This is a declaration of how grateful Big Sur Land Trust is for your support and how grateful our community is for the land you have helped conserve and care for. Because of generous supporters like you, even through the toughest times in recent memory, thousands of people were able to immerse themselves in the beauty of Glen Deven Ranch, Mitteldorf Preserve, and even Marks Ranch before it burned. Even more found solace at Palo Corona Regional Park, Garland Ranch Regional Park, and San Carlos Beach – some of the many open spaces that Big Sur Land Trust helped conserve, then transferred for public access.
You also made it possible for:
- 83.5 acres to be conserved at Patriarch Ridge in Carmel Valley
- Hundreds of children to learn that they could immerse themselves in nature at home through videos and activity kits
- Many of us to connect with authors and experts about powerful environmental themes through virtual book and movie clubs
- Community volunteers – while observing safety protocols – to help the native garden at our Carr Lake property thrive
- Marks Ranch to re-open for hiking
- Mitteldorf Preserve's Bridge #10 to be replaced
Traditionally, the conservation and environmental movement has largely focused on the separation of people and nature. Nature has been a “place” that people visit. This separateness is problematic – especially as we continue to face the effects of a global pandemic and increasing climate change impacts. A key to the way forward is recognizing that there is no separation – we are nature. Just as we are taking urgent action towards regaining our human health, we must act with the same urgency for the health of the planet. We cannot have one without the other.
Someone who clearly understood the benefits of time in nature was Alfred Diaz-Infante. We are grateful for Alfred’s long-time involvement as a BSLT trustee and how he advocated for our Carr Lake Park project and numerous other causes. And we are absolutely heartbroken by his loss. Please take a moment to read our tribute to Alfred here.
You make our collective vision for healthy lands, healthy people, and healthy communities possible.
With sincerest thanks,
P.S. We hope you enjoy this glimpse of the many ways your donations are sustaining our work. Follow the links to find more detailed information, photos, and videos at bigsurlandtrust.org
|
|
|
|
Video: Fly-over the Dewing Redwood Tree
|
|
Mitteldorf Preserve
30th Anniversary
Experts confirmed that the Dewing Redwood at Mitteldorf Preserve is over 1,286 years old! At 43 feet in circumference, it stands as quiet testimony to the importance of Harriet and Arthur Mitteldorf’s donation to conserve these 1,100 acres three decades ago. This video will give you a rare flight up and over this magnificent sentinel of the forest.
|
|
|
|
Video: Jim Cox storytelling at GDR for 20th anniversary
|
|
Glen Deven Ranch
20th Anniversary
Dr. Seeley and Virginia Mudd bequeathed Glen Deven Ranch to Big Sur Land Trust 20 years ago! Just as Virginia dreamed, thousands of youth campers have experienced the ranch during past summer camps.
Recently, Jim Cox, beloved caretaker of Glen Deven, had a conversation with BSLT’s director of community programs Todd Farrington and communications manager Carla Zilliox. In this video, Jim tells the story of a young camper whose life was changed years ago during our camp with Harmony at Home’s Teen Program. Click here to see letters from some of these campers.
|
|
Conservation
A Garden Thrives at Carr Lake
While following ever-changing health guidelines, dedicated volunteers kept our native garden growing and thriving at Carr Lake in Salinas. Honey bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and even tree frogs visit frequently! Since the Salinas City Council approved our park project, we will be completing 50% design plans by the end of this year and moving into final design in 2022.
|
|
A Tribute
Alfred Diaz-Infante
Our hearts are broken over Alfred Diaz-Infante’s passing. Along with people across Monterey County, and especially in the Salinas community, we are mourning the loss of a dedicated advocate for people and open spaces. Big Sur Land Trust has been honored to have Alfred serve on our Advisory Board from 2010 – 2013 and on our Board of Trustees since 2014. Read our full tribute to Alfred here.
|
|
Camper's Corner, Activity Kits, and Camps!
Connecting with Youth
During the shutdown, hundreds of kids throughout the county found nature at home with videos and activity kits from our Youth Outdoor Programs. Native plant seed kits, art projects and even a bug palace project were distributed through our youth camp partners. We are so happy that we could work within county health guidelines and welcome youth back to day camps throughout the fall!
|
|
Self-Guided Hike Program
Finding Solace in Nature
While much of the world shut down, our trails stayed open so people of all ages could find their wonder. We’re excited that all of our properties with managed access are now open for reservations. Soon our volunteer hike leaders will be guiding groups to Arroyo Seco Ranch and Martin Dunes! Learn more and get involved here.
|
|
|
Pictured: Author of The Honey Bus, Meredith May
|
|
Virtual Events
Book and Movie Clubs
We found new ways to stay connected through our book and movie clubs. As many as 50 members of our book club “Zoomed” together after reading The Overstory, Braiding Sweetgrass, and The Honey Bus. We’ll be announcing more virtual events this winter!
|
|
Stewardship
Priorities on the Land
Our stewardship crew has been working harder than ever on fire recovery efforts at Marks Ranch in Salinas, and trails there are now open! Many other restoration projects have been completed and others remain ongoing. Check out what our team has been up to with the help of our partners and volunteers.
|
|
Race for Open Space
A "Virtual" Success
$59,000 was raised by runners, hikers, walkers, supporters, sponsors, and “Hoppy Hiker” beer drinkers during our 2021 Race for Open Space. Over 450 participants experienced Glen Deven Ranch, Mitteldorf Preserve, three adventure courses and their favorite local trails. Stay tuned for details on our 2022 race!
|
|
New BSLT Board Members
Welcome to the Big Sur Land Trust Family
We’re excited to introduce our newest trustees!
- Pinney Allen
- Yuri Anderson
- Hans Buder
- Carmel Gil
- Monica Tovar
Get to know them better here.
|
|
|
Revenue Sources Fiscal Year 2019-20
|
|
Expenses Fiscal Years 2013-14 through 2019-20
|
|
Financials
By the Numbers
Our fiscal year ended on June 30 and after a thorough audit, financials for FY 2020-21 will be available in January 2022. Learn more here.
|
|
|
Donors: We are so grateful for all of you who make the lands you love a priority! View our list of donors at: bigsurlandtrust.org/our-donors
|
|
Sponsors: We love our sponsors who stepped up to support our events during such uncertain times! Check out these amazing organizations at: bigsurlandtrust.org/sponsors
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
