Big Sur Land Trust

Martin Dunes Invasive Species Removal | December 2
2023-12-02 09:30 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Martin Dunes, Marina, CA, United States
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 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.
Register >>

Birding with Monterey Audubon Society at Marks Ranch | December 2
2023-12-02 09:00 - 12:00 | Marks Ranch, 117th Drive, Salinas, CA, 93908, United States
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. Located off of Highway 68 just north of Toro Park, Marks Ranch is named after Benjamin and Nisene Marks (after whom the state park was named), and was once an egg production ranch. The land and many of the original features are now preserved by the Big Sur Land Trust.
We’ll learn about the birds, the natural history and the human history of this unique property. Likely birds are those typical of the oak savannah, and include Acorn Woodpecker, California Scrub-jay, Hutton’s Vireo, California Quail and Oak Titmouse. Thanks to Big Sur Land Trust’s partnership with Monterey Audubon Society, we use eBird to monitor the bird populations on Big Sur Land Trust preserves. This field trip is an opportunity to contribute to this growing effort and all participants will have access to a list of birds seen during the day.
Register >>

Birding with Monterey Audubon Society at Marks Ranch | December 1
2023-12-01 09:00 - 12:00 | Marks Ranch, 117th Drive, Salinas, CA, 93908, United States

Healthy Soils at Marks Ranch Walk-and-Talk with Patrick Riparetti | November 4
2023-11-04 09:00 - 12:00 | Marks Ranch, 117th Drive, Salinas, CA, 93908, United States
Come to Marks Ranch to learn about our Healthy Soils Program from BSLT’s Director of Stewardship, Patrick Riparetti, and project partners.
During the Soberanes Fire in 2016 and most recently with the River Fire, Marks Ranch served as part of the incident command center. The land was impacted significantly by equipment and personnel. In our recovery efforts, Big Sur Land Trust (BSLT) partnered with the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation (CMSF) to initiate a three-year Healthy Soils Program project at Marks Ranch.Recognizing that the health of the Marine Sanctuary is tied directly to the health of the land, the Healthy Soils Program helps working ranches and farmlands improve soil health and promote its ability to sequester carbon that cause ocean acidification and warming. With the Marks Ranch Healthy Soils Project now entering its third and final year, project members from BSLT and CMSF will share how this area is recovering from the 2020 River Fire and what we have learned so far. Participants can expect a gentle and relaxed walk on the land and talk about the research at Marks Ranch that is furthering our understanding of soil restoration.
This event will have a mix of walking and talking. Participants are welcome to hike independently upon the conclusion of the event.
Register here >>

Walk-and-talk with Nikki Nedeff at Martin Dunes | October 29
2023-10-29 09:00 - 14:00 | Martin Dunes, Marina, CA, United States
Join us for a 4-5 hour walk focused on the natural history and ecology of Martin Dunes.

Since 2000, BSLT has protected 125 acres at Martin Dunes adjacent to the USFWS Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge on the Monterey Bay coastline. The sandy dunes closest to the beach serve as ideal habitats for snowy plovers and are protected from human disturbance, dogs, horses, hunting, etc.
Over the past 10 years, BSLT has implemented long-term stewardship strategies at Martin Dunes to restore the natural dune habitat. Since 2009, the removal of invasive plants has been a priority. As a result, the infestation of ice plant (Carpobrotus edulis), European beachgrass (Ammophila arenaria), and ripgut brome (Bromus diandrus) has been significantly reduced, which has allowed native flora and fauna to thrive. Removing these non-native plants directly benefits the snowy plovers nesting on the dunes, as well as several other threatened and endangered species unique to the Monterey Bay Area.
On October 29th, BSLT’s former Conservation Program Director/Associate Director of Conservation Nikki Nedeff, will lead a walk-and-talk describing the natural history and ecology of Martin Dunes. Join us for this wonderful opportunity to learn more about this amazing dune habitat and nature preserve. We will walk from the parking area to the beach, then loop through Martin Dunes.
We are so grateful to have Nikki joining us to lead this walk, and are excited to have her share her incredible wealth of knowledge about this special conserved land. We look forward to walking, talking, and learning from Nikki together!
Bring: Snacks or a picnic lunch to enjoy, binoculars, clothing layers, and everything you might need for a half-day of hiking with us.

Distance: 4 miles.
Total ascent: 50 ft.
Difficulty: Moderate (sandy terrain).
Facilities: There are no facilities available at this location.
Trail conditions: Hikers should expect rolling, sandy terrain.
Cell service: Cell phone service is intermittent at Martin Dunes. Please plan accordingly.

Register here >>

Martin Dunes Invasive Species Removal | October 28
2023-10-28 09:30 - 13:30 | Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge Salinas, CA 93908, Salinas, CA, 93908, United States
Join the BSLT team in removing invasive plants in an effort to restore Martin Dunes.

