Big Sur Land Trust

Let’s Go Outdoors! San Jose Creek 2-mile Hike | March 8
2025-03-08 09:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
Distance: 2 miles
Elevation: 150′ total ascent
Difficulty: Easy
Pace: Easy
Every step of this hike was made possible through our partnership with the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District, California State Parks, and Point Lobos Foundation as collaborative members of the Lobos Corona Parklands project — along with generous donors and funders. Shuttles will transport hikers from Palo Corona Regional Park (Rancho Cañada) to the Ishxenta State Park San Jose Creek trailhead, which is only accessible through guided hikes. From there, we will meander up the gentle incline along San Jose Creek, looking for early wildflowers along the way. After crossing over San Jose Creek’s three magnificent redwood bridges, we will arrive at the meadow that will be our turnaround point. This hike is a beautiful reminder that collaboration can bring beautiful change and that our actions are stronger when taken together. We are grateful to our partners and to our donors for each step forward that we take together.
Bring: Snacks to enjoy along the hike, plus everything you need for a half-day of backcountry hiking. Sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes are required, and layers are recommended.
Please note: While the trails we will be on are well-tended, this area is known to have extremely high tick densities. Please take extra precautions when preparing for this hike (wear light-colored clothes, wear pants that can be tucked into socks, bring and use tick repellent, etc.) and be sure to do a thorough tick-check following your day with us.
Please note that each participant must be individually registered (including kids, who need to be accompanied by an adult).
Register >>

Help care for the lands you LOVE: February 26
2025-02-26 14:00 - 17:00 | Marks Ranch, 117th Drive, Salinas, CA, 93908, United States
Big Sur Land Trust is providing regular monthly opportunities for community members to actively help us steward our preserves in Monterey County. No prior experience or green thumb required—just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to roll up your sleeves.
These fun events are a great way to meet like-minded individuals and connect with the lands you love. Join us!
When: Wednesday, February 26 | 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Where: Meet outside the gate at Marks Ranch.
What: During this event we will be working together to remove a common invasive species called Italian thistle (Carduus pycnocephalus). Read more about why we need to remove this tricky species, HERE.
Snacks and tools will be provided but bring plenty of water! Close-toed shoes, hats, and layers are strongly encouraged!
This is a family-friendly event. All participants must sign a waiver to participate. These events can count towards High School Community Service Hour requirements.
Additional instructions/directions provided via email once registration is complete.
Register >>

Help care for the lands you LOVE: February 15
2025-02-15 10:00 - 14:00 | Marks Ranch, 117th Drive, Salinas, CA, 93908, United States
Big Sur Land Trust is providing regular monthly opportunities for community members to actively help us steward our preserves in Monterey County. No prior experience or green thumb required—just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to roll up your sleeves.
These fun events are a great way to meet like-minded individuals and connect with the lands you love. Join us!
When: Saturday, February 15 | 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Where: Meet outside the gate at Marks Ranch.
What: During this event we will be working together to plant milkweed saplings, a vital plant that is the habitat and food source of the Monarch butterflies. You’ll have the option to take some milkweed plants with you to plant outside your home.
Register >>

Help care for the lands you LOVE | February 8
2025-02-08 09:30 - 13:00 | Crossroads Park & Ride, 3650 Rio Road, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA, 93923, United States
Big Sur Land Trust is providing regular monthly opportunities for community members to actively help us steward our preserves in Monterey County. No prior experience or green thumb required—just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to roll up your sleeves.
During this event we will be working together to remove a common invasive species called French Broom (Genista monspessulana). Read more about why we need to remove this tricky species, HERE.
Meet at the Park and Ride at the Crossroads in Carmel. We will organize carpools and caravan together to Glen Deven Ranch.
Register >>

You Make it Possible | January 30
2025-01-30 17:00 - 18:00
With gratitude for all your support, we invite you to join our celebration of all you’ve made possible! Bring a glass of water, wine, or both for a virtual chat with our President and CEO, Jeannette Tuitele-Lewis, and Big Sur Land Trust staff. We’ll share inspirational stories of your generosity in action, as well as what we’re looking forward to accomplishing in 2025. We’ll also give you a preview of our events calendar, and you’ll have an opportunity to ask questions.
Register >>

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

Big Sur Land Trust Volunteer Orientation | January 9
2025-01-09 12:00 - 13:00
A virtual orientation to learn more about Big Sur Land Trust and our volunteer opportunities.

