Big Sur Land Trust

Thistle Pull at Marks Ranch | April 22
2023-04-22 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 >>

Volunteer: Course Sweep for Race for Open Space | May 27
2023-05-27 12:00 - 16:00 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
Are you an avid trail runner? Do you feel comfortable running solo over long distances and hilly terrain? Are you passionate about leave-no-trace principles? Then this is the opportunity for you! Big Sur Land Trust is seeking volunteers to sweep four in-person trail courses in Carmel Valley that overlap each other. These courses will be open on Saturday, May 27 from 7:30am to 3pm for registered participants to run during their chosen time slot.
Course sweeps are given four hours to sweep between 13-15 miles of trail within the 12pm to 4pm timeframe. They will pick up any trash and remove flagging tape and other lightweight course markers along the way. An orientation will be provided over Zoom the week before. Course sweeps will arrive up to a half hour before their shift for orientation, preparation, and transport to the trailhead where they will begin sweeping. A radio will be provided for periodic communications with race staff. 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 >>

Birding with Monterey Audubon Society | June 2
2023-06-02 08:00 - 12:00
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.

Distance: 1 mile
Elevation: <10 ft
Difficulty: Easy. We’ll walk about one mile round trip on flat paths. (There may be a few small rocks and roots.)
Pace: Very easy

Please note that each participant must be individually registered (including kids, who need to be accompanied by an adult)
Register >>

Birding with Monterey Audubon Society | June 3
2023-06-03 08:00 - 12:00

Martin Dunes Invasive Species Removal | June 10
2023-06-10 09:30 - 14:00 | Martin Dunes, Marina, CA, United States
It’s California Invasive Species Action Week (CISAW)! CISAW is an annual weeklong event, organized by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, to increase public awareness of invasive species issues and promote public participation in the fight against California’s invasive species and their impacts on our natural resources.
Removing ice plant and annual grasses is hard work but necessary to protect the biodiversity of Martin Dunes, which protects critical habitat for several special status species, including the Monterey spineflower, Smith’s blue butterfly, and Western snowy plover.
Please join BSLT staff and volunteers in removing these invasive species as part of CISAW and in an effort to restore and care for the lands we love at Martin Dunes. 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 REI Marina parking lot. Please park in the parking spaces facing General Stillwell Drive, and look for Big Sur Land Trust staff in that area.
Sign up today >>

Solstice Sunset Invasive Species Removal at Martin Dunes | June 21
2023-06-21 17:30 - 20:30 | 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 June 21st (5:30 p.m.- 8:30 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 REI Marina parking lot. Please park in the parking spaces facing General Stillwell Drive, and look for Big Sur Land Trust staff in that area.
Sign up today >>

Naming the Future Park at Carr Lake in Salinas | July 13
2023-07-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Carr Lake, 618 Sherwood Drive, Salinas, CA, 93906, United States
The purpose of this meeting is to share with residents the process and timeline for the naming of the park and to allow space for residents to generate and submit their ideas in-person. We strongly believe that decisions regarding our shared spaces should reflect the values, aspirations, and heritage of our community. By involving community members like yourselves, we aim to ensure that the chosen name resonates with the collective spirit and vision of our city.
During the meeting, BSLT will provide project updates, information on the naming process and timeline, and space for residents to work together and individually to submit their park name ideas for consideration.
This is a chance for everyone to contribute their ideas. We encourage you to invite friends, neighbors, and community members who may have an interest in this process.

English and Spanish presentations
Food will be available at 6 PM until supplies run out
Childcare available

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Volunteer Orientation | July 20
2023-07-20 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 Thursday, July 20th in our online volunteer orientation.
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