Big Sur Land Trust: Protected Lands

A visual tour of Big Sur Land Trust's protected lands throughout Monterey County.


Introduction

Big Sur Land Trust has been working to conserve land in Monterey County since 1978 and has protected over 45,000 acres throughout the county during this time. Protected lands currently held in fee include 25 properties totaling over 9,000 acres, as well as 35 voluntary land conservation agreements totaling nearly 7,000 acres. In addition to these fee lands and voluntary land conservation agreements, Big Sur Land Trust has protected an additional 29,000 acres by acquiring land and transferring it to a public agency to own and manage or by partnering with other groups to assist with acquisition projects. Scroll down to view the properties and learn more about Big Sur Land Trust projects.


Fee Ownership

A primary mechanism Big Sur Land Trust uses to protect land is to acquire it from willing sellers. This map tour highlights properties that Big Sur Land Trust currently owns in chronological order of the acquisition date, from 1978-2024. These 25 properties total over 9,000 acres of protected land.

Big Sur Land Trust has made a commitment to care for the conservation values and infrastructure of these properties over the long term. True lasting protection lies within the ability to act as stewards of the land and do the job well. Big Sur Land Trust's goal is to manage land in a way that promotes the ecological integrity, functioning, and resilience of ecosystems. Our work is guided by both traditional and innovative science-based approaches that restore unique habitats, manage invasive species, reduce erosion into sensitive waterways, and protect rare and sensitive biological communities.

Six of these fee properties are our key preserves: Arroyo Seco Ranch (near Greenfield), Carr Lake (Salinas), Glen Deven Ranch (Big Sur), Marks Ranch (near Salinas), Martin Dunes (near Marina), and Mitteldorf Preserve (Carmel Valley). On these varied landscapes spread throughout the county, we offer managed public access through hikes, events and outdoor youth programming.


1

Murphy (Esalen) 1978

This is the first fee property acquired by Big Sur Land Trust in 1978, adjacent to the Esalen Institute along Highway 1. The intent of this 23-acre purchase was to protect the coastal viewshed.

2

Owings (1980/1987)

These two parcels on Highway 1 total 29 acres. They contain vibrant coastal scrub communities, a stand of redwoods in Grimes Canyon and a beautiful riparian corridor which leads to the Pacific Ocean. The parcels exemplify the aesthetic beauty of the rugged Big Sur Coast for all who pass by.   

3

Highlands Inn Turnout (1986)

This 0.37-acre property was donated to Big Sur Land Trust to protect the picturesque stand of Monterey cypress on the property. Visitors stop at this popular Caltrans scenic turnout to take beautiful and dramatic pictures of Point Lobos and the rugged Carmel Highlands coastline.

4

Gelbart (1986)

This 10-acre property off Coast Road is visible from Highway 1 and was acquired to protect the viewshed and vegetation typical of the Big Sur coastline.

5

Mitteldorf Preserve (1990)

Located in the Santa Lucia Mountains southeast of Carmel and home to Monterey County’s largest and oldest known redwood tree, this amazing landscape was forever protected from industrial logging when Harriet and Arthur Mitteldorf provided funds for Big Sur Land Trust to purchase the property in 1990. Over 1,000 acres of riparian habitat, redwood forest, oak woodlands, chaparral, grasslands, and a rare stand of madrone contribute to the beauty of this important watershed and habitat for several protected species. Additionally, this property serves as an emergency access corridor for the adjacent neighbors. Featuring historic structures, this property is one of our six key preserves, where we offer managed public access through hikes, events, and outdoor youth programming.

6

Mission Trail (1996)

This 0.42-acre parcel was acquired to permanently protect the trailhead of Mission Trail Nature Preserve and ensure public access to the trail in the City of Carmel.

7

Carmel Point/Kuster (1997)

This small property (1 acre at low tide and 1/2 acre at high tide!) protects tide pool habitat and ensures the aesthetic beauty of Carmel Point is preserved in perpetuity.

8

Odello East (1997/2016)

This 128-acre property, donated to Big Sur Land Trust in two separate transactions by Clint Eastwood and Margaret Eastwood, is the future site of the Carmel River Floodplain Restoration and Environmental Enhancement Project, which will restore habitat and help significantly reduce flood risk for homes and businesses in the lower Carmel River watershed.

9

Tor House (1999)

This 0.1-acre property was donated to Big Sur Land Trust in 1999 by the Robinson Jeffers Tor House Foundation with the intent to secure a permanent, open-space area on the coastal side of Carmel Point near the Tor House.

10

Martin Dunes (2000)

This 125-acre property is part of the Monterey Bay Dune Complex, the largest coastal dune system in California, with an extremely high concentration of federal and state listed threatened and endangered species, such as the Snowy Plover and Smith's Blue Butterfly. Since 2009, Big Sur Land Trust has implemented a long-term dune restoration partnership project, to benefit this important habitat. Within this dune complex, Martin Dunes is considered some of the best quality remaining habitat. Big Sur Land Trust currently holds a 74% majority interest and is in the process of acquiring additional interests here. This property is one of our six key preserves, where we offer managed public access through guided hikes, events, and outdoor youth programming.

11

Glen Deven Ranch (2001)

Glen Deven Ranch is an 860-acre property bequeathed to Big Sur Land Trust in 2001 by Dr. Seeley and Mrs. Virginia Mudd. With abundant redwood forests, woodlands, riparian area, grasslands and wildlife, Glen Deven is an iconic example of the Big Sur landscape. It was Virginia's dream that the ranch become an educational showplace for conservation, land stewardship and artistic inspiration. That dream is fulfilled each summer, when Big Sur Land Trust holds our transformational outdoor youth camps at Glen Deven. This property is one of our six key preserves, where we offer managed public access through hikes, events and outdoor youth programming. 