Your dedication to your community is what makes it a vibrant place! You have chosen to become a volunteer with Big Sur Land Trust, and we want us to get better acquainted. Whether you are a new or current volunteer, please join us for this online volunteer orientation.
Through this orientation, you will become more familiar with Big Sur Land Trust’s mission, history, programs, organizational structure, and volunteer opportunities so that you are more fully informed about the organization you hope to so generously support through volunteering. This will also be your chance to interact with staff members and ask questions.
There is nothing you need to do to prepare for this orientation – just join us! However, if you’d like to learn more about who you will hear from, and some of the things you will hear about, here are a few links to peruse:

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

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

Register >>

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

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

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

Please note that each participant must be individually registered (including kids, who need to be accompanied by an adult). Hikers must be 15+ years of age.
Register >>

Monterey Bay Half Marathon BSLT Green Team | November 10
2024-11-10 07:30 - 14:00
Big Sur Land Trust is proud to be among the over 50 community groups that volunteer to make the Monterey Bay Half Marathon a sustainable and eco-friendly event each fall. This partnership is a joyful part of our work for healthy lands, healthy people, and healthy communities.
On Sunday, November 10th volunteer on the Monterey Bay Half Marathon’s ‘Green Team’ on behalf of Big Sur Land Trust, as we help the event ‘leave no trace’ by sweeping the start/finish of litter (7:30am-12:30pm shift) as well as the course itself (10am-2pm shift). Please sign up here using the password BSLT.
Kids are welcome (they do not need an RSVP) but must be accompanied by an adult. Volunteers should bring snacks, lunch, water, and sun protection.
Register here >>

Big Sur Land Trust Volunteer Orientation | November 7
2024-11-07 12:00 - 13:00

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

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

Please note that each participant must be individually registered (including kids, who need to be accompanied by an adult). Hikers must be 15+ years of age.
Register >>

Wildlife Conservation Board Strategic Plan Workshop in Monterey | October 30
2024-10-30 15:30 - 18:30 | Japanese American Citizens League Hall, 424 Adams St, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
The California Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) plays a crucial role in allocating funds for the purchase of land and waters for the preservation, protection, and restoration of wildlife habitat and for recreation purposes. WCB has been a significant supporter of Big Sur Land Trust by providing substantial financial assistance for projects like our Ensen Community Park and restoration project at Carr Lake in Salinas and our protection of critical wildlife corridors on over 5,000 acres at Basin Ranch in Carmel Valley.
WCB is holding workshops around the state to discuss their 2025-2030 Strategic Plan. You’re invited to this informal, open house-style workshop to learn about WCB and help them chart their future. Interactive stations will highlight programs that support protecting biodiversity, increasing access to nature, and taking action on climate change with plenty of opportunities to ask questions. Stop by and stay as long as you like!
What: WCB Strategic Plan Workshop
When: Wednesday, October 30 from 3:30pm – 6:30pm
Where: Japanese American Citizens League Hall, 424 Adams St. in Monterey
Thank you to the Japanese American Citizens League for hosting this special event. We hope to see you there!
RSVP >>

Carmel River FREE Tour | October 25
2024-10-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
Enjoy a 3-mile round-trip hike/tour of the CR FREE project site, led by Big Sur Land Trust’s Director of Conservation, Rachel Saunders.
Big Sur Land Trust’s Carmel River Floodplain Restoration and Environmental Enhancement (CR FREE) project is one of the most extensive and important multi-benefit flood protection and riparian habitat restoration efforts on the Central Coast. Using a nature-based green infrastructure approach, it will reclaim the southern floodplain to direct water away from developed areas north of the river.
Our hike will be a slow-paced, staff-led tour of this project site.
Please note that minors will need to be accompanied by an adult. Please leave four-legged friends at home. Thank you!
Bring: Everything you will need for a gentle walk. Closed-toed hiking shoes and layers are strongly recommended.
Walk details:

