Evening with Best-Selling Author, Richard Louv
2020-03-06 19:30 - 21:00 UTC | 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.

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.

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Big Sur Land Trust’s Virtual Book Club - The Overstory
2020-05-14 19:00 - 20:30 UTC
Join Big Sur Land Trust’s virtual book club.
For our first book, we’ve chosen The Overstory, the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Richard Powers. Many staff members have been raving about it.
We’re partnering with Pilgrim’s Way, an independent community bookstore in Carmel. Simply call them at 831-624-4955 and they will have the book drop-shipped to you.
RSVP below to join our Zoom meeting on May 14th to discuss this fantastic story:

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Big Sur Land Trust’s Virtual Book Club - The Honey Bus
2020-07-23 16:00 - 18:00 UTC
Join Big Sur Land Trust’s virtual book club!

For our second book, we’ve chosen The Honey Bus, by Meredith May. Set in Monterey County, the story takes place during a pivotal time in May’s childhood when she suddenly found herself in the care of her grandfather, an eccentric beekeeper who made honey in a rusty old military bus in his yard. Throughout the years, she learned to take care of herself, forged an unbreakable bond with her grandfather and opened up to the wonder and wisdom of nature.
We are honored that Meredith May, author of The Honey Bus, will be joining us for our upcoming virtual book club event on July 23 from 4:00 – 6:00pm (PT)!

We’re partnering with Pilgrim’s Way, an independent community bookstore in Carmel. Simply call them at 831-624-4955 and they will have the book drop-shipped to you.

RSVP below to join our virtual meeting (by either calling-in or via Zoom) on July 23rd from 4:00 – 6:00pm (PT) to discuss this fantastic story:

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Big Sur Land Trust’s Virtual Book Club - Braiding Sweetgrass
2020-11-12 16:30 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Join Big Sur Land Trust’s virtual book club!

For our next book, we’ve chosen Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer, a New York Times and Washington Post bestseller and named “Best Essay Collection of the Decade” by Literary Hub. Drawing on her life as an indigenous scientist, and as a woman, Kimmerer shows how other living beings―asters and goldenrod, strawberries and squash, salamanders, algae, and sweetgrass―offer us gifts and lessons, even if we’ve forgotten how to hear their voices. In reflections that range from the creation of Turtle Island to the forces that threaten its flourishing today, she circles toward a central argument: that the awakening of ecological consciousness requires the acknowledgment and celebration of our reciprocal relationship with the rest of the living world. For only when we can hear the languages of other beings will we be capable of understanding the generosity of the earth, and learn to give our own gifts in return. Join our upcoming virtual book club event on November 12 from 4:30 – 6:00pm (PT)!
As we explore Braiding Sweetgrass, we’ll be joined by featured contributor, Linda Yamane and special guest speaker, Carla Marie Munoz, Tribal Councilwoman of the Costanoan Rumsen Carmel Tribe. Linda is an Ohlone artist, basketweaver, singer and scholar who traces her ancestry to the Rumsien Ohlone, the native people of the Monterey area. Carla Marie has served as a tribal liaison for her people for the past nine years, while creating relationships between state parks, government agencies and other tribal communities.
We’re partnering with two independent community bookstores in the area. Drop by or call Pilgrim’s Way in Carmel or Downtown Book and Sound in Salinas to get your book.

RSVP below to join our virtual meeting (by either calling-in or via Zoom) on November 12th from 4:30 – 6:00pm (PT) to discuss this inspiring story and hear representatives from local tribes give their perspectives:

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Kiss the Ground | Big Sur Land Trust's Virtual Movie Club
2020-12-09 16:30 - 17:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
December 9 | 4:30pm – 5:30pm
Our book club events have been so successful, we’re adding films into the mix! Now available on Netflix and on Vimeo for $1, the documentary Kiss the Ground unpacks the ways the earth’s soil may be the key to combating climate change. Big Sur Land Trust is starting our own healthy soils program as part of the fire recovery efforts at Marks Ranch!
Hear from Agricultural Water Quality Coordinator from NOAA’s Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Pam Krone and regenerative rancher and author Doniga Markegard – whose family ranch is featured in Kiss the Ground. Watch the film on your own and then meet up with us for our first virtual movie club event.
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FREE Funding Resources for Fire Preparedness Practices and Restoration
2021-03-19 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
FREE Webinar: Funding Resources for Fire Preparedness Practices and Restoration on Rangelands
Friday, March 19
6:00 – 7:30 PM PT
Join experts on post-fire restoration, representatives from the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and BSLT’s director of stewardship, Patrick Riparetti for a free webinar! You’ll learn about best practices and funding resources for rangeland fire preparedness and restoration. You’ll also hear about BSLT’s implementation of the Healthy Soils restoration program at Marks Ranch.
Learn more by viewing a flyer here.
Register for free by clicking here.