12

Notley's Landing (2001)

Located on Highway 1, just south of the mouth of Palo Colorado Canyon, this 5-acre property has significant ecological, historical and scenic value. During the timber harvest boom of the late 1800's, redwoods were loaded onto ships moored in the small cove here and a small village grew to support the industry. Remnants of the historic structures still exist today.

13

Sherman (2001/2002)

This 10-acre property is landlocked with limited access but the acquisition preserved coastal scrub habitat and viewshed from Highway 1.

14

Curtis (2002)

This 20-acre property on the Lobos Ridge was purchased to protect endemic maritime chaparral and Monterey pine plant communities and important drainages into the San Jose Creek watershed.

15

Smith Ranch (2003)

Big Sur Land Trust holds a 1/16th interest in this 359-acre property along both sides of Highway 1, just south of Palo Colorado Canyon. The property includes a reach of Rocky Creek and has significant ecological, historical and viewshed importance.

16

Arroyo Seco Ranch (2007)

This 1,675-acre ranch just west of Greenfield includes a rugged wild area rich with native habitats and river and creek systems. The property supports a two-mile stretch of the Arroyo Seco River, as well as rare sycamore alluvial woodlands, abundant songbirds and the endangered California red-legged frog. Big Sur Land Trust manages a conservation grazing program here and the property serves as a helibase during wildfires to protect the community. This property is one of our six key preserves, where we offer managed public access through guided hikes, events and outdoor youth programming.

17

Marks Ranch (2007)

Marks Ranch was once a major egg production ranch, and the home of Benjamin and Nisene Marks, who settled there in 1890. Big Sur Land Trust purchased the ranch in 2007, protecting important wildlife corridors through beautiful rolling hills, woodlands, meadows, grazing lands and 90 species of wildflowers. Much of the 816-acre ranch has become part of Toro County Park. Big Sur Land Trust maintains its remaining 79 acres, which includes the hacienda where the Marks family once lived and other historic structures. Big Sur Land Trust manages a conservation grazing program here to bolster the productive capacity of grasslands, increase biological diversity, and reduce wildfire risk. Since 2015, Big Sur Land Trust outdoor youth day camps have been held here, providing youngsters inspirational time in open spaces. This property is one of our six key preserves, where we offer managed public access through hikes, events, and outdoor youth programming.

18

Songbird Preserve (2008)

This 12-acre property in Carmel Valley features a stretch of the Carmel River and was purchased to improve the quality of coastal watersheds and conserve significant riparian vegetation. It features critical habitat for steelhead and many migratory birds.

19

Hartnell Building (2010)

This property was acquired to serve as Big Sur Land Trust's office. The historic adobe on the lot, originally called Casa de la Torre, was built in 1836 and was the first federal courthouse in California. 

20

Carr Lake (2017)

The Carr Lake Basin is an approximately 480-acre seasonally dry lakebed in the heart of Salinas. For decades, the Salinas community has envisioned transforming Carr Lake into a "central park" for the city. Big Sur Land Trust's urban acquisition of 73 acres at Carr Lake was a key first step towards transforming this area into an asset for the community that will help address the lack of parks and open space in Salinas. Big Sur Land Trust is working with residents, community groups and city leaders to co-create a multi-benefit park and open space at the site that reflects the heart and soul of Salinas. This property is one of our six key preserves, where we offer managed public access through property tours, volunteer events and outdoor youth programming.

21

Patriarch Ridge (2020)

In April 2020, Big Sur Land Trust acquired and conserved 83.5 acres of old growth mixed evergreen woodland, chaparral and grassland habitat adjacent to Big Sur Land Trust's Mitteldorf Preserve in Carmel Valley. 

22

Sperling (2022)

Acquisition of this 1-acre parcel expands protection of the Highway 1 corridor viewshed and contributes to the conservation of the rugged, undeveloped character of the Big Sur coastline. The property is vegetated with Northern Coastal Scrub and the specialized Coastal Bluff Scrub habitat.

23

Basin Ranch (2023)

This 5,105-acre ranch in the Sierra de Salinas mountains marks the second largest single acquisition in Big Sur Land Trust's history. The mostly undeveloped ranch supports high quality grasslands, chaparral and oak woodland habitats and several water features. Wildlife cameras installed by a CSUMB graduate student intern in 2022 documented mountain lion, bobcat, gray fox, coyote, deer, American badgers, raptors and small mammals. The property will be co-managed by Big Sur Land Trust and the Esselen Tribe of Monterey County.

24

Nantz (2023)

The 80-acre Nantz property in Big Sur is surrounded on three sides to the west, north, and east by California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Joshua Creek Canyon Ecological Reserve, just a short distance east of Big Sur Land Trust's Glen Deven Ranch. The property is undeveloped, contains high quality redwood, coastal chaparral and oak riparian habitat and serves as a wildlife corridor. The owner donated the property to Big Sur Land Trust and it will ultimately become part of the Joshua Creek Canyon Ecological Reserve.

25

Hiss (2024)

Big Sur Land Trust acquired the 84-acre Hiss Parcel in Monterey along the south side of Highway 68 across from the Monterey Regional Airport in April 2024. Conserving this land preserves supports rich wetlands, riparian habitat, perennial and annual grasslands, Coast Live Oak woodlands, and small patches of maritime chaparral and Monterey Pine forest. By preventing potential development, we are protecting important habitats that are part of a valuable wildlife corridor. Deer, coyote, and black bears have been spotted on the land.

This land also holds cultural values of significant importance to the Ohlone/ Costanoan-Esselen Nation (OCEN), and together we are committed to a shared goal of eventual ancestral land return. Big Sur Land Trust looks forward to collaborating with OCEN on a conservation management and restoration plan for the long-term stewardship of the property.

