As 2021 begins, we are grateful you have chosen to make a difference for the lands we all love – even as we continue navigating the health, socio-economic, and climate change implications we face. You make it possible for Big Sur Land Trust to serve our shared vision of healthy lands, healthy people, and healthy communities throughout Monterey County.
In 2020, you – our amazing donors, partners, and funders – helped hundreds of people find a little more peace of mind surrounded by beauty on socially distanced hikes at Big Sur Land Trust properties. Thousands more enjoyed properties Big Sur Land Trust has transferred to local cities and park agencies over the past 40+ years. In April, we were able to conserve 83.5 magnificent acres at Patriarch Ridge in Carmel Valley. Our Carr Lake park project site’s native garden continues to thrive thanks to volunteer gardeners of all ages who participated in planting days while staying masked and socially distanced.
And even though they could not gather in person at our outdoor program’s youth camps last spring and summer, your support meant that hundreds of kids experienced nature at homethrough videos and activity kits. Families made butterfly and bird container gardens, created flower presses, made window art to help save birds, and cooked their own pizzas as a reminder of our wonderful pizza oven at Glen Deven Ranch. In the face of great challenges, these accomplishments could only happen because you have shown your love for the land and your concern for healthy communities.
Thank you, as well, for recognizing that caring for conserved lands is a never-ending priority. Whether it’s the immediate demands of a landscape recovering from a fire, opening and maintaining trails, or diligently managing invasive species, our stewardship team is working hard out on the land because you love these wondrous places.
These are just a few of the many reasons Big Sur Land Trust is celebrating you in Thankuary! Because of you, we remain hopeful that our collective connection to the natural world and to each other will help see us through until we can gather once again on the lands we love.
In the meantime, we hope you’ll immerse yourself in nature’s gifts wherever you find them. And, if you’re in Monterey County, please visit our website to reserve a hike on one of our conserved properties!
With wholehearted gratitude,
Jeannette Tuitele-Lewis and the Big Sur Land Trust team