2021 Race for Open Space
2021-04-04 - 2021-04-25
Trail Run/Walk
April 4 – 25, 2021
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 (ROS) was a force for nature! 450 people ran, walked, and hiked safely and socially distanced at Glen Deven Ranch, Mitteldorf Preserve, in their own neighborhoods, or on our special Adventure Courses! Many supporters donated as well. All of these stellar humans found their wonder and raised $25,000 for the lands they love! Plus, our generous sponsors contributed $21,000.
But wait! There’s more…Thanks to the thirsty folks who purchased some yummy Hoppy Hiker Hazy IPA, Alvarado Street Brewery raised an additional $10,000 for healthy lands, healthy people, and healthy communities. This makes everyone a winner!
And we know you really want to hear who the winners in each of our Race for Open Space categories are:
SPEEDY RUNNER AWARDS
2.4-miles at Glen Deven Ranch:

David Loutzenheiser (18:59) and Linda Sereno (20:41)
Youth: David Oliver and Juliet Oliver (1:30:00)

4-miles at Mitteldorf Preserve:

William Tovar (38:06) and Franca Rossi (42:52)
Youth: David Oliver and Juliet Oliver (1:30:00)

8.5-miles at Mitteldorf Preserve:

Linda Sereno (1:25:14) and David Loutzenheiser (1:31:49)
Youth: Luca Gurdgiev (1:34:37)

9-miles, Palo Corona to San Jose Creek Trail:

Anthony Davi (1:23:25) and Emily Cole (1:37:15)
Youth: Isabella Davi (1:39:33)

21-miles, Palo Corona to Mitteldorf Preserve:

Jenny Jacox (3:22:34) and Mike Jacox (3:22:37)
Special recognition to Robert Beverly (3:24:48), just a hair behind in pace!

MOST MILES AWARDS

Top Male: Mark Beering (293.09 miles recorded)
Top Female: Emily Motz (198.18 miles recorded)
Top team:

In 3rd place: York School, Monterey with 121 miles recorded!
In 2nd place: The Monterey Bay Moves team with 125 miles recorded!
In 1st place: The Trailblazers for the Lands We Love team with 133.5 miles recorded!

Want to know who won our photo contest? Check it out below and take a look at all the 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:
Summit Circle

KAZU

KAZU

KRML

KRML

Monterey County Weekly

Monterey County Weekly

Radio Bilingüe

Radio Bilingüe

Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce

Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce

President’s Circle

Steward

Trailblazer

Conservator

In-Kind

Race for Open Space Virtual After-Party
2021-05-06 17:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
We want to celebrate everyone who participated in this year’s virtual Race for Open Space! Come join us for our virtual after-party as we unveil all the results. There will be prize drawings and more fun to share. We hope to see you there!
WHEN:
Thursday, May 6
5:00-6:00

