Sensitive Species Restoration
Location: Martin Dunes
Brief Narrative: Big Sur Land Trust acquired Martin Dunes in 2008, a unique coastal gem near the mouth of the Salinas River. Martin Dunes is home to numerous endangered species and over the years Big Sur Land Trust has partnered with organizations to protect the integrity of the habitat for Sand Gilia, Snowy Plover, California legless lizard and Smith’s Blue butterfly. The work has ranged from yearly symbolic fence installations during Snowy Plover nesting season to the treatment of species such as Ripgut Brome and Iceplant. Ongoing surveying enables us to better understand the response rare and fragmented habitats have to restoration work so we can better steward these species for generations to come.
Timeline:
- 2008: Property acquired
- 2009-2012: Initial treatment of invasives and restoration
- 2015-2016: Targeted invasive treatment
- 2018-2020: Vegetation and wildlife response surveys
- 2021: Restoration projects and invasive iceplant removal by volunteers
Partners:
- USFWS
- CSUMB: Internship Program
- California State Coastal Conservancy
- Point Blue Conservation Science
- BSLT Volunteers
Get Involved: Volunteer at Martin Dunes, visit the property on a docent-led hike, or learn more about the endangered species so you can do your part!