Voluntary Land Conservation Agreements

Voluntary land conservation agreements (also known as conservation easements) protect land through a voluntary legally binding agreement between a landowner and a land trust. The landowner retains ownership of the land and many private property rights. The land trust and landowner work together to protect conservation values identified in the easement agreement, which is designed to maintain important habitats, wildlife, working lands and cultural resources. Regular visits and monitoring ensure that conservation values are maintained. Voluntary land conservation agreements allow private landowners to play a key role in protecting natural and cultural resources. 

This map tour displays Big Sur Land Trust's current voluntary land conservation agreements holdings in chronological order of the acquisition date, from 1980-2024. These 35 conservation agreements total nearly 7,000 acres.

1

Dolan Canyon 1 (1980)

This 18-acre coastal property in Big Sur includes a steep canyon, dense stands of redwoods and coast live oaks.

2

Pfeiffer Point 1 & 2 (1981/1982)

This pair of coastal properties in Big Sur total 24 acres of dense and steeply sloped chaparral habitat.

3

Mule Canyon (1981)

This 159-acre property in coastal Big Sur includes coastal grasslands and steep riparian drainages.

4

Alder (1981)

This 11-acre coastal property in Big Sur includes a stretch of the Big Sur River with alder-dominated riparian habitat, as well as redwood, tanoak and California bay woodland. After receiving this property as as donation in 1979, Big Sur Land Trust sold the property after encumbering it with a voluntary land conservation agreement to ensure permanent protection.

5

Pfeiffer Point 3 (1982)

This 9-acre coastal property in Big Sur consists of steep coastal scrub-covered slopes.

6

Pfeiffer Point 4 (1982)

This 5-acre coastal property in Big Sur consists of steep, coastal scrub-covered slopes that extend directly down to the Pacific Ocean.

7

Shoal Cavern (1983)

This 2-acre coastal property in Big Sur consists of pine and cypress trees, coastal grassland and coastal scrub.

8

Buck Creek (1984)

This 291-acre coastal property in Big Sur consists of a mosaic of riparian, chaparral and grassland habitat, including the upper watershed of Buck Creek, dense stands of redwoods, coast live oaks, tanoaks and California bay trees.

9

Coast Ridge (1985/2013)

This 14-acre property in Big Sur was acquired through two separate voluntary land conservation agreements and contains a small canyon populated with coast live oak and madrone trees, as well as grassland habitat.

10

Wildcat Creek (1986)

This 10-acre linear property in coastal Big Sur consists entirely of riparian habitat and a small grove of redwoods.

11

Malpaso (1986)

This 1-acre property consists of oceanfront property in Big Sur within a residential development.

12

Dolan Canyon 2 (1986)

This 4-acre coastal property in Big Sur contains first-growth redwoods, coast live oak, tan oak, madrone and California bay trees. 

13

Quail Meadows (1986/1988/2000)

This 34-acre property near the Quail Meadows subdivision in Carmel contains steep coastal sage scrub and oak woodland habitat.

14

Highlands (1987/2003)

This 1-acre oceanfront property in the Carmel Highlands consists of steep slopes bounded by residential development. Big Sur Land Trust purchased the land and then sold it, after signing a voluntary land conservation agreement to ensure permanent protection.

15

Alta Madera (1988)

This 40-acre property in Carmel Valley consists of oak woodland and chaparral habitat. Due to ownership changes, the voluntary land conservation agreement was later amended and it is now managed as two separate properties.

16

Rocky Point (1989)

This 3-acre coastal property in Big Sur within the Rocky Point subdivision protects the scenic viewshed.

17

Garrapatos 1 (1990)

This 1-acre property in Big Sur contains dense redwood forest habitat.

18

Cachagua (1994)

This 170-acre property near Jamesburg contains multiple creeks, riparian woodland and chaparral habitats.

19

Mission Trail 1 (1995)

This small 0.29-acre property in Carmel-by-the-Sea protects pine forest adjacent to Mission Trail Nature Preserve.

20

Lime Creek (1998)

This 510-acre property slopes from the rocky coast up to 2,800 feet in elevation and contains extensive grasslands, chaparral, oak woodland and dense stands of redwoods.

21

Mission Trail 2 (1998)

This small 0.18 acre property preserves open space at the entrance to the Mission Trail Nature Preserve in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

22

Dolan Creek (1998)

This 63-acre property in coastal Big Sur contains redwoods, steep canyons and dense chaparral habitat.

23

Garrapatos 2 (1999)

This 21-acre property in Big Sur contains vegetation typical of Big Sur on steep slopes above Garrapata Canyon. Big Sur Land Trust purchased this property, then sold it after encumbering the property with a voluntary land conservation agreement to ensure permanent protection.

24

Rocky Ridge (2001)

This 70-acre property in Big Sur specifically protects redwood trees and forest habitat.

25

Joshua Creek (2002)

This 15-acre property contains steep slopes, cypress trees and mixed coastal scrub.

26

Dolan Ridge (2003)

This 115-acre property contains oak woodlands, grasslands, redwoods and coastal scrub.

27

Tularcitos Ranch (2007)

This 3,200-acre working ranch in the Sierra de Salinas contains oak woodlands and savannas, annual and perennial grasslands, mixed woodlands, riparian corridors, mixed riparian forests, and high quality aquatic communities.  

28

Carmel River (2009)

This 10-acre property in Carmel Valley contains diverse riparian habitat along the Carmel River.

29

Rancho Colinas (2009)

This 1,107-acre property in the Gabilan Mountains protects oak woodlands, riparian and aquatic habitats along Gabilan Creek, as well as grasslands, rangelands and important wildlife corridors.

