What Big Sur Land Trust does

Big Sur Land Trust (BSLT) is a Monterey County, California-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) land conservation organization founded in 1978. Its core business is the permanent protection and stewardship of natural landscapes, habitats, and waterways across Monterey County, where it has conserved over 45,000 acres and now maintains 43 miles of publicly accessible trails across multiple preserves (Glen Deven Ranch, Mitteldorf Preserve, Basin Ranch, Marks Ranch, Martin Dunes, Ensen Community Park, and others). It co-stewards more than 5,000 acres alongside local tribes and has returned 84 acres to Indigenous communities.

The organization runs a portfolio of interrelated programs: conservation and stewardship services (habitat restoration, invasive species removal, trail maintenance, prescribed fire training via the Central Coast Prescribed Burn Association), community programs (youth outdoor and youth outdoor leadership programs serving nearly 2,000 young people over the years, plus volunteer orientations), and public land access through guided hikes and preserves. It also produces the annual Race for Open Space trail running fundraiser (300+ participants from 14 states across multi-course distances) and its flagship urban project Ensen Community Park, a 6-acre neighborhood park at Carr Lake in Salinas that opened in August 2025.

BSLT's go-to-market is community-led, with revenue drawn from individual donations and memberships, corporate sponsorships ($10,000 annual partnerships and $2,500 event sponsorships with firms such as Malachi Boyce Construction, Star One Credit Union, Bank of America, Montage Health, Kaiser Permanente, and California American Water), government grants (California Coastal Conservancy, California Wildlife Conservation Board, and a $71.1M federal climate resilience grant channeled through the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation in 2024), and event/program fees. Marketing is conducted primarily through newsletters, the website, social channels (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram), Vimeo video, earned media, and community events. The organization holds Land Trust Alliance accreditation, a Charity Navigator 4-star rating, and published a 2026-2029 Strategic Plan in June 2026.

Name

Big Sur Land Trust

Legal name

Big Sur Land Trust

Website

https://bigsurlandtrust.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1978

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Big Sur Land Trust is a Monterey County, California-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) land trust founded in 1978 that has conserved over 45,000 acres and operates 43 miles of public trails through preserves, youth outdoor programs, community parks, and stewardship of natural and cultural resources.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Land Conservation Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190), Support Activities for Forestry (11531)

SIC

Investors, Nec (6799)

akta.pro primary industry

Land Trusts & Protected Areas (BPAGAGAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Conservation Easements & Land Trust Services (AFAMAMAH), Vegetation Management & Right-of-Way (ROW) Clearing (EUAEAIAC), Lot Clearing, Land Clearing & Brush Removal (HSAIADAH)

Keywords

• Land conservation services
• Conservation easements
• Trail maintenance
• Community park development
• Youth outdoor programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Monterey

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Contributions: Individual donors contribute to support land conservation, community programs, and organizational operations. Donations are the primary funding source.
2. Corporate Sponsorships: Annual corporate partnerships at $10,000 level and event sponsorships at $2,500 level provide significant funding and in-kind support. Corporate partners include organizations like Malachi Boyce Construction, Star One Credit Union, Bank of America, and many others.
3. Event Revenue: Race for Open Space annual trail running event generates participation fees and associated fundraising. This is the organization's flagship fundraising event.
4. Government Grants: Funding from state agencies including California Coastal Conservancy, Wildlife Conservation Board, and federal grants for climate resilience projects. The $71.1M federal grant through California Marine Sanctuary Foundation supports regional climate resilience efforts.
5. Membership Programs: Ongoing membership support from individuals providing recurring contributions.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Big Sur Land Trust is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) land conservation organization that permanently protects and stewards natural landscapes, habitats, and waterways across Monterey County, California. It operates public preserves with 43 miles of trails, delivers youth outdoor education programs, runs community parks such as Ensen Community Park, and funds its mission through donations, corporate sponsorships, and government grants.

Product overview

Big Sur Land Trust (BSLT) is a non-profit land conservation organization offering a portfolio of interconnected programs and preserved lands across Monterey County. The core offerings include land conservation and permanent protection services spanning over 45,000 acres, publicly accessible preserves with 43 miles of maintained trails, and community engagement programs. Key programs include the annual Race for Open Space fundraiser, Youth Outdoor Programs with leadership components, and stewardship services for ecological monitoring and habitat restoration. BSLT also operates Ensen Community Park, a recently opened 6-acre urban green space in Salinas, and publishes annual gratitude reports documenting organizational impact. The organization is governed by a 2026-2029 Strategic Plan focused on community grounding, partnerships, organizational capacity, and data-driven conservation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Land Conservation Services Permanent protection of Monterey County landscapes including natural habitats, waterways, and working lands through land acquisition, conservation easements, and stewardship programs for community benefit.
• Preserve Access and Public Trails Maintenance of 43 miles of publicly accessible trails across multiple preserves including Glen Deven Ranch, Mitteldorf Preserve, Marks Ranch, and Martin Dunes, offering guided hikes and outdoor experiences for the public.
• Race for Open Space Annual multi-course trail running event featuring 5k, 12k, 25k, and 35k distances that serves as a major fundraiser for the organization, with participants from multiple states.
• Youth Outdoor Programs Nature-based educational and leadership programs for youth including day camps, overnight camping experiences, and the Youth Outdoor Leadership Program, with nearly 2,000 young people having participated over the years.
• Community Programs Volunteer opportunities, community events, and partnerships that promote access to outdoor spaces and environmental stewardship across Monterey County communities.
• Stewardship Services Ongoing care and management of conserved lands including trail maintenance, habitat restoration, invasive species removal, and ecological monitoring using science-based practices and Traditional Ecological Knowledge.
• Ensen Community Park A 6-acre neighborhood park at Carr Lake in Salinas featuring recreational spaces, native plant gardens, floodplain restoration areas, and community gathering spaces.