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

Register >>

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

Located within the Monterey Bay dune complex, Martin Dunes protects critical habitat for several special status species, including the Monterey spineflower, Smith’s blue butterfly, and Western snowy plover. However, introduced invasive species such as ice plant and annual grasses are prime threats to this native coastal dune system.
Join BSLT staff and volunteers in removing these invasive species to restore and care for the lands we love at Martin Dunes on October 19 (9:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.). Water, snacks, gloves, and hand tools will be provided. Volunteers will work to manually remove as many satellite populations of iceplant as possible.
Register >>

Join Waitlist: San Jose Creek birding walk with Big Sur Land Trust and Monterey Audubon | September 22
2024-09-22 09:00 - 14:00 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
Join Big Sur Land Trust and Monterey Audubon Society for a gentle 2-mile birding walk along the San Jose Creek Trail.
Every step of this hike was made possible through our partnership with the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District, California State Parks, and Point Lobos Foundation as collaborative members of the Lobos Corona Parkland project — along with generous donors and funders.
Big Sur Land Trust is thrilled to host a Monterey Audubon Society field trip along San Jose Creek Trail, as we explore and enjoy this piece of conserved land together.
Shuttles will transport hikers from Palo Corona Regional Park (Rancho Cañada) to the Ishxenta State Park San Jose Creek trailhead, which is only accessible through guided hikes. From there, we will meander up the gentle incline along San Jose Creek, birding along the way. After crossing over San Jose Creek’s three magnificent redwood bridges, we will arrive at the meadow that will be our turnaround point. This hike is a beautiful reminder that collaboration can bring beautiful change and that our actions are stronger when taken together. We are grateful to our partners and to our donors for each step forward that we take together.

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

Bring snacks to enjoy along the hike, plus everything you need for a half-day of birding and walking. Sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes are required, and layers are recommended.
Please note: While the trails we will be on are well-tended, this area is known to have extremely high tick densities. Please take extra precautions when preparing for this hike (wear light-colored clothes, wear pants that can be tucked into socks, bring and use tick repellent, etc.) and be sure to do a thorough tick-check following your day with us.
Please note that each participant must be individually registered (including kids, who need to be accompanied by an adult).
Join the waitlist >>

Iceplant Removal at Martin Dunes | September 21
2024-09-21 09:30 - 13:30 | River Loop Trail, River Loop Trail, Marina, 93908, United States
Join BSLT to remove invasive iceplant in an effort to restore and care for Martin Dunes.

Located within the Monterey Bay dune complex, Martin Dunes protects critical habitat for several special status species, including the Monterey spineflower, Smith’s blue butterfly, and Western snowy plover. However, introduced invasive species such as ice plant and annual grasses are prime threats to this native coastal dune system.
Join BSLT staff and volunteers in removing these invasive species in an effort to restore and care for the lands we love at Martin Dunes on August 17 (9:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.). Water, snacks, gloves, and hand tools will be provided. Volunteers will work to manually remove as many satellite populations of iceplant as possible while also tackling Ripgut Brome, which has begun to take over in areas.
There is no shade cover where we will be pulling invasives, so please bring sun protection.
PLEASE NOTE OUR MEET-UP LOCATION: We will convene in the parking area of the Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge at the end of Neposent Rd. which is a dirt road.
Register >>