WHERE:
Zoom Meeting
RSVP:
Complete the registration form below to RSVP.
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FULL - Maintenance Monday | June 7
2021-06-07 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Marks Ranch, 117th Drive, Salinas, CA, 93908, United States
EVENT CLOSED
This volunteer event is now full. Stay tuned for more opportunities!
Maintenance Monday at Marks Ranch
Big Sur Land Trust is kicking off this summer season with our first ever Maintenance Monday! We’ll be out at Marks Ranch cutting back some of the growth from this past year and preparing the trails for reopening!
As part of the event we will be passing out tickets for a raffle next month and providing a free beer from our friends at Alvarado Street Brewing. So come join in and grab a beer as we work together on the lands you love.
Date: Monday, June 7, 2021
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
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An evening with Dr. Matthew Savoca | June 17
2021-06-17 17:30 - 18:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Thursday, June 17
5:30 – 6:30pm
We all know that plastic poses a threat to our environment and to animals. Join us for a virtual presentation from Dr. Matthew Savoca, as he shares his findings on why marine animals mistake plastic for food. We’ll even learn about some cool new research that hasn’t yet been published!
Dr. Matthew Savoca is a postdoctoral researcher at the Hopkins Marine Station of Stanford University. Matthew completed his PhD in Ecology at the University of California, Davis, where his research focused on why marine animals mistake plastic debris for prey items. This work received international media attention from NPR, The BBC, The New York Times, and National Geographic, among other outlets. He earned a Science and SciLifeLab Prize for Young Scientists in 2018 for an essay describing his doctoral work. He currently studies the foraging behavior of baleen whales and their possible interactions with microplastics. Matthew is also passionate about science communication and maintains an active science blog and writes for The Conversation. Several of these popular science articles have been republished by venues including the San Francisco Chronicle, Scientific American, and the Washington Post. For more information, visit his website at: MatthewSavocaEcology.weebly.com
Sign up to join us below.

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

LEGACY SPONSOR:

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Maintenance Monday | July 26
2021-07-26 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Marks Ranch, 117th Drive, Salinas, CA, 93908, United States
Monday, July 26
5:00 – 8:00pm
We enjoyed seeing familiar faces and meeting new volunteers last month during our first Maintenance Monday! If you were unable to attend that event, you can sign up for this one!
Maintenance Mondays is a series of volunteer events to make the land more resilient, enjoyable and safe for wildlife and people alike. We invite you to join us for the next event on Monday, July 26th at Marks Ranch to continue our work as we prepare the trails for reopening!
As part of the event we will be passing out tickets for a raffle that will take place that same evening. Free beer from our friends at Alvarado Street Brewing will be provided. So come join in and grab a beer as we work together on the Lands You Love.
Only 15 spots are available so sign-up today!
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Maintenance Monday | August 23
2021-08-23 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Marks Ranch, 117th Drive, Salinas, CA, 93908, United States
Monday, August 23
5:00 – 8:00pm
What a group of excellent volunteers we have had the pleasure of working with the past couple of Maintenance Mondays! If you were unable to attend those events, you can sign up for this one!
Maintenance Mondays is a series of volunteer events to make the land more resilient, enjoyable and safe for wildlife and people alike. We invite you to join us for the next event on Monday, August 23rd at Marks Ranch to continue to nurture the space.
As part of the event we will be passing out tickets for a raffle that will take place next month. Refreshments and snacks will be provided. So come join in and have fun with us as we work together on the Lands You Love.
Only 15 spots are available so sign-up today!
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Oak Tree Restoration for Rangelands
2021-08-25 15:00 - 16:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Oak Tree Restoration for Rangelands
August 25, 2021 from 3:00pm – 4:30pm on Zoom
Oak woodlands perform numerous important ecosystem services including scenic beauty, erosion prevention, improving water quality and infiltration, regulating water flow in watersheds, providing habitat for bird and animal species, increasing biodiversity, and GHG sequestration as well as improving soil health. Oaks are healthy for rangelands for many of these same reasons, plus they provide shade for grazing animals and increase soil water storage for a longer “green” period. The decrease in oaks has been attributed to many factors including overgrazing, fire suppression, excessive ground squirrel and gopher activity, invasive species, poor management practices and human development. The California Oak Foundation projects that over 1 million acres of woodland will be lost to development in the upcoming 30 years. Rangeland represents the best opportunity for oak restoration and together we can help regenerate vital oak woodlands, but it’s not easy – so take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn from experts now!
Join us in a virtual tour of an oak tree restoration project in Monterey County. Learn what factors to consider when implementing an oak tree restoration project and how to determine if your location is appropriate for restoration. We will review lessons learned from two long term Oak Tree Restoration Projects in California. Learn how the the Healthy Soils Program can help fund your oak tree restoration project.
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Share and download the flyer with those who may also be interested here.
This event is supported by the ‘California Climate Investments’ program.

