March 1, 2011 Mitteldorf Preserve Open Again to Land Trust Members
Beginning March 1, 2011, Big Sur Land Trust members will have access to the beautiful Mitteldorf Preserve, where ancient stands of old-growth redwoods create tapestries of sunlight and shadow that enchant the visitor and provide a home for countless native plant and animal species. The Preserve had been closed since last spring during the Williams Creek Erosion Prevention Implementation Project, a series of road treatments that will help to control erosion and reduce the amount of fine sediment entering Williams Creek.
To access the Preserve, members will need to call the Land Trust office and make a reservation. Parking will be limited to small areas near the entrance to Williams Canyon Road. Hikers will then walk the road and enter Mitteldorf on foot. The 1.8 mile hike from the beginning of Williams Canyon Road to the Lodge takes approximately 45 minutes.
“This is a new way to experience Williams Canyon and Mitteldorf Preserve,” says Todd Farrington, BSLT’s Community Affairs Manager. “On foot, members will slow down and see a part of the Preserve in a way they haven’t experienced before.”
According to Cameron Chabre, BSLT’s Conservation Project Manager, the principal construction phase of the road treatment process is completed, but it is important now to protect the soil from vehicular disturbance. “These erosion treatments will improve overall drainage in the Preserve and will improve habitat for steelhead trout,” she says. “Allowing members access to the Preserve by foot gets them out on the land sooner,” Farrington adds.
Land Trust members accustomed to driving up Williams Canyon Road are in for a treat. “There are so many beautiful features along this road,” Farrington says. “The road crosses over San Jose Creek and Williams Creek several times, and this spring there may be rare and beautiful wildflowers such as Leopard Lilies on display.”
To make a reservation to visit Mitteldorf, please call Amber Sanchez Leon at 625-5523, ext. 103.