30

Coastlands (2013)

This 36-acre property is made up of two non-contiguous areas at the Post Ranch Inn. 

31

Rancho Vierra (2014)

This 964-acre property in the Gabilan Mountains protects oak woodlands, riparian and aquatic habitats along Gabilan Creek, as well as grasslands, rangelands, and important wildlife corridors.

32

Marina Gilia (2024)

This 61.5-acre property in Marina permanently protects habitat for the Monterey gilia (Gilia tenuiflora ssp. Arenaria). This small flowering plant grows in coastal dunes and inland maritime chapparal habitat in a very limited range along the coast in Monterey. This acquisition was a partnership with City of Marina. Protection of this property enabled construction of the Imjin Parkway Widening Project. Photo credit: Monterey County RCIS.


Transfers and Assists

Big Sur Land Trust has protected an additional 29,000 acres of land, in addition to the fee and voluntary land conservation agreement projects mentioned above. Many of these properties were permanently protected and then transferred to a partner public agency to own and manage for conservation and public access, such as California State Parks, US Forest Service and Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District. Big Sur Land Trust's role in these projects varied; in some cases Big Sur Land Trust acquired land and transferred it. In other cases, Big Sur Land Trust simply provided funding. These projects range in size from 0.06 acres up to 10,000 acres and some of the key projects are highlighted below.

Otter Cove Parcels

Otter Cove Parcels. Click to expand.

Big Sur Land Trust received a donation of several parcels of land in 1980 in northern Big Sur and transferred them to private owners in 1994. Monterey County holds a voluntary land conservation agreement over this land. Photo credit: Copyright © 2002-2019 Kenneth & Gabrielle Adelman, California Coastal Records Project, www.californiacoastline.org.

Henry Miller Memorial Library

Henry Miller Memorial Library. Click to expand.

Following Henry Miller's death in 1980, Emil White donated the property where the library sits to Big Sur Land Trust, then spent the rest of his life as the library director. After White died in 1989, Big Sur Land Trust operated and administered the library until 1994, when current director Magnus Toren took over. In 1998, Toren created the nonprofit library foundation, which assumed the operations. In 2012, Big Sur Land Trust donated the property to the Henry Miller Library Foundation to own and manage. Photo credit: Serena Renner.

Merrill

Merrill. Click to expand.

This 3-acre property was purchased in 1985 and transferred to Pebble Beach Corporation. Del Monte Forest Conservancy holds a voluntary land conservation agreement to ensure permanent protection. Photo credit: JOE BLOWE via Wikimedia Commons.

Cowell

Cowell. Click to expand.

Big Sur Land Trust purchased these 80 acres in 1985 and transferred the property to State Parks. It is now part of Limekiln State Park. Photo credit: Kevin Stanchfield, via Wikimedia Commons.

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Additions

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Additions. Click to expand.

Big Sur Land Trust purchased two 40-acre parcels adjacent to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in 1986 (Hurley and Norman/Swiss Camp). These parcels were transferred to State Parks (one was first sold to Save the Redwoods League, then State Parks) and are now part of the State Park, accessible via the Tan Bark Trail. Additionally, Big Sur Land Trust held a 40-acre voluntary land conservation agreement in this area, that was lifted when property ownership was transferred to State Parks. Photo credit: Chris Mock, via AllTrails.

Mill Creek Redwood Preserve

Mill Creek Redwood Preserve. Click to expand.

In 1986 and 1987, Big Sur Land Trust purchased most of what is now the 1,534-acre Mill Creek Redwood Preserve. The property was owned by various logging companies, who harvested redwoods and tanbarks for decades. Big Sur Land Trust sold the property to Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District who offered public access via their permit reservation system until the Sobranes Fire in 2016, which caused road closures and extensive damage.

San Carlos Beach Park

San Carlos Beach Park. Click to expand.

In 1987, Big Sur Land Trust purchased and transferred 3 acres of land to the City of Monterey to create what is now known as San Carlos Beach Park, adjacent to the jetty and harbor. It is a popular destination for SCUBA divers, who know the site as "Breakwater", in addition to the many visitors who pass through the park while on the scenic Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. Photo credit: californiabeaches.com.

Stoddard

Stoddard. Click to expand.

This 1-acre parcel on Palo Colorado Road was donated to Big Sur Land Trust in 1988. The property was sold in 2011 to an adjacent landowner after it was determined the parcel held minimal conservation value or benefit.

Whisler

Whisler. Click to expand.

This 40-acre property along San Jose Creek was protected via a voluntary land conservation agreement held by Big Sur Land Trust from 1988 to 1993. This key property, near Monastery Beach and the Carmelite Monastery, is at the mouth of the San Jose Creek watershed. The agreement was extinguished when the property was acquired by State Parks as part of Point Lobos Ranch.

Garland Ranch Additions

Garland Ranch Additions. Click to expand.

Big Sur Land Trust purchased and transferred several properties to Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District that became part of Garland Ranch Regional Park in Carmel Valley. These projects include the Griffin (1988) Condon/Veeder (1996) and Moo (2006) acquisitions and totaled 128 acres. Garland Ranch Regional Park, now over 4,000 acres, is a beloved public park providing access to thousands of visitors per year. Photo credit: Daderot, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Sand City Parcels

Sand City Parcels. Click to expand.

Big Sur Land Trust acquired 19 small parcels in Sand City between 1989 and 2008 via purchase and donation. The parcels total less than 4 acres but the land, on the west side of Highway 1, was private and developable. Big Sur Land Trust transferred the parcels to Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District and State Parks to ensure permanent protection of this important dune habitat. Photo credit: californiabeaches.com.