Quantifiable outcome

• Conserved over 45,000 acres throughout Monterey County since 1978
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Monterey County Business CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 April 2026Awarding body that honored Big Sur Land Trust with the Change Maker Award at their 30th Annual Gala, recognizing transformative leadership in land conservation and community connection across Monterey County.
• California Marine Sanctuary FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 August 2024Leading a collaborative, multi-institutional $71.1M federal grant project to build climate resilience for Monterey Bay area's low-lying, coastal communities threatened by sea level rise, storm surge, and flooding. Big Sur Land Trust participates in this regional climate resilience effort.
• Center for Community Advocacy (CCA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-host of Ensen Community Park grand opening celebration alongside Big Sur Land Trust and City of Salinas. Partner in community park development and advocacy.
• City of SalinascoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity government partner in Ensen Community Park project. Unanimously approved MOU and contributed $1,000,000 initial funding toward closing the project gap for the park at Carr Lake.
• Indigenous CommunitiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal tribes partnered with for co-stewardship of more than 5,000 acres. Supported return of 84 acres to Indigenous communities. Partnerships with Indigenous communities to protect cultural resources and advance Traditional Ecological Knowledge in conservation practices.
• Central Coast Prescribed Burn Association (CCPBA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner hosting CAL FIRE-supported Prescribed Fire Training Exchange (Cal-TREX). Big Sur Land Trust's stewardship team participates in this training alongside other land managers, tribal partners, agencies, and researchers.
• Monterey County Resource Management AgencycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCounty agency partnered with on Carmel River FREE (Floodplain Restoration and Environmental Enhancement) project for public meetings and environmental review process.
• Hijos Del Sol Arts ProductionsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEast Salinas-based nonprofit arts organization selected to create a mural at Ensen Community Park. Hosting community painting days for the public to participate in painting the mural.
• Malachi Boyce ConstructioncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting Partner Sponsor for Race for Open Space 2026. Major corporate supporter and sustaining corporate partner contributing to the organization's mission-driven work.
• Star One Credit UnioncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting Partner Sponsor for Race for Open Space 2026. Major corporate sponsor supporting the annual fundraiser and mission.
• Inside Trail RacingcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent production partner helping deliver the Race for Open Space event with professional trail racing expertise.
• Monterey County WeeklyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia sponsor and partner in Monterey County Gives! campaign. Provides coverage and promotional support for conservation initiatives.
• Community Foundation for Monterey CountycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner in Monterey County Gives! campaign providing matching gift opportunities and promotional support for local nonprofits including Big Sur Land Trust.
• Japanese American Citizen LeagueminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosted the Wildlife Conservation Board workshop in Monterey, demonstrating community involvement in conservation planning processes.
• Palo Corona Regional Park / Monterey Peninsula Regional Park DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in hosting Race for Open Space at Palo Corona Regional Park location. Joint stewardship of lands in the region.
• California American WaterminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner and sponsor supporting conservation efforts in Monterey County.
• Kaiser PermanenteminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting health-focused conservation initiatives and community wellness programs.
• Monterey Bay AquariumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConservation partner supporting marine and coastal environment initiatives in the Monterey Bay region.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• The Trust for Public Land: National land conservation organization working on parks, land protection, and community access across all 50 states. Overlapping mission in conservation and urban park creation (e.g., Ensen-style projects) but at vastly greater national scale and broader portfolio.
• The Nature Conservancy (California): Global conservation organization with significant California operations focused on habitat, climate, and land protection. Compares as a broad incumbent offering conservation easement and stewardship capabilities overlapping with BSLT's core work.
• Conservation Fund: National nonprofit that acquires and conserves land and water resources across the U.S. Comparable conservation finance, federal grant access, and large-acreage transactions, though with broader national scope than BSLT's regional model.

Direct peers

• Land Trust of Napa County: County-level accredited land trust conserving working lands and natural habitat in Napa County. Operationally analogous to BSLT at a single-county scale, with comparable stewardship, easement, and community programs.
• Save the Redwoods League: Statewide California land trust protecting redwood forests and connecting people to nature. Similar revenue mix (donations, grants, memberships), stewardship model, and youth/community engagement programs.
• Peninsula Open Space Trust: Regional California land trust focused on preserving open space in the Bay Area peninsula. Highly comparable operating model — fee acquisition, conservation easements, public trail access, donor-funded — making it the closest structural peer to BSLT.
• Sempervirens Fund: California land trust acquiring and stewarding redwood and coastal forests. Comparable in scale, California regional focus, accredited land trust model, and conservation-easement-plus-public-access approach.

Others

• Lobos-Corona Parklands Partnership (Monterey/Palo Corona): Joint stewardship partnership between Big Sur Land Trust and Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District at Palo Corona Regional Park. Directly comparable as a co-stewardship entity rather than a competitive peer.

Regional players

• Mojave Desert Land Trust: California-based accredited land trust focused on desert conservation. Comparable accredited land trust structure and conservation model, but distinct geography (high desert vs. coastal Monterey) and ecological focus.
• Sacramento Valley Conservancy: Regional California land trust operating in a different geography (Sacramento Valley) with comparable fee-acquisition, easement, and stewardship services — useful regional benchmark rather than direct competitor.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubevimeo.com/bigsurlandtrust
• Facebookfacebook.com/BigSurLandTrust
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/big-sur-land-trust
• Instagraminstagram.com/bigsurlandtrust
• Xx.com/bigsurlandtrust

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Big Sur Land Trust