Salinas River Day Celebration | September 21
2024-09-21 09:00 - 15:00 | ​National Steinbeck Center, 1 Main Street, Salinas, CA, 93901, United States
Visit three different locations along the river to learn from experts about hydrology, ecology, and alternative forms of river management.
Running 175 miles, the Salinas river is an upside-down river. There, present, supporting the whole valley, but hard to see and acknowledge by human eyes. Its existence has been suppressed by design, hidden behind fences, absorbed by sprinkles, and disconnected from its plains. This event celebrates the Salinas River and invites the community to relate with it, immersing themselves in its nature. The goal is to spend the day, from 9 am to 3 pm, in a field trip that includes three different locations along the river where participants will have the opportunity to learn from experts about hydrology, ecology, and alternative forms of river management focused on nature-based solutions and environmental justice. At the end of the field trip we will have a short workshop modeling the river in the sand to understand movements of water and sediments, and share visions and desires for the river. The event is free and transportation, snacks, and materials will be provided.
Register >>

Join Waitlist: Carmel River FREE tour with Big Sur Land Trust | September 20
2024-09-20 09:00 - 11:00 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
Enjoy a 3-mile round-trip hike/tour of the CR FREE project site, led by Big Sur Land Trust’s Director of Conservation, Rachel Saunders.
Big Sur Land Trust’s Carmel River Floodplain Restoration and Environmental Enhancement (CR FREE) project is one of the most extensive and important multi-benefit flood protection and riparian habitat restoration efforts on the Central Coast. Using a nature-based green infrastructure approach, it will reclaim the southern floodplain to direct water away from developed areas north of the river.
Our hike will be a slow-paced, staff-led tour of this project site.
Please note that minors will need to be accompanied by an adult.
Bring: Everything you will need for a gentle walk. Closed-toed hiking shoes and layers are strongly recommended.
Walk details:

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

Join the waitlist >>

Caminata y Loteria de Observación de Aves | September 14
2024-09-14 09:00 - 14:00 | Marks Ranch, 117th Drive, Salinas, CA, 93908, United States
Únase a nosotros para una caminata entre bosques de robles y pastorales locales en busca de vida silvestre. Todos son bienvenidos.
Big Sur Land Trust se complace en celebrar la Semana de la Conservación Latina con una caminata en español para observar aves y otras vidas silvestres en Marks Ranch. Este evento es apropiado para principiantes y todos aquellos interesados ​​en aprender cómo identificar mejor nuestras aves locales. Después de nuestra caminata de observación de aves, disfrutaremos de un picnic en el jardín de la Hacienda de Marks Ranch. Se proporcionará un refrigerio para el desayuno, un almuerzo ligero y bebidas.
Ubicado junto a la autopista 68, justo al norte de Toro Park, Marks Ranch lleva el nombre de Benjamin y Nisene Marks (que dan nombre al parque estatal), y una vez fue un rancho de producción de huevos. El terreno y muchas de las características originales ahora son preservados por Big Sur Land Trust. Aprenderemos sobre las aves, la historia natural y la historia humana de esta propiedad única.
Las aves probables son las típicas de la sabana de robles, e incluyen el pájaro Carpintero Bellotero, Chara californiana, Vireo de Hutton, Colín de California y Herrerillo unicolor.
Gracias a la asociación de Big Sur Land Trust con Monterey Audubon Society, ahora utilizamos eBird para monitorear las poblaciones de aves en las reservas de Big Sur Land Trust. Esta excursión es una oportunidad para contribuir a este creciente esfuerzo y todos los participantes tendrán acceso a una lista de aves vistas durante el día.
RSVP >>

Invasive Species Removal at Martin Dunes | August 17
2024-08-17 09:30 - 13:30 | River Loop Trail, River Loop Trail, Marina, 93908, United States
Join BSLT to remove invasive iceplant and annual grasses in an effort to restore and care for Martin Dunes

Located within the Monterey Bay dune complex, Martin Dunes protects critical habitat for several special status species, including the Monterey spineflower, Smith’s blue butterfly, and Western snowy plover. However, introduced invasive species such as ice plant and annual grasses are prime threats to this native coastal dune system.
Join BSLT staff and volunteers in removing these invasive species in an effort to restore and care for the lands we love at Martin Dunes on August 17 (9:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.). Water, snacks, gloves, and hand tools will be provided. Volunteers will work to manually remove as many satellite populations of iceplant as possible while also tackling Ripgut Brome, which has begun to take over in areas.
There is no shade cover where we will be pulling invasives, so please bring sun protection.
PLEASE NOTE OUR MEET-UP LOCATION: We will convene in the parking area of the Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge at the end of Neposent Rd. which is a dirt road.
Register >>