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 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: Entrance to the Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge
Register here >>

Let's Go Outdoors! San Jose Creek 2-mile hike with Big Sur Land Trust | October 19
2023-10-19 09:00 - 13:00 | 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.

Distance: 2 miles
Elevation: 150′ total ascent
Difficulty: Easy
Pace: 2+ mph
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. 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). Hikers must be 15+ years of age.

Register here >>

Birding at Mitteldorf Preserve (Red-Tailed Overlook) | October 7
2023-10-07 08:00 - 17:00 | Mitteldorf Preserve
Join expert leaders from Monterey Audubon Society to explore the preserve and enjoy the birds that live there on this beginner-level outing.

Big Sur Land Trust is thrilled to host Monterey Audubon Society field trips at Big Sur Land Trust Preserves. On these outings to Mitteldorf Preserve, 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 resident and migrant birds. On this trip through a riparian redwood forest we’re likely to encounter residents of forested canyons such as Pacific Wren, Steller’s Jay, and a variety of woodpeckers. Although far from guaranteed, we may also encounter Mountain Quail and maybe even a Varied Thrush. On these field trips, we use 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.
We’ll walk nearly two forested miles through Williams Canyon along a well-graded dirt road to the boundary of Mitteldorf Preserve. From there we will climb up the moderately steep Headwaters Road for about a mile to the Red-tailed Overlook. After pausing for a snack and looking for Red-tailed Hawks, we’ll head back down the road, but turn off at the upper end of the Nature Loop and follow it down to the Mitteldorf Preserve Lodge. We’ll have a snack before admiring the Legacy Redwood Tree and then heading out through Williams Canyon back to the trailhead. The total distance will be about seven miles, about a mile of which will be a moderate climb.
Since parking is limited at Mitteldorf Preserve, participants will be arranged into carpools for the approximately 20-minute drive from the meet-up location to Mitteldorf Preserve.

Distance: ~7 miles
Elevation: ~1000 ft
Difficulty: Moderate.
Pace: Moderate

Register here >>

Birding at Mitteldorf Preserve (Nature Loop) | October 6
2023-10-06 08:00 - 17:00 | Mitteldorf Preserve
Join expert leaders from Monterey Audubon Society to explore the preserve and enjoy the birds that live there on this beginner-level outing.
Big Sur Land Trust is thrilled to host Monterey Audubon Society field trips at Big Sur Land Trust Preserves. On these outings to Mitteldorf Preserve, 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 resident and migrant birds. On this trip through a riparian redwood forest we’re likely to encounter residents of forested canyons such as Pacific Wren, Steller’s Jay, and a variety of woodpeckers. Although far from guaranteed, we may also encounter Mountain Quail and maybe even a Varied Thrush. On these field trips, we use 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.
We’ll walk about two forested miles through Williams Canyon along a well-graded dirt road to the Mitteldorf Preserve Lodge and Legacy Redwood Tree. We’ll have a snack on picnic tables near the lodge. We’ll then walk an approximately 1-mile Nature Loop trail before heading back out through Williams Canyon. The total distance will be about five miles over well-graded trails and dirt roads.
Since parking is limited at Mitteldorf Preserve, participants will be arranged into carpools for the approximately 20-minute drive from the meet-up location to Mitteldorf Preserve.

Distance: ~5 miles
Elevation: ~500 ft
Difficulty: Moderate.
Pace: Easy

Register here >>

Martin Dunes Invasive Species Removal | September 23
2023-09-23 09:30 - 13:30 | Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge Salinas, CA 93908, Salinas, CA, 93908, United States

Carmel River FREE Tour | September 22
2023-09-22 10:00 - 11:30, 2023-09-22 09:00 - 10:30 | CA
Big Sur Land Trust’s Carmel River Floodplain Restoration and Environmental Enhancement (CR FREE) project is one of the most extensive and important multi-benefit flood protection and riparian habitat restoration efforts on the Central Coast. Using a nature-based green infrastructure approach, it will reclaim the southern floodplain to direct water away from developed areas north of the river.
Our hike will be a slow-paced, staff-led tour of this project site. We will host two groups that will be leaving at either 9:00 a.m. or 10:00 a.m. Please note which ticket time you reserved.
Sign up here >>

Day-of-Service Volunteer Orientation | September 11
2023-09-11 11:00 - 12:00 | CA
Your dedication to your community is what makes it a vibrant place! You have chosen to become a volunteer with Big Sur Land Trust, and we want us to get better acquainted. Whether you are a new or current volunteer, please join us Monday, September 11 in our online volunteer orientation.
Sign up today >>

Carr Lake Park Community Meeting | August 17
2023-08-17 18:00 - 20:00 | Carr Lake, 618 Sherwood Drive, Salinas, CA, 93906, United States
Help design and name a park at Big Sur Land Trust’s 73 acres in Carr Lake!
Join us at our Community Meeting to learn about the design of the 67-acre restoration project area and the naming process for the entire 73-acre park, and submit YOUR ideas on both aspects.
The meeting will take place at the Carr Lake Project Site: 618 Sherwood Drive (https://goo.gl/maps/dnCRXuBm3KzB7gMM6)
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 first come-first-serve at 6:00pm
Childcare available

RSVP here >>

Join Waitlist: San Jose Creek Trail hike (9-mile) | August 12
2023-08-12 09:00 - 16:00 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
Enjoy an out-and-back hike from Palo Corona (Rancho Cañada) to San Jose Creek!

