On April 27th, Big Sur Land Trust was named a recipient of the prestigious Change Maker Award at the Monterey County Business Council’s 30th Annual Gala, recognizing nearly five decades of transformative leadership in land conservation, community connection, and environmental stewardship across Monterey County.
Jeannette Tuitele-Lewis, President and Chief Executive Officer at Big Sur Land Trust, accepted the award on behalf of the organization’s staff, partners, and supporters, emphasizing that the honor reflects the collective effort behind the work. “Stewardship is not just about protecting land — it’s about ensuring that people can experience it, learn from it, and carry that connection forward,” Tuitele-Lewis said. “As Big Sur Land Trust looks ahead, it remains committed to bringing meaningful change through conservation, community and collaboration, ensuring that Monterey County’s landscapes inspire and sustain for generations to come.”