Marina Dunes Preserve

Marina Dunes Preserve. Click to expand.

Big Sur Land Trust purchased two parcels of critical coastal sand dune habitat in 1989 and 2000 that were slated for development. One parcel was first transferred to State Parks, then both parcels were transferred to Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District and it is now known as Marina Dunes Preserve, which is open to the public. Photo credit: Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District.

Point Lobos Ranch

Point Lobos Ranch. Click to expand.

Big Sur Land Trust acquired this 1,312-acre property across from Point Lobos State Natural Reserve in 1993 and over a 10-year period transferred it to California State Parks. Point Lobos Ranch, as it was then called, was threatened with an extensive conference center and condominium development that would have compromised the Reserve’s serene setting and rich natural resources. Point Lobos Ranch includes about 2.5 miles of San Jose Creek, which provides habitat for threatened steelhead trout. The creek winds through a deep canyon where pink rhododendrons grow in the deep shade of the redwood forest. In 2021, the California Parks and Recreation Commission approved classifying and naming this property Ishxenta State Park (pronounced Eesh-henta), an indigenous name given to the Point Lobos area by the Rumsen people who lived in this region for millennia prior to the arrival of the Spanish and Americans.

Zmudowski Beach

Zmudowski Beach. Click to expand.

This 1-acre parcel in Moss Landing was purchased in 1996 and transferred to State Parks as an addition to Zmudowski State Beach.

Cominos

Cominos. Click to expand.

In 1996 Big Sur Land Trust accepted a donation of 30 acres of land in Big Sur from a local family. Big Sur Land Trust protected the property with a voluntary land conservation agreement before transferring the land to the Fish Ranch Trust. This property is now part of Joshua Creek Canyon Ecological Reserve, owned by California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and permanently protected as open space.

Big Creek Reserve Addition (Prentiss)

Big Creek Reserve Addition (Prentiss). Click to expand.

In 1997, Big Sur Land Trust purchased 480 acres in Big Sur and subsequently donated it to UC Regents as an addition to Landels-Hill Big Creek Reserve. This acquisition had tremendous local support and prevented a previously proposed development. The property includes the upper reaches of three watersheds (Big Creek, Rat Creek and Dolan Creek) as well as steep rugged slopes, stands of redwoods, grasslands and coastal scrub. The Reserve is utilized by scientists and students from around the world. Photo credit: UC Natural Reserve System.

El Sur Ranch

El Sur Ranch. Click to expand.

The El Sur Ranch, located on the Big Sur coast, has been continuously operated as a cattle ranch since 1834. In 1997, Big Sur Land Trust facilitated negotiations and cemented the conservation of 3,252 acres of the historic property using Proposition 70 funding. A voluntary land conservation agreement, held by Monterey County, ensures the coastal slopes of this land will never be developed. Photo credit: El Sur Ranch.

Long Valley

Long Valley. Click to expand.

In 1998, Big Sur Land Trust purchased over 400 acres of land in Castroville just east of Elkhorn Slough. It was transferred to the Elkhorn Slough Foundation to own and manage in 1999. The property contains grassland, maritime chaparral, coast live oak woodland, coastal scrub and freshwater wetlands that conserve an important part of the Elkhorn Slough watershed.

Andrew Molera State Park Addition (Kent)

Andrew Molera State Park Addition (Kent). Click to expand.

Big Sur Land Trust purchased 17 acres adjacent to Andrew Molera State Park in 1998 and 1999. The land was then transferred to State Parks and added to the larger park. Andrew Molera State Park offers hiking, camping, beach access and spectacular views. Photo credit: State Parks.

Prop 70 Projects

Prop 70 Projects. Click to expand.

Big Sur Land Trust acquired 16 properties in Big Sur in the 1990's using Proposition 70 funding. These properties, totaling over 200 acres, were transferred to Monterey County and the US Forest Service to own and manage for the long term. The two parcels shown here in orange were acquired in 1990 (Perrine property, 5 acres, left) and 1996 (Falotico property, 3 acres, right) and are adjacent to Los Padres National Forest land near Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur. Photo credit: Copyright © 2002-2019 Kenneth & Gabrielle Adelman, California Coastal Records Project.

Patterson Ranches

Patterson Ranches. Click to expand.

Big Sur Land Trust purchased 688 acres on the Big Sur coast in several transactions between 1997 and 1999. The properties were sold to a conservation buyer, who agreed not to develop the land, and Big Sur Land Trust recorded voluntary land conservation agreements to ensure permanent protection.

Ewoldsen

Ewoldsen. Click to expand.

This 30-acre property was purchased in 1999 by Big Sur Land Trust, transferred to the US Forest Service and added to Los Padres National Forest. The property contains a section of Pheneger Creek as well as old growth redwoods and had been owned by the Ewoldsen/Pfeiffer family since 1888. Photo credit: Brian Lopez, Wikimedia.

Little Horse Ranch/Murphy

Little Horse Ranch/Murphy . Click to expand.

In 2000, Big Sur Land Trust accepted a donation of 1,203 acres of land in Big Sur from a local family. Big Sur Land Trust protected the property with a voluntary land conservation agreement before transferring the land to the Fish Ranch Trust. This property is now part of Joshua Creek Canyon Ecological Reserve, owned by California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and permanently protected as open space.

Sakasegawa

Sakasegawa. Click to expand.

Big Sur Land Trust purchased this 16-acre property in the Carmel Highlands in 2000. It's adjacent to Point Lobos Ranch to the north and Whisler-Wilson Ranch to the east, and was transferred to State Parks in 2002.

Flavin

Flavin. Click to expand.

Big Sur Land Trust acquired this nearly 600-acre property in Carmel Valley on the Carmel River off Cachagua Road in 2002, then transferred ownership to Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District, who also owns the adjacent Cachagua Community Park. Photo credit: David.c.stone, Wikimedia.

