Event Description:

This event is a celebration of the Salinas River, inviting the community to connect with its natural beauty and significance. From 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, participants will embark on a field trip that explores three distinct locations along the river, culminating in an extended visit to the Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge.

Throughout the day, attendees will enjoy opportunities for recreation, artistic expression, nature exploration, and thoughtful reflection on their public lands. Experts from partner organizations will share insights into the river’s history, hydrology, ecology, and conservation. Participants will also learn about nature-based river management strategies that support climate adaptation and environmental justice.

This year’s Salinas River Day Celebration is a collaborative effort led by Big Sur Land Trust and BASE Landscape Architecture, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Pacific Southwest Regional Office – Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge, Building Healthy Communities Monterey County, Visionary Arts Studio, Open Space Studio, Monterey Waterkeeper, and the Beaver Brigade.

The event will be free. All materials, supplies, and food will be covered for participants to eliminate any financial barriers. For transportation, we will offer 2 vans with capacity for 14 people. Participants can also drive their own cars. We will offer a variety of activities that the public will enjoy, including river diaries, water quality tests, bird watching, plant identification, and scientific illustration. We will highlight the history of the river, endangered species such as the Snowy Plover, and the ongoing work on protection, conservation and restoration of the Salinas River. We will invite participants to partake in ongoing conservation efforts and become river advocates.

REGISTRATION: bit.ly/3JrapUX