Floodplain Restoration Area | Ensen Community Park
On September 20, 2026 Big Sur Land Trust, the City of Salinas, and the Center for Community Advocacy held the Grand Opening of the 67-acre Restoration Area at Ensen Community Park! The day was filled with excitement and exploration, as the community joined together to officially open this special restoration area.
This ambitious effort has transformed land once drained for agriculture into a vibrant landscape where wetlands, wildlife, and community recreation can prosper together.
To recreate the historic wetland that existed here more than a century ago, crews moved and shaped over 172,000 cubic yards of soil. That’s about 50 Olympic-sized swimming pools worth of soil! The newly contoured terrain now includes elevated ground for 1.7 miles of intertwining trails as well as basins that will hold ponds and slow-moving waterways. Three new bridges totaling 240 feet in length stand ready to carry walkers and runners across the restored channels.
Big Sur Land Trust:
- Planted 6,000 plants and 100 trees.
- Created 67 acres of habitat, including 29 acres of wetland.
- Installed 1.7 miles of public trails, 3 bridges and interpretive signage.
The landscape was shaped with more than 2,000 pounds of seed, 6,000 native plants, and 100 trees carefully selected for the seven distinct habitat types. Visitors will see trees like box elder and Western sycamore, colorful flowers like California poppy and sun cups, and even some more unusually named species such as spreading rush and tufted hairgrass. They may also spot our state grass, purple needlegrass.
Now complete, the restored floodplain will offer 62 acres of habitat, from wetlands to grasslands. This revitalized environment provides refuge for migrating birds, breeding space for native frogs, and shaded corridors for wildlife seeking relief in summer. The redesigned waterways will slow storm flows, help recharge groundwater, and filter water on its journey toward Monterey Bay. Meanwhile, the growing wetland plants will capture carbon dioxide, contributing to regional climate resilience.
When construction wraps up, the property will be transferred to the City of Salinas and opened to the public. Big Sur Land Trust will continue to steward the habitat, for the success of the restoration and for the enrichment of the entire community.
Restoration Design