Palo Corona Regional Park and Joshua Creek Canyon Ecological Reserve

Palo Corona Regional Park and Joshua Creek Canyon Ecological Reserve. Click to expand.

In 2002, the nearly 10,000-acre Palo Corona Ranch was purchased after an eight year effort by Big Sur Land Trust and The Nature Conservancy, working in partnership with the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District (MPRPD), the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and other public agencies. The northern 4,350 acres of the former ranch property was transferred to the MPRPD to create Palo Corona Regional Park. CDFW added the southern 5,500 acres of the former ranch to its existing 640-acre Joshua Creek Canyon Ecological Reserve. 

Whitney

Whitney. Click to expand.

This Big Sur parcel and residence was bequeathed to Big Sur Land Trust as part of an estate in 2005. This property was subsequently sold and the proceeds were used by Big Sur Land Trust to fund stewardship and conservation in Big Sur, in alignment with the donor's wishes.

Marks Ranch

Marks Ranch. Click to expand.

Most of the 816-acre ranch that Big Sur Land Trust purchased in 2007 was transferred to Monterey County Parks to be managed as part of Toro County Park. Big Sur Land Trust maintains ownership of the remaining 79 acres, which includes an historic hacienda and ornamental garden with rare palms and cactus where the Marks family once lived. Since 2015, Big Sur Land Trust outdoor youth day camps have been held here, providing youngsters inspirational time in open spaces. This property is one of our six key preserves, where we offer managed public access through hikes, events and outdoor youth programming.

Dorrance Ranch

Dorrance Ranch. Click to expand.

Big Sur Land Trust entered into formal agreement with The Nature Conservancy in 2007 to assist with fundraising to permanently protect this 4,300 acre historic cattle ranch. The Dorrance Ranch spans the watershed divide between the Carmel and Salinas Rivers and provides the scenic backdrop to much of northern Monterey County along the slopes of Mount Toro. The property includes oak woodlands and savannas, annual and perennial grasslands, mixed woodlands, riparian corridors, mixed riparian forests, and high quality aquatic communities.

Horse Pasture (Beck)

Horse Pasture (Beck). Click to expand.

The Wilderness Land Trust purchased this in-holding, 160 acres, in 2007 and transferred it to the US Forest Service. Big Sur Land Trust assisted with this acquisition project by providing funding towards the purchase.

Ehniz Trail Easement

Ehniz Trail Easement. Click to expand.

Big Sur Land Trust acquired this trail easement in 2009 and then transferred it to Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District. The easement is 15 feet wide and 1,300 feet in length and provides legal public access to Garland Ranch Regional Park for equestrians who have used the route since at least 1931. Photo credit: Daderot, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Whisler-Wilson Ranch

Whisler-Wilson Ranch. Click to expand.

The property known formerly as the Whisler-Wilson Ranch is a 317-acre parcel that belonged to descendants of the A.M. Allan family. Mr. Allan is credited with originally saving Point Lobos from development in the late 1800s. It is located south of Carmel and inland of Highway One, across from Monastery Beach and Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Big Sur Land Trust acquired the property from the Whisler and Wilson Family Trusts in 2010 and transferred the entire property to the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District in 2015 as an addition to Palo Corona Regional Park. The property offers stunning “top of the world” views of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Carmel River State Beach, and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary as well as inland views of Palo Corona Regional Park, Jacks Peak, Carmel Valley and the mountain ranges beyond.

Southbank Trail

Southbank Trail. Click to expand.

Big Sur Land Trust acquired land and multiple trail easements in Carmel Valley to create the Southbank Trail starting in 2011. This 1.5 mile long pedestrian and bicycle path is located on the south side of the Carmel River between Quail Lodge and Palo Corona Regional Park. Big Sur Land Trust still owns the land and holds the trail easements. The trail is maintained by the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District.

Kopp

Kopp. Click to expand.

This 6-acre property on the west side of Highway 1 on the Big Sur coast was donated to Big Sur Land Trust. In 2017, the steep slopes at Mud Creek on the east side of the highway suffered a catastrophic collapse and landslide, destroying a portion of the highway and covering this property. Big Sur Land Trust transferred the land to CalTrans in 2022.

Otter Cove Parcels

Big Sur Land Trust received a donation of several parcels of land in 1980 in northern Big Sur and transferred them to private owners in 1994. Monterey County holds a voluntary land conservation agreement over this land. Photo credit: Copyright © 2002-2019 Kenneth & Gabrielle Adelman, California Coastal Records Project, www.californiacoastline.org.

Henry Miller Memorial Library

Following Henry Miller's death in 1980, Emil White donated the property where the library sits to Big Sur Land Trust, then spent the rest of his life as the library director. After White died in 1989, Big Sur Land Trust operated and administered the library until 1994, when current director Magnus Toren took over. In 1998, Toren created the nonprofit library foundation, which assumed the operations. In 2012, Big Sur Land Trust donated the property to the Henry Miller Library Foundation to own and manage. Photo credit: Serena Renner.

Merrill

This 3-acre property was purchased in 1985 and transferred to Pebble Beach Corporation. Del Monte Forest Conservancy holds a voluntary land conservation agreement to ensure permanent protection. Photo credit: JOE BLOWE via Wikimedia Commons.

Cowell

Big Sur Land Trust purchased these 80 acres in 1985 and transferred the property to State Parks. It is now part of Limekiln State Park. Photo credit: Kevin Stanchfield, via Wikimedia Commons.