Carmel River FREE tour with Big Sur Land Trust | August 16
2024-08-16 09:00 - 11:00 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
Enjoy a 3-mile round-trip hike/tour of the CR FREE project site, led by Big Sur Land Trust’s Director of Conservation, Rachel Saunders.
Big Sur Land Trust’s Carmel River Floodplain Restoration and Environmental Enhancement (CR FREE) project is one of the most extensive and important multi-benefit flood protection and riparian habitat restoration efforts on the Central Coast. Using a nature-based green infrastructure approach, it will reclaim the southern floodplain to direct water away from developed areas north of the river.
Our hike will be a slow-paced, staff-led tour of this project site.
Please note that minors will need to be accompanied by an adult.
Bring: Everything you will need for a gentle walk. Closed-toed hiking shoes and layers are strongly recommended.
Walk details:

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

Register >>

Big Sur Land Trust Volunteer Orientation | August 8
2024-08-08 12:00 - 13:00

Solstice Sunset Invasive Species Removal at Martin Dunes | June 22
2024-06-22 17:30 - 20:00 | River Loop Trail, River Loop Trail, Marina, 93908, United States
Join BSLT on the summer solstice to remove invasive iceplant and annual grasses in an effort to restore and care for Martin Dunes.
Located within the Monterey Bay dune complex, Martin Dunes protects critical habitat for several special status species, including the Monterey spineflower, Smith’s blue butterfly, and Western snowy plover. However, introduced invasive species such as ice plant and annual grasses are prime threats to this native coastal dune system.
Join BSLT staff and volunteers in removing these invasive species in an effort to restore and care for the lands we love at Martin Dunes on June 22nd (5:30 p.m.- 8:00 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.
There is no shade cover where we will be pulling invasives, so please bring sun protection.
PLEASE NOTE OUR MEET-UP LOCATION: We will convene in the parking area of the Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge at the end of Neposent Rd. which is a dirt road.
Register >>

World Ocean Day birding with Monterey Audubon at Glen Deven Ranch | June 7
2024-06-07 08:00 - 17:00 | Crossroads Park-and-Ride, 3650 Rio Road, d Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, 93923, United States
Join us for expert-led birding on a Monterey Audubon Society field trip at Big Sur Land Trust’s Glen Deven Ranch.
World Ocean Day, which takes place each year on June 8th, is a celebration of our our world’s shared ocean and our personal connection to the sea. This World Ocean Day, Big Sur Land Trust and the Monterey Audubon Society will come together in the beauty of Glen Deven Ranch for a day of birding and spectacular views made possible by our ocean and the conservation of coastal lands.
Big Sur Land Trust is thrilled to host Monterey Audubon Society field trips at Big Sur Land Trust Preserves. Monterey Audubon Society members and Big Sur Land Trust supporters are invited to this wonderful opportunity to explore the lands we love in a new way. This event is appropriate for beginning birders and all those interested in learning how to better identify our local breeding birds. Thanks to Big Sur Land Trust’s growing partnership with Monterey Audubon Society, we have begun using eBird to monitor the bird populations on Big Sur Land Trust preserves. This field trip is an opportunity to contribute to this new and growing effort and all participants will have access to a list of birds seen during the day.
Our day will begin with an out-and-back walk along the Ridge Trail:

Distance: 2.5 miles
Elevation: ~400 ft
Difficulty: Easy. We’ll walk up to 2.5 miles round trip on dirt roads. (There may be a few small rocks and roots.)
Pace: Easy

Following a pause to eat our picnic lunches, birders who are hardy hikers may choose to continue their day with us with an out-and-back hike along the Canyon Trail:

Distance: 4.5 miles
Elevation: ~900 ft
Difficulty: Moderate. We’ll walk up to 4.5 miles round trip on dirt roads. (There may be a few small rocks and roots.) This hike involves a wood plank creek crossing.
Pace: Easy

Please note that each participant must be individually registered (including kids, who need to be accompanied by an adult).
Participants should expect to be arranged into carpools. Please bring face masks and expect to wear a mask for the safety and comfort of others, during the ~25 minute drive from our meet-up location to Glen Deven Ranch.
Poison oak and ticks are present in this area. Please come prepared.
Register >>

Birding at Your Fingertips: the eBird and Merlin apps | May 29
2024-05-29 18:30 - 19:30 | Online
Amanda Preece of the Monterey Audubon Society shows us how to use these powerful tools to recognize and record birds on the lands we love.
eBird is a global community science program, with 990,000 users and over 92 million digital bird checklists. It was created and continues to be managed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and has been widely used in scientific research to study phenology, species distributions, population trends, evolution, and behavior. It’s used daily by birders and helps beginning birders learn what species are common in the region and where to go to find specific species. Anyone can contribute and anyone can utilize the information!
In this introductory workshop, we’ll cover how to use eBird to submit bird observations and explore the database. We’ll learn to use both the eBird app and the website. We’ll also explore the Merlin app, which helps you learn to identify birds and is powered by the eBird database.
This short workshop will be led by Amanda Preece from the Monterey Audubon Society. We’ll record the presentation for future reference.
Photo credit: BSLT volunteer photographer Bradley Dunbaugh
Register >>

Birding with Monterey Audubon at Songbird Preserve | May 18
2024-05-18 08:00 - 12:00 | Sanctuary Bible Church Parking Lot, 8340 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, 93923, United States
Join us for expert-led birding on a Monterey Audubon Society field trip at Big Sur Land Trust’s Songbird Preserve.

Big Sur Land Trust is thrilled to host Monterey Audubon Society field trips at Big Sur Land Trust Preserves. Monterey Audubon Society members and Big Sur Land Trust supporters are invited to this wonderful opportunity to explore the lands we love in a new way. This event is appropriate for beginning birders and all those interested in learning how to better identify our local breeding birds. Birds we hope to see or hear include Swainson’s Thrush, Warbling Vireo, Western Flycatcher, and Wilson’s Warbler. Thanks to Big Sur Land Trust’s growing partnership with Monterey Audubon Society, we have begun using eBird to monitor the bird populations on Big Sur Land Trust preserves. This field trip is an opportunity to contribute to this new and growing effort, and all participants will have access to a list of birds seen during the day.

Distance: 1 mile
Elevation: 0-10 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Trail surface: Dirt/Gravel
Participant limit: 12

Please note there are no restroom facilities at this location.
All participants, including kids, must be individually registered. Participants under 15 years of age will need to be accompanied by an adult.
Register >>

Race for Open Space 2024 | May 11
2024-05-11
Each spring people of all ages and fitness levels join Big Sur Land Trust’s Race for Open Space – our largest annual fundraising event – to support healthy lands, healthy people, and healthy communities. In 2023, hundreds of runners, hikers, and walkers along with our generous sponsors raised funds for the lands we all love in Monterey County.
Thanks to our partners at Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District, California State Parks, Santa Lucia Preserve, and Santa Lucia Conservancy you have several options to experience conserved lands that are not usually open to the public. (Courses are subject to change.) Whether you want to go fast, slow, solo, with a group, or just cheer on your friends, the Race for Open Space has something for you!

Palo Corona to South Bank Trail 1-mile fun run
Palo Corona to Whisler Wilson Out-&-Back 12K
Palo Corona to Williams Canyon Out-&-Back 25K
Lunch Bench Loop 35K

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. A reminder to leave no trace!
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Big Sur Land Trust Volunteer Orientation | May 2
2024-05-02 12:00 - 13:00
Your dedication to your community is what makes it a vibrant place! You have chosen to become a volunteer with Big Sur Land Trust, and we want us to get better acquainted. Whether you are a new or current volunteer, please join us for this online volunteer orientation.
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