Maintenance Monday | September 20
2021-09-20 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Marks Ranch, 117th Drive, Salinas, CA, 93908, United States
Monday September 20th
5:00PM – 8:00PM
Maintenance Mondays is a series of volunteer events to make the land more resilient, enjoyable and safe for wildlife and people alike. We invite you to join us for the next event on Monday, September 20th at Marks Ranch to continue to nurture the lands we love and share.
During this event, we will continue to nurture the area inside and around the historic Hacienda. Various groups will work on collecting small to medium size fire fuels, clearing the interior of the barn, continue removing pieces of plaster that separated from the burnt hacienda wall, among other tasks.
As part of the event, we will be passing out tickets for a raffle that will take place the same day. Refreshments and snacks will be provided. So come join in and have fun with us as we work together on the Lands You Love.
We’re looking forward to seeing you on Monday, September 20th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Only 15 spots are available so sign up today!
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FULL | Iceplant Pulling Volunteer Event | September 25
2021-09-25 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Martin Dunes, Marina, CA, United States
Saturday, September 25
10:00AM to 1:00PM
Martin Dunes in Marina

Although the invasive iceplant has almost been completely eradicated from Martin Dunes in Marina, we must keep it in check. Endangered endemic species like the legless lizard and the Smith’s blue butterfly depend on it.
We invite you to join us Saturday September 25th in a land stewardship volunteer event to continue our work of nurturing the native dune ecosystem at Martin Dunes. We’ll also pick up trash along the way. We need 8 to 10 volunteers, so sign up today!
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Volunteer Event at Mitteldorf Preserve | October 21
2021-10-21 09:00 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Mitteldorf Preserve
Volunteer Event at Mitteldorf Preserve
Thursday, October 21 at 9:30am
Get your gloves and join us Thursday, October 21 at Mitteldorf Preserve removing eupatorium, a plant native to Europe that can outcompete the natives by altering the soil composition and hydrology of the area.
Volunteers will arrive directly at the Williams Canyon parking area inside the Santa Lucia Preserve at 9:00am, where Hadley, BSLT’s Preserve Manager, will meet you. (Allow 45 minutes to drive form Monterey).
If you have not yet been at Mitteldorf Preserve, please contact JC at jcnavarro@bigsurlandtrust.org for more information on how to get there.
Expect to walk two easy miles into Mitteldorf Preserve, where we’ll begin our work pulling eupatorium.
Space is limited, so sign up today!
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FULL! Docent-led Hike | November 13
2021-11-13 07:30 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Arroyo Seco, Meet at Wild Goose Café 18 E Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, CA, 93924, United States
NOTE: This hike has reached capacity and is now full.
Docent-led hikes are back! Our volunteer hike leaders are very excited to get on the lands we all love with you.
Saturday, November 13
7:30am – 3:00pm
Arroyo Seco Ranch, Greenfield
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.
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Drill Seeding Rangeland Demonstration Day | November 17
2021-11-17 09:00 - 12:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Marks Ranch, 117th Drive, Salinas, CA, 93908, United States
Free Field Demonstration
Wednesday, November 17 from 9:00am – 12:30pm at Marks Ranch
Big Sur Land Trust’s Marks Ranch has served as a grazing land for livestock for many years. However, grazing operations were interrupted in 2016 with the Soberanes Fire and again in 2020 with the River Fire when, throughout the duration of these wildfires, the ranch served as the incident command center. The equipment and personnel activities on the staging area resulted in compacted soil and absence of vegetation covering. As part of the recovery efforts, Big Sur Land Trust and the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation have implemented rangeland seeding on the impacted area.
Rangeland seeding is a practice that can restore degraded land while increasing healthy forage for livestock. It can also improve soil health, re-establish native vegetation that increases habitat value, create pollinator habitat, improve water filtration, increase carbon sequestration, among many other benefits. Depending on your goals and your land structure, drill seeding can be an effective method to implement during your seeding project. Drill seeders directly place seeds into the soil with minimal ground disturbance. The Truax seeder, that will be used in the live demonstration of drill seeding, can be calibrated to provide an even seeding rate of large, small, and fluffy seeds.
Join us in the field to learn more about drill seeding and alternative seeding methods. Watch a live demonstration of drill seeding at Marks Ranch. Gain an understanding of what factors to consider when implementing a rangeland seeding project and how to determine best seed mixtures. Learn how the Healthy Soils Program can help fund your rangeland seeding project.
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For more information, download our flyer here and contact Jazmine Mejia-Muñoz at jazmine@californiamsf.org or call (661) 331-2612.