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Additions

Big Sur Land Trust purchased two 40-acre parcels adjacent to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in 1986 (Hurley and Norman/Swiss Camp). These parcels were transferred to State Parks (one was first sold to Save the Redwoods League, then State Parks) and are now part of the State Park, accessible via the Tan Bark Trail. Additionally, Big Sur Land Trust held a 40-acre voluntary land conservation agreement in this area, that was lifted when property ownership was transferred to State Parks. Photo credit: Chris Mock, via AllTrails.

Mill Creek Redwood Preserve

In 1986 and 1987, Big Sur Land Trust purchased most of what is now the 1,534-acre Mill Creek Redwood Preserve. The property was owned by various logging companies, who harvested redwoods and tanbarks for decades. Big Sur Land Trust sold the property to Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District who offered public access via their permit reservation system until the Sobranes Fire in 2016, which caused road closures and extensive damage.

San Carlos Beach Park

In 1987, Big Sur Land Trust purchased and transferred 3 acres of land to the City of Monterey to create what is now known as San Carlos Beach Park, adjacent to the jetty and harbor. It is a popular destination for SCUBA divers, who know the site as "Breakwater", in addition to the many visitors who pass through the park while on the scenic Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. Photo credit: californiabeaches.com.

Stoddard

This 1-acre parcel on Palo Colorado Road was donated to Big Sur Land Trust in 1988. The property was sold in 2011 to an adjacent landowner after it was determined the parcel held minimal conservation value or benefit.

Whisler

This 40-acre property along San Jose Creek was protected via a voluntary land conservation agreement held by Big Sur Land Trust from 1988 to 1993. This key property, near Monastery Beach and the Carmelite Monastery, is at the mouth of the San Jose Creek watershed. The agreement was extinguished when the property was acquired by State Parks as part of Point Lobos Ranch.

Garland Ranch Additions

Big Sur Land Trust purchased and transferred several properties to Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District that became part of Garland Ranch Regional Park in Carmel Valley. These projects include the Griffin (1988) Condon/Veeder (1996) and Moo (2006) acquisitions and totaled 128 acres. Garland Ranch Regional Park, now over 4,000 acres, is a beloved public park providing access to thousands of visitors per year. Photo credit: Daderot, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Sand City Parcels

Big Sur Land Trust acquired 19 small parcels in Sand City between 1989 and 2008 via purchase and donation. The parcels total less than 4 acres but the land, on the west side of Highway 1, was private and developable. Big Sur Land Trust transferred the parcels to Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District and State Parks to ensure permanent protection of this important dune habitat. Photo credit: californiabeaches.com.

Marina Dunes Preserve

Big Sur Land Trust purchased two parcels of critical coastal sand dune habitat in 1989 and 2000 that were slated for development. One parcel was first transferred to State Parks, then both parcels were transferred to Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District and it is now known as Marina Dunes Preserve, which is open to the public. Photo credit: Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District.

Point Lobos Ranch

Big Sur Land Trust acquired this 1,312-acre property across from Point Lobos State Natural Reserve in 1993 and over a 10-year period transferred it to California State Parks. Point Lobos Ranch, as it was then called, was threatened with an extensive conference center and condominium development that would have compromised the Reserve’s serene setting and rich natural resources. Point Lobos Ranch includes about 2.5 miles of San Jose Creek, which provides habitat for threatened steelhead trout. The creek winds through a deep canyon where pink rhododendrons grow in the deep shade of the redwood forest. In 2021, the California Parks and Recreation Commission approved classifying and naming this property Ishxenta State Park (pronounced Eesh-henta), an indigenous name given to the Point Lobos area by the Rumsen people who lived in this region for millennia prior to the arrival of the Spanish and Americans.

Zmudowski Beach

This 1-acre parcel in Moss Landing was purchased in 1996 and transferred to State Parks as an addition to Zmudowski State Beach.

Cominos

In 1996 Big Sur Land Trust accepted a donation of 30 acres of land in Big Sur from a local family. Big Sur Land Trust protected the property with a voluntary land conservation agreement before transferring the land to the Fish Ranch Trust. This property is now part of Joshua Creek Canyon Ecological Reserve, owned by California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and permanently protected as open space.

Big Creek Reserve Addition (Prentiss)

In 1997, Big Sur Land Trust purchased 480 acres in Big Sur and subsequently donated it to UC Regents as an addition to Landels-Hill Big Creek Reserve. This acquisition had tremendous local support and prevented a previously proposed development. The property includes the upper reaches of three watersheds (Big Creek, Rat Creek and Dolan Creek) as well as steep rugged slopes, stands of redwoods, grasslands and coastal scrub. The Reserve is utilized by scientists and students from around the world. Photo credit: UC Natural Reserve System.

El Sur Ranch

The El Sur Ranch, located on the Big Sur coast, has been continuously operated as a cattle ranch since 1834. In 1997, Big Sur Land Trust facilitated negotiations and cemented the conservation of 3,252 acres of the historic property using Proposition 70 funding. A voluntary land conservation agreement, held by Monterey County, ensures the coastal slopes of this land will never be developed. Photo credit: El Sur Ranch.

Long Valley

In 1998, Big Sur Land Trust purchased over 400 acres of land in Castroville just east of Elkhorn Slough. It was transferred to the Elkhorn Slough Foundation to own and manage in 1999. The property contains grassland, maritime chaparral, coast live oak woodland, coastal scrub and freshwater wetlands that conserve an important part of the Elkhorn Slough watershed.

Andrew Molera State Park Addition (Kent)

Big Sur Land Trust purchased 17 acres adjacent to Andrew Molera State Park in 1998 and 1999. The land was then transferred to State Parks and added to the larger park. Andrew Molera State Park offers hiking, camping, beach access and spectacular views. Photo credit: State Parks.