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. This inspiring hike will first take us from Palo Corona Regional Park (Rancho Cañada) to the high point of Inspiration Point and the quiet beauty of Animas (“spirit”) Pond. From there, we cross into former ranchlands (Whisler Wilson). The acquisition of the centrally located Whisler Wilson Ranch by Big Sur Land Trust, and its subsequent transfer, played a critical role in the trail connectivity we now enjoy. From there, we will enjoy peeks of Point Lobos as we dip down, winding along San Jose Creek and across three beautiful redwood bridges. We will enjoy our picnic lunches before our return hike. 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 and a picnic lunch to enjoy along the hike, plus everything you need for a day of strenuous backcountry hiking. Sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes are required, and layers are recommended.
Distance: 9 miles
Elevation: 1500′ total ascent
Difficulty: Strenuous
Pace: 2+ mph
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). Hikers must be 15+ years of age.
Join the waitlist >>

Mid-summer Clean-up at Marks Ranch | August 9
2023-08-09 17:45 - 19:45 | Marks Ranch, 117th Drive, Salinas, CA, 93908, United States
Join us at Marks Ranch on Wednesday, August 9th from 5:45 pm to 7:45 pm for this family-friendly volunteer event. Along with other volunteers and staff, you will pick up trash and debris starting at the front of the property and slowly working your way in along the fence line extending to the boundary line of Toro Park.
Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. Sign up today!
Please bring: Snacks, water, sun protection, long-sleeve shirt and pants, and closed-toed shoes.
ALERT: Please know that this area has ticks and poison oak! Please come prepared.
RSVP here >>

Join Waitlist: Birding with Monterey Audubon Society at Glen Deven Ranch | August 5
2023-08-05 08:00 - 14:00 | Crossroads Park & Ride, 3650 Rio Road, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA, 93923, United States
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: 2.5 miles
Elevation: ~900 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

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

Join Waitlist: Birding with Monterey Audubon Society at Glen Deven Ranch | August 4
2023-08-04 08:00 - 14:00 | Crossroads Park & Ride, 3650 Rio Road, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA, 93923, United States

Join Waitlist: Walk-and-talk with Nikki Nedeff at Marks Ranch | August 3
2023-08-03 10:00 - 13:00 | Marks Ranch, 117th Drive, Salinas, CA, 93908, United States
Marks Ranch was once a major egg production ranch, and home of Benjamin and Nisene Marks, who settled there in 1890. Big Sur Land Trust purchased the ranch in 2007, protecting important wildlife corridors. We continue to care for its beautiful rolling hills, woodlands, meadows, grazing lands and 90 species of wildflowers.
On August 3rd, former Conservation Program Director/Associate Director of Conservation, Nikki Nedeff, will lead a walk-and-talk describing the natural history and ecology of Marks Ranch. Join us for this wonderful opportunity to learn more about this amazing wildlife corridor and nature preserve. We will follow an easy walking route, from the parking area to the hacienda.
We are so grateful to have Nikki joining us to lead this walk, and are excited to have her share her incredible wealth of knowledge about this special conserved land. We look forward to walking, talking, and learning from Nikki together!
Bring: Snacks or a picnic lunch to enjoy, closed-toe hiking shoes, and everything you might need for a half-day of hiking with us.

Distance: 2.5 miles
Total ascent: 180 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Facilities: A portalet is available at the hacienda, approximately 1 mile from the parking area.
Trail conditions: Hikers should expect gravel roads and the occasional narrow livestock passageway.
Cell service: Cell phone service is intermittent at Marks Ranch. Please plan accordingly.

Speaker/walk leader: Nikki Nedeff, former BSLT Conservation Program Director/Associate Director of Conservation
Join the waitlist >>

Join Waitlist: San Jose Creek Trail Hike on World Conservation Day | July 28
2023-07-28 09:00 - 16:00 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States

Volunteer Orientation | July 20
2023-07-20 12:00 - 13:00 | CA
Your dedication to your community is what makes it a vibrant place! You have chosen to become a volunteer with Big Sur Land Trust, and we want us to get better acquainted. Whether you are a new or current volunteer, please join us Thursday, July 20th in our online volunteer orientation.
Register >>

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

RSVP >>

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 >>

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 >>

Birding with Monterey Audubon Society | June 3
2023-06-03 08:00 - 12:00 | CA
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 2
2023-06-02 08:00 - 12:00 | CA

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 >>

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: 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: 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 >>