Docent-led Hike | November 20
2021-11-20 09:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Docent-led hikes are back! Our volunteer hike leaders are very excited to get on the lands we all love with you.
Saturday, November 20
9:00am – 2:00pm
Martin Dunes, Marina

Level of difficulty- moderately strenuous as we’ll be trekking around the coastline and sand dunes.
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.
Since space is limited, you may be notified that you are on a waitlist. Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to seeing you soon!

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Post-Thanksgiving Clean-up Day at Marks Ranch
2021-11-28 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Marks Ranch, 117th Drive, Salinas, CA, 93908, United States
Join Big Sur Land Trust’s Land Steward, Cate Stanley, on Sunday, November 28 from 12:00PM to 2:00PM for a special “clean-up” day at Marks Ranch. We’ll focus on picking up trash so the “work” part of the day should go fairly quickly—and then you can enjoy a hike through this beautiful historic ranch. Bring your family. It’s a great way to spend a Sunday!
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You Make It Possible | December 2
2021-12-02 16:30 - 17:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
You Make It Possible
Thursday, December 2
4:30pm – 5:30pm
With gratitude for all that your support has made possible, we invite you to join our virtual celebration of how partnerships make Big Sur Land Trust’s work possible. Our President and CEO Jeannette Tuitele-Lewis, our community partners, and staff will share inspirational stories of your support in action during this year and what we look forward to accomplishing in 2022. We’ll also provide a sneak peek into next year’s events and you’ll have an opportunity to ask questions.
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FULL | Restoration Planting Day | December 11
2021-12-11 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Glen Deven Ranch
FULL!
Glen Deven Ranch
Saturday, December 11, 2021
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Big Sur Land Trust has been slowly restoring 19-acres of Glen Deven Ranch following a massive Eucalyptus Removal Project which ended in 2019. Nearly half of the site has already revegetated but the challenging southern slope, which is prone to landslides, still remains an obstacle on the path to reestablishing native cover. Come be a part of the restoration and join in on planting and spreading native seed!
You will help us plant approximately 200 plants within the Eucalyptus Removal footprint to restore native vegetation cover and stabilize the eroding slope. Wear long a long sleeve shirt and close toed shoes. If you forget your gloves, we have you covered! Snacks and water will be provided.
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Restoration Planting Volunteer Event | January 2
2022-01-02 11:00 - 14:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Glen Deven Ranch
Restoration Planting Volunteer Event
Sunday, January 2 2022 | 11:00AM – 2:30PM
Big Sur Land Trust has been slowly restoring 19-acres of Glen Deven Ranch following a massive Eucalyptus Removal Project which ended in 2019. Nearly half of the site has already revegetated but the challenging southern slope, which is prone to landslides, still remains an obstacle on the path to reestablishing native cover. Come be a part of the restoration and join in on planting and spreading native seed!
You will help us plant approximately 200 plants within the Eucalyptus Removal footprint to restore native vegetation cover and stabilize the eroding slope. Wear close toed shoes. If you forget your gloves, we have you covered! Snacks and water will be provided.
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Stewardship Volunteer Event - Iceplant Pull
2022-01-29 09:30 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Martin Dunes, Marina, CA, United States
Stewardship Volunteer Event – Iceplant Pull
Saturday, January 29 | 9:30AM – 1:00PM
Martin Dunes

Although the invasive iceplant has almost completely been eradicated from Martin Dunes in Marina, we must keep it in check. Endangered endemic species like the legless lizard and the Smith’s blue butterfly depend on it.
We invite you to join us Saturday, January 29 in an iceplant pulling volunteer event. We’ll also pick up trash along the way. Sign up today!
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Stewardship Volunteer Event – Iceplant Pull
2022-02-19 09:30 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Martin Dunes, Marina, CA, United States
Stewardship Volunteer Event – Iceplant Pull
Saturday, February 19 | 9:30AM – 1:30PM
Martin Dunes
Despite our efforts last month, the sensitive dune habitat at Martin Dunes still demands our attention. Although the invasive iceplant has been eradicated almost completely from from this part of the dune system, we must keep it in check. Endangered endemic species like the legless lizard and the Smith’s blue butterfly depend on it.
Please join us Saturday, February 19 to pull iceplant with BSLT volunteers and staff. Snacks will be provided. Invite your friends and sign up today!
This is a family friendly event.
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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
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 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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.