Prop 70 Projects

Big Sur Land Trust acquired 16 properties in Big Sur in the 1990's using Proposition 70 funding. These properties, totaling over 200 acres, were transferred to Monterey County and the US Forest Service to own and manage for the long term. The two parcels shown here in orange were acquired in 1990 (Perrine property, 5 acres, left) and 1996 (Falotico property, 3 acres, right) and are adjacent to Los Padres National Forest land near Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur. Photo credit: Copyright © 2002-2019 Kenneth & Gabrielle Adelman, California Coastal Records Project.

Patterson Ranches

Big Sur Land Trust purchased 688 acres on the Big Sur coast in several transactions between 1997 and 1999. The properties were sold to a conservation buyer, who agreed not to develop the land, and Big Sur Land Trust recorded voluntary land conservation agreements to ensure permanent protection.

Ewoldsen

This 30-acre property was purchased in 1999 by Big Sur Land Trust, transferred to the US Forest Service and added to Los Padres National Forest. The property contains a section of Pheneger Creek as well as old growth redwoods and had been owned by the Ewoldsen/Pfeiffer family since 1888. Photo credit: Brian Lopez, Wikimedia.

Little Horse Ranch/Murphy

In 2000, Big Sur Land Trust accepted a donation of 1,203 acres of land in Big Sur from a local family. Big Sur Land Trust protected the property with a voluntary land conservation agreement before transferring the land to the Fish Ranch Trust. This property is now part of Joshua Creek Canyon Ecological Reserve, owned by California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and permanently protected as open space.

Sakasegawa

Big Sur Land Trust purchased this 16-acre property in the Carmel Highlands in 2000. It's adjacent to Point Lobos Ranch to the north and Whisler-Wilson Ranch to the east, and was transferred to State Parks in 2002.

Flavin

Big Sur Land Trust acquired this nearly 600-acre property in Carmel Valley on the Carmel River off Cachagua Road in 2002, then transferred ownership to Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District, who also owns the adjacent Cachagua Community Park. Photo credit: David.c.stone, Wikimedia.

Palo Corona Regional Park and Joshua Creek Canyon Ecological Reserve

In 2002, the nearly 10,000-acre Palo Corona Ranch was purchased after an eight year effort by Big Sur Land Trust and The Nature Conservancy, working in partnership with the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District (MPRPD), the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and other public agencies. The northern 4,350 acres of the former ranch property was transferred to the MPRPD to create Palo Corona Regional Park. CDFW added the southern 5,500 acres of the former ranch to its existing 640-acre Joshua Creek Canyon Ecological Reserve. 

Whitney

This Big Sur parcel and residence was bequeathed to Big Sur Land Trust as part of an estate in 2005. This property was subsequently sold and the proceeds were used by Big Sur Land Trust to fund stewardship and conservation in Big Sur, in alignment with the donor's wishes.

Marks Ranch

Most of the 816-acre ranch that Big Sur Land Trust purchased in 2007 was transferred to Monterey County Parks to be managed as part of Toro County Park. Big Sur Land Trust maintains ownership of the remaining 79 acres, which includes an historic hacienda and ornamental garden with rare palms and cactus where the Marks family once lived. Since 2015, Big Sur Land Trust outdoor youth day camps have been held here, providing youngsters inspirational time in open spaces. This property is one of our six key preserves, where we offer managed public access through hikes, events and outdoor youth programming.

Dorrance Ranch

Big Sur Land Trust entered into formal agreement with The Nature Conservancy in 2007 to assist with fundraising to permanently protect this 4,300 acre historic cattle ranch. The Dorrance Ranch spans the watershed divide between the Carmel and Salinas Rivers and provides the scenic backdrop to much of northern Monterey County along the slopes of Mount Toro. The property includes oak woodlands and savannas, annual and perennial grasslands, mixed woodlands, riparian corridors, mixed riparian forests, and high quality aquatic communities.  

Horse Pasture (Beck)

The Wilderness Land Trust purchased this in-holding, 160 acres, in 2007 and transferred it to the US Forest Service. Big Sur Land Trust assisted with this acquisition project by providing funding towards the purchase.

Ehniz Trail Easement

Big Sur Land Trust acquired this trail easement in 2009 and then transferred it to Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District. The easement is 15 feet wide and 1,300 feet in length and provides legal public access to Garland Ranch Regional Park for equestrians who have used the route since at least 1931. Photo credit: Daderot, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Whisler-Wilson Ranch

The property known formerly as the Whisler-Wilson Ranch is a 317-acre parcel that belonged to descendants of the A.M. Allan family. Mr. Allan is credited with originally saving Point Lobos from development in the late 1800s. It is located south of Carmel and inland of Highway One, across from Monastery Beach and Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Big Sur Land Trust acquired the property from the Whisler and Wilson Family Trusts in 2010 and transferred the entire property to the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District in 2015 as an addition to Palo Corona Regional Park. The property offers stunning “top of the world” views of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Carmel River State Beach, and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary as well as inland views of Palo Corona Regional Park, Jacks Peak, Carmel Valley and the mountain ranges beyond.

Southbank Trail

Big Sur Land Trust acquired land and multiple trail easements in Carmel Valley to create the Southbank Trail starting in 2011. This 1.5 mile long pedestrian and bicycle path is located on the south side of the Carmel River between Quail Lodge and Palo Corona Regional Park. Big Sur Land Trust still owns the land and holds the trail easements. The trail is maintained by the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District.

Kopp

This 6-acre property on the west side of Highway 1 on the Big Sur coast was donated to Big Sur Land Trust. In 2017, the steep slopes at Mud Creek on the east side of the highway suffered a catastrophic collapse and landslide, destroying a portion of the highway and covering this property. Big Sur Land Trust transferred the land to CalTrans in 2022.