Thanks to the Nonprofit Alliance of Monterey County (NAMC) for honoring our director of conservation Rachel Saunders with the Unsung Hero Award for Leadership at their annual awards celebration in September! Rachel was nominated for her wealth of expertise, but also for her deep connection and dedication to the natural world and all its inhabitants. As she humbly accepted her award, Rachel said, “It’s a privilege to help be a voice for the planet, the oceans, the land, and the people.” The Monterey County Board of Supervisors echoed NAMC’s honor by recognizing Rachel’s achievements with a resolution on Tuesday, October 11.
She is so deserving of this recognition because she takes the time to connect with, listen to, and learn from everyone she encounters. She is a deeply caring and thoughtful person who wants to ensure that all voices are heard, and all perspectives are considered. As a result, Rachel’s stellar work has a profound impact on our Big Sur Land Trust team, her other colleagues, and the entire community. Congratulations Rachel! Thank you for your tireless efforts for the lands we all love. We’re celebrating you today and every day!
Carmel River FREE Tour
Friday, October 14
9:00am – 10:30am or 10:00am – 11:30am
Take a slow-paced, staff-led tour of the Carmel River FREE project site. The 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.
Sign up for one of the two tours here.
iNaturalist Oak Sapling and Sycamore Survey
Saturday, October 15
9:00am – 12:00pm
Give Big Sur Land Trust’s stewardship team a hand by helping conduct an oak sapling and sycamore survey at Marks Ranch using the citizen science app, iNaturalist. You’ll be helping our team plan future projects and improve monitoring efforts to protect these species from harmful herbivory and other impacts.
Day of Climate Action Hike
Monday, October 24
9:00am – 3:00pm
Opt outside to enjoy the gifts of conserved natural lands! On this International Day of Climate Action, join Big Sur Land Trust as we take an inspiring (and strenuous!) 10-mile roundtrip hike from Palo Corona Regional Park to San Jose Creek.