Trail Work at Mitteldorf Preserve | March 14
2026-03-14 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
Join BSLT to clear trails and remove invasive plants at Mitteldorf Preserve.

1,100 acre Mitteldorf Preserve is always in need of a little love! We will walk the lower sections of the preserve, clearing the trails of debris and pulling any invasive species that we can identify. This work will keep the trails clear for hikers, provide safe vehicle access, and act as fire mitigation.
What to expect:

Meet at 10am at Palo Corona Regional Park near the flagpole
We will carpool to Williams Canyon Parking Lot and then work our way up the canyon, clearing the trail and pulling invasive species along the way
The hike will be no more than 4 miles with minimal elevation change
A member of the BSLT Stewardship department will meet us there with gloves, tools, and instructions
We will preform trail brushing for approximately 2 hours before departing Mitteldorf at 1:30, arriving back at Palo Corona at 1pm

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JOIN WAITLIST! Let's Go Outdoors! Carmel River FREE tour | March 20 (9am-11:30am)
2026-03-20 09:00 - 11:30 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
Enjoy a 3.5-mile round-trip hike of the CR FREE project site, led by Big Sur Land Trust’s Vice President of Conservation, Rachel Saunders.
Big Sur Land Trust’s Carmel River Floodplain Restoration and Environmental Enhancement (CR FREE) project is one of the most extensive and important multi-benefit flood protection and riparian habitat restoration efforts on the Central Coast. Using a nature-based green infrastructure approach, it will reclaim the southern floodplain to direct water away from developed areas north of the river.
Our hike will be a slow-paced, staff-led tour of this project site.
Please note that minors will need to be accompanied by an adult. Please leave four-legged friends at home. Thank you!
Bring: Everything you will need for a gentle walk. Closed-toed hiking shoes and layers are strongly recommended.
Walk details:

Distance: 3.5 miles
Total ascent: 130 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Surface: Dirt trail (non-technical)

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FULL! Williams Canyon to Rancho Cañada Earth Day Hike | April 22
2026-04-22 08:00 - 17:00 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
Join Big Sur Land Trust for a guided hike from the Williams Canyon parking meadow to Palo Corona Regional Park’s Rancho Cañada Unit.

We will traverse 8.5 miles (including three creek crossings) and climb over 1500 feet through Santa Lucia Conservancy land and Palo Corona Regional Park’s backcountry and front ranch. We will spend much of the day on lands not open to the public that are part of Big Sur Land Trust’s 45-year and 45,000-acre legacy of land conservation, so it will be our special pleasure to enable managed access to these conserved lands in support of our continuing land conservation efforts.
Bring: A picnic lunch and plenty of water, plus everything you need for a day of strenuous backcountry hiking. There will be creek crossings, so be prepared to get your feet wet! Sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes are required, and layers are recommended.

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

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Monthly Meeting at Ensen Community Park | May 8
2026-05-08 17:30 - 19:30 | Ensen Community Park, 99 La Posada Drive, Salinas, CA, 93906
Let’s catch up and plan for next month’s park activities!/¡Reunámonos para planificar las actividades del parque para el próximo mes!

When: 2nd Friday of each month
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Where: Ensen Community Park
(Outdoors if weather and daylight allow; otherwise, we’ll meet in an indoor space at the park.)
Snacks and refreshments will be provided for all participants. Whether you can stay for the whole time or just drop in, all are welcome!
Register >>

SOLD OUT! Race for Open Space 2026 | May 9
2026-05-09 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
SOLD OUT! While the race itself is sold out, you can still spend a meaningful day at Palo Corona Regional Park by volunteering at this year’s Race for Open Space. Volunteer opportunities >>

Each spring, people of all ages and fitness levels join Big Sur Land Trust’s Race for Open Space—our largest annual community event. In 2025, over 300 runners, hikers, and walkers joined us to raise funds for the lands we all love in Monterey County.
This year, the event will continue to offer multiple courses to experience conserved lands that are not usually open to the public. Whether you want to go deep into the backcountry, take it easier along shorter courses, run solo, walk with a group, or just cheer on your family and friends, the Race for Open Space has something for you!

SOLD OUT! Palo Corona to South Bank Trail 1-mile Fun Run
SOLD OUT! Palo Corona Front Ranch Lollipop 5K
SOLD OUT! Palo Corona to Whisler Wilson Out-and-Back 12K
SOLD OUT! Palo Corona to Williams Canyon Out-and-Back 25K
SOLD OUT! Lunch Bench Lollipop 35K+

Thanks to our continued partners at Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District, Inside Trail, and Alvarado Street Brewery.
Learn more >>

Monthly Park Clean-up | May 16
2026-05-16 10:30 - 11:30 | Ensen Community Park, 99 La Posada Drive, Salinas, CA, 93906
Monthly Park Clean-up
Saturday, May 16
10:30am – 11:30am
Ensen Community Park, Salinas
Join Big Sur Land Trust and Friends of Ensen Community Park Volunteers for our Monthly Park Clean-up at Ensen Community Park! This is a great opportunity to meet your neighbors, get some fresh air, and hear updates on the restoration project. Help clean up our local park and make our community a better place for everyone! Register >>

Trail Work at Mitteldorf Preserve | May 20
2026-05-20 14:00 - 17:00 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
Join BSLT to clear trails and remove invasive plants at Mitteldorf Preserve.

