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 >>

Carmel River FREE Tour | March 29 @ 10:00am
2024-01-08 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-03-29 10:00 - 12:00 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
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.
Please note that minors will need to be accompanied by an adult.
Register >>

You Make it Possible 2024! | January 24
2024-01-24 09:00 - 10:00 | CA
With gratitude for all your support, we invite you to join our celebration of all you’ve made possible! Bring your cup of coffee 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 2024. We’ll also give you a preview of our events calendar, and you’ll have an opportunity to ask questions.
Register >>

Cancelled | Martin Dunes Invasive Species Removal | January 27
2024-01-27 09:30 - 13:30 | Martin Dunes, Marina, CA, United States
Cancelled! After checking the conditions of the road leading to the entrance of Martin Dunes, we determined that most vehicles will likely get stuck in the mud and have decided to cancel Saturday’s invasive species removal volunteer event.
We appreciate your understanding and ask you to sing up for our February 10th volunteer event at Martin Dunes.
We are looking forward to meeting all the people who are volunteering with us for the first time and to catching up with friends we have not seen since last year as we nurture the sensitive ecosystem of the dunes together!
Thank you for your flexibility and we hope to see you all soon.

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.

Big Sur Land Trust Volunteer Orientation | February 8
2024-02-08 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 for this online volunteer orientation.
Register >>

Cancelled: Martin Dunes Invasive Species Removal | February 10
2024-02-10 09:30 - 13:30 | 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.

Cancelled: Carr Lake Weed Warriors Volunteer Event | February 17
2024-02-17 09:00 - 12:00 | Carr Lake, 618 Sherwood Drive, Salinas, CA, 93906, United States
With the recent rain, the native plant garden is thriving – and so are the weeds. We need several volunteers to help us maintain the garden, remove vegetation from the walkways, and pick up litter.
Volunteers will work in the native garden to hand pull invasive plant species and pick up litter. The invasive species we will target include common over-wintering host plants for Western Flower Thrips, a small and ubiquitous insect, which can spread Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus, an aggressive plant virus that can quickly infect gardens and agricultural fields.
All participants must be individually registered for this event.
Please remember to bring/wear:

Water
Sun protection
Long sleeve shirt and pants
Close-toed shoes
Work gloves (if you have them)

No dogs, please.

Carr Lake Weed Warriors Volunteer Event | March 9
2024-03-09 09:30 - 12:30 | Carr Lake, 618 Sherwood Drive, Salinas, CA, 93906, United States
With the recent rain, the native plant garden is thriving – and so are the weeds. We need several volunteers to help us maintain the garden, remove vegetation from the walkways, and pick up litter.
Volunteers will work in the native garden to hand pull invasive plant species and pick up litter. The invasive species we will target include common over-wintering host plants for Western Flower Thrips, a small and ubiquitous insect, which can spread Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus, an aggressive plant virus that can quickly infect gardens and agricultural fields.
All participants must be individually registered for this event.
Please remember to bring/wear:

Water
Sun protection
Long sleeve shirt and pants
Close-toed shoes
Work gloves (if you have them)

No dogs, please.
Register here >>

FULL | Let's Go Outdoors! San Jose Creek 2-mile hike with Big Sur Land Trust | March 22
2024-03-22 09:00 - 13:00 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
FULL!
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.

Martin Dunes Invasive Species Removal | March 23
2024-03-23 09:30 - 13:30 | Martin Dunes, Marina, CA, United States

Carmel River FREE Tour | March 29 @ 9:00am
2024-03-29 09:00 - 11:00 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States

'Birds and Blooms' walk at Marks Ranch | April 5
2024-04-05 09:00 - 15:00 | Marks Ranch, 117th Drive, Salinas, CA, 93908, United States
Join us for a springtime ‘birds and blooms’ walk at Big Sur Land Trust’s Marks Ranch as we celebrate Earth Day all month long.
This April, Big Sur Land Trust will be celebrating Earth Day all month long, with guided hikes throughout our preserves and on lands throughout Monterey County that are part of our 45-year and over 45,000 acre legacy of land conservation.
For this hike, we will be joined by our birding expert friends at Monterey Audubon Society as well as a wildflower nauturalist to learn about the wildflowers and birds of this unique property.

Distance: 2.5 miles
Elevation: ~180 ft
Difficulty: Easy. We’ll walk about 2.5 miles roundtrip on dirt roads and trails. Participants should expect some areas of muddy/wet trail, narrow cattle gates, and some areas of uneven terrain.
Pace: Easy
Participant limit: 12

Register >>

'Birds and Blooms' walk at San Jose Creek | April 12
2024-04-12 09:00 - 15:00 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
Join Big Sur Land Trust for a gentle 2-mile birding and wildflowers walk along the San Jose Creek Trail.
This April, Big Sur Land Trust will be celebrating Earth Day all month long, with guided hikes throughout our preserves and on lands throughout Monterey County that are part of our 45-year and over-45,000-acre legacy of land conservation.
For this hike, we wil be joined by our birding expert friends at Monterey Audubon Society as well as a wildflower nauturalist to learn about the wildflowers and birds of this unique property.

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.

Register >>

CANCELED Martin Dunes Invasive Species Removal | April 13
2024-04-13 09:30 - 13:30 | Martin Dunes, Marina, CA, United States
Martin Dunes Invasive Species Removal
April 13
9:30AM-1:30PM
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 much Ripgut Brome, mainly, and iceplant.
There is no shade cover where we will be pulling invasives, so please bring sun protection.
PLEASE NOTE OUR MEET-UP LOCATION: At the very back of the REI parking lot in Marina.

Earth Day Guided Hike: Williams Canyon to Rancho Cañada | April 22
2024-04-22 08:00 - 17:00 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
Join Big Sur Land Trust for a hike from the Williams Canyon parking meadow to Palo Corona Regional Park’s Rancho Cañada Unit.
Celebrate Earth Day 2024 on a hike with Big Sur Land Trust 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.

Register >>

Big Sur Land Trust Volunteer Orientation | May 2
2024-05-02 12:00 - 13:00 | CA

Race for Open Space 2024 | May 11
2024-05-11 | CA
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!
Sign up now >>

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 >>

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 >>

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 >>

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 >>

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

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 >>

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 >>

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 >>

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 >>

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 >>

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 >>

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 >>
