We are so excited that we’ve been able to acquire the 5,105-acre Basin Ranch within a critical wildlife corridor in the Sierra de Salinas mountain range. This means we’ve conserved over 45,000 acres throughout Monterey County in 45 years!
By preventing potential development, the acquisition of Basin Ranch protects important habitats that many animals depend on. It has been thrilling to see wildlife camera footage of threatened species like mountain lions and American badgers, and other animals including gray foxes, golden eagles, and great horned owls. As we restore these oak woodlands, annual and perennial grasslands, and seasonal creeks and streams, we will be revitalizing the lands and waterways that these species need to survive.
We are grateful to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the state’s Wildlife Conservation Board – along with generous private donors – for making it possible for Big Sur Land Trust to purchase the ranch. We need your help to make infrastructure improvements so that the land can be more resilient in the short-term, and we are also raising money for the long-term care of this amazing nature preserve. When you act now, a portion of your gift will be matched through MCGives!
We are also excited to be planning for a co-management agreement with the Esselen Tribe of Monterey County. After this co-management plan has been created and agreed upon, Big Sur Land Trust will be partnering with the Tribe to help conserve and enhance the natural and cultural resources of Basin Ranch. Working together, the Tribe and Big Sur Land Trust will determine appropriate opportunities for managed public access at Basin Ranch. Learn more about this partnership from our press release and see a map and more photos here. Stay tuned for more updates on Basin Ranch next spring!
Sincerely,
Jeannette Tuitele-Lewis
President/CEO, Big Sur Land Trust
Help Big Sur Land Trust Restore Lands and Preserve Wildlife Corridors
Now through Sunday, December 31
Big Sur Land Trust is working relentlessly to protect the lands you love and the wildlife that depend on healthy, open spaces.
When you help us conserve and restore these lands, badgers, golden eagles, and mountain lions can move and forage safely over great distances. Help us restore oak woodlands, grasslands, critical water sources, and other habitats that are crucial to the survival of pollinators and other wild creatures before it’s too late.
Opportunities to protect lands like these are rare! Check out our new video and donate now >>
Special thanks to the Monterey County Weekly, Community Foundation for Monterey County, and Monterey Peninsula Foundation for including us in this year’s campaign!
Autumn Harvest Fundraiser
Sunday, November 19 from 12:00pm – 6:00pm
Hacienda Carmel Valley
Don’t miss the Esselen Tribe of Monterey County’s Autumn Harvest Fundraiser! There will live music, activities for all ages, local artisans, food, and plenty of fun! We’ll be there talking about our collaborations with the Tribe and the exciting work we’ll be doing together. Buy tickets >>
Composing Big Sur Screening + Symphony: Pfeiffer
Saturday, November 18 at 6:30pm
Sunday, November 19 at 2:00pm
Sunset Center
The documentary showcasing Composer in Residence John Wineglass’ creative process of his most recent Monterey Symphony commission, Sacred Land: Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, will be screened before the Symphony’s concert, Pfeiffer. John has been inspired in part by his stays at Big Sur Land Trust’s Glen Deven Ranch. Buy tickets >>
Birding with Monterey Audubon Society
Friday, December 1 & Saturday, December 2
Marks Ranch
This event is appropriate for beginning birders and all those interested in learning how to better identify our local breeding birds. Join BSLT and Monterey Audubon Society on either Friday, December 1 or Saturday, December 2 to learn about the birds, the natural history, and the human history of Marks Ranch. We’ll likely spot birds typical of the oak savannah, including Acorn Woodpecker, California Scrub-jay, Hutton’s Vireo, California Quail and Oak Titmouse. Learn more >>
Please donate today through MCGives! and your generosity will help protect and restore oak woodlands, grasslands, water sources, and other habitats that are crucial to the survival of pollinators and other wild creatures before it’s too late. When you act now, a portion of your gift will be matched!