1,100 acre Mitteldorf Preserve is always in need of a little love! We will walk the lower sections of the preserve, clearing the trails of debris and pulling any invasive species that we can identify. This work will keep the trails clear for hikers, provide safe vehicle access, and act as fire mitigation.
Register >>

San Jose Creek 2-mile Hike | May 23
2026-05-23 09:00 - 14:00 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
Join Big Sur Land Trust for a gentle 2-mile guided hike along the San Jose Creek Trail.

Every step of this hike was made possible through our partnership with the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District, California State Parks, and Point Lobos Foundation as collaborative members of the Lobos Corona Parklands project — along with generous donors and funders. Shuttles will transport hikers from Palo Corona Regional Park (Rancho Cañada) to the Ishxenta State Park San Jose Creek trailhead, which is only accessible through guided hikes. From there, we will meander up the gentle incline along San Jose Creek, looking for early wildflowers along the way. After crossing over San Jose Creek’s three magnificent redwood bridges, we will arrive at the meadow that will be our turnaround point. This hike is a beautiful reminder that collaboration can bring beautiful change and that our actions are stronger when taken together. We are grateful to our partners and to our donors for each step forward that we take together.
Bring: Snacks to enjoy along the hike, plus everything you need for a half-day of backcountry hiking. Sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes are required, and layers are recommended.

Distance: 2 miles
Elevation: 150′ total ascent
Difficulty: Easy
Pace: Easy

Register >>

Big Sur Land Trust Volunteer Orientation | June 4
2026-06-04 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Through this orientation, you will become more familiar with Big Sur Land Trust’s mission, history, programs, organizational structure, and volunteer opportunities so that you are more fully informed about the organization you hope to so generously support through volunteering. This will also be your chance to interact with staff members and ask questions.
Register >>

Monthly Meeting at Ensen Community Park |
2026-06-12 17:30 - 19:30 | Ensen Community Park, 99 La Posada Drive, Salinas, CA, 93906
June and July Monthly Meetings at Ensen Community Park will be paused as we are bringing new and exciting activities to the park for the summer! Be on the lookout in August for our next meeting.
Let’s catch up and plan for next month’s park activities!/¡Reunámonos para planificar las actividades del parque para el próximo mes!

When: 2nd Friday of each month
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Where: Ensen Community Park
(Outdoors if weather and daylight allow; otherwise, we’ll meet in an indoor space at the park.)
Snacks and refreshments will be provided for all participants. Whether you can stay for the whole time or just drop in, all are welcome!

Monthly Park Clean-up | June 20
2026-06-20 10:30 - 11:30 | Ensen Community Park, 99 La Posada Drive, Salinas, CA, 93906
Monthly Park Clean-up
Saturday, June 20
10:30am – 11:30am
Ensen Community Park, Salinas
Join Big Sur Land Trust and Friends of Ensen Community Park Volunteers for our Monthly Park Clean-up at Ensen Community Park! This is a great opportunity to meet your neighbors, get some fresh air, and hear updates on the restoration project. Help clean up our local park and make our community a better place for everyone! Register >>

Big Sur Land Trust Volunteer - Youth Summer Camp Setup Day | June 24
2026-06-24 10:00 - 16:00 | 3649 Rio Rd, Carmel by the Sea, 3649 Rio Rd, Carmel by the Sea
Big Sur Land Trust Volunteer – Youth Summer Camp Setup Day
Wednesday, June 24
10:00am – 4:00pm
3649 Rio Rd, Carmel by the Sea
Join BSLT staff to assist with the setup and preparation of Glen Deven Ranch for our annual Youth Summer Camp series!

Join us as we prepare Glen Deven Ranch for our Youth Summer Camp series! We will be working in two cohorts, one helping to organize gear and prepare the house, and the other will assist in setting up the canvas tents. Register >>

Community Day at Marks Ranch | July 26
2026-07-26 09:00 - 13:00 | Marks Ranch, 117th Drive, Salinas, CA, 93908, United States
Please join us for a community day at Marks Ranch on Saturday, July 26!
Big Sur Land Trust warmly invites you to explore this historic ranch along the Highway 68 corridor. Enjoy an easy self-guided 1-mile walk through open fields and under shady oaks while soaking in the peace and seasonal beauty of this cherished landscape.
Along the way, hone your birdwatching skills with our friends from Monterey Audubon Society, learn about the recent history of Marks Ranch from Big Sur Land Trust staff, and wander through the rare cactus garden behind the historic house.
Register >>

Youth Summer Camp Break Down | August 19
2026-08-19 11:00 - 15:00 | 3649 Rio Rd, Carmel by the Sea, 3649 Rio Rd, Carmel by the Sea
Join BSLT staff to assist with the breakdown of our campsite at Glen Deven Ranch as we wrap up our annual Youth Summer Camp series!
Join us as we wrap up Glen Deven Ranch campsite for our Youth Summer Camp series! We will be working together to break down our canvas tents.
We will rendezvous at the Rio Road Park and Ride (Google pin). Please arrive no later than 11 a.m. We will drive to Glen Deven together in Big Sur Land Trust vehicles and plan to return you to your parked vehicles by 3 p.m.

Register >>

BSLT Volunteer Orientation | September 3
2026-09-03 12:00 - 13:00 | Online

Carmel River FREE Tour | September 25
2026-09-25 09:00 - 12:00 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
