Race for Open Space is a wrap!
And just like that, our sixth Race for Open Space is a wrap! Now it’s all about expressing our deep gratitude for the amazing people that made this event so memorable. From the participants to our volunteers, our sponsors and our partners, we could not have done this without you. Be sure to check out the top finishers, results, and event photos.
Through your support, the Race for Open Space amplifies the urgent need to support conservation and care for open spaces in California. By its very nature, this event connects everyone involved back to the land. Every step taken on the trails, every view taken in from the high points, every wildflower and animal track glimpsed along the way, and every bit of birdsong heard reminds us that the protection of the lands we all love is imperative to our well-being and to the health of all the creatures that call this magnificent place “home.” Keep showing up and spreading the word!
A special shoutout to Alvarado Street Brewery for providing much needed post-race refreshments! We heard more than one person exclaim, “This is the best beer of my life!” Another special shoutout to Chris Powers Print and Design for live screen printing over 100 commemorative Race for Open Space 2024 posters! Huge thanks to our trail partners Monterey Peninsula Regional Parks District, California State Parks, Santa Lucia Conservancy, Santa Lucia Preserve, for helping us make this all possible! They all helped us in so many ways, not least of which included tending the trails and caring for the surrounding lands.
And a huge THANK YOU to Inside Trail Racing, our technical race partner, for bringing such a stellar level of professionalism and preparedness and delivering it all with a smile. We have received so much feedback about how well marked the courses were and how well stocked the on-course aid stations were. Critical features such as these allow racers to push their own limits while remaining safe and healthy in the backcountry.
Of course, there are so many more people to thank. As we have said before, it takes a village, and we are so fortunate to have such an incredible one! We are grateful to each of you who helped, supported, spread the word, showed up, and cheered us on… it truly means the world.
Cheers to an absolutely amazing event and cheers to more to come!
Hoppy Hiker IPA is Still on Tap
Alvarado Street Brewery, Monterey
We’re so grateful to our partners at Alvarado Street Brewery for crafting up a batch of Hoppy Hiker IPA to benefit Big Sur Land Trust once again! This draft-only Hazy IPA gets rave reviews every year and is available at their Monterey location only. Fifteen percent of Hoppy Hiker’s proceeds will go to Big Sur Land Trust while supplies last!
Glen Deven Ranch is Open for Hiking
The ranch is as beautiful as ever and there’s no better time to get back out there.
Make your reservation here. Note: You may experience some traffic on Highway 1 south due to the signal operating at Rocky Creek Bridge.
Birding with Monterey Audubon at Songbird Preserve
Saturday, May 18
8:00am – 12:00pm
Sanctuary Bible Church Parking Lot
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. Register >>
Birding at Your Fingertips: the eBird and Merlin apps
Wednesday, May 29
6:30pm – 7:30pm
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. 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. Register >>
World Ocean Day birding with Monterey Audubon at Glen Deven Ranch
Friday, June 7
8:00am – 5:00pm
Meet-up will be at the Crossroads Park-and-Ride
3650 Rio Road Carmel-by-the-sea, CA 93923
World Ocean Day, which takes place each year on June 8, 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. Register >>
Solstice Sunset Invasive Species Removal at Martin Dunes
Saturday, June 22
5:30pm – 8:00pm
River Loop Trail
Join Big Sur Land Trust 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. Register >>