Dedicated to Protecting Carmel’s 'Central Park'

Dedicated to Protecting Carmel’s 'Central Park'

Safeguarding this Rare, Diverse Coastal Habitat

Safeguarding this Rare, Diverse Coastal Habitat

Preserving the Tranquil Atmosphere of Our Village's Most Magical Forest

Preserving the Tranquil Atmosphere of Our Village's Most Magical Forest

Friends of Mission Trail Nature Preserve Is the Driving Force Behind Restoring and Beautifying the Mission Trail.

Friends of Mission Trail Nature Preserve is a group of devoted local volunteers committed to conserving and restoring the Mission Trail Nature Preserve to its highest natural condition and splendor. We are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) working with the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea to protect the native trees and remarkable wildlife of the Monterey Peninsula while also providing a serene, forested sanctuary for our neighbors to enjoy walking and spending time in.  We also oversee the one-acre Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden adjacent to Flander’s Mansion.

We need your help to protect the Mission Trail Nature Preserve—with volunteers and donations. FOMTNP ‘Weedies’ volunteers meet on the second Saturday of each month to help support clean-up and restoration efforts. 100% of your donations go directly to our ongoing programs, which focus on revitalizing and fortifying the Mission Trail’s unique habitats, clearing fire fuel, removing invasive species, and enhancing this spectacularly unique forest.

Friends of Mission Trail Nature Preserve ‘Weedies’ is a group of committed neighbors who love the Mission Trail and are devoted to safeguarding it. This requires consistency, hard work, and gardening tools. ‘Weedies’ volunteers meet on the second Saturday each month to support clean-up and restoration efforts.

 

Protecting Every Plot with Care

All of our restoration, rejuvenation, and fire mitigation projects are led by FOMTNP Board Vice-President, Greg D’Ambrosio, a former City Forester with decades of knowledge and experience in maintaining healthy forests, invasive plant removal, and best practices for fire prevention and sustaining abundant birds and other wildlife.

FOMTNP works on all projects in partnership with the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea. For purposes of good management practices, the Preserve was divided into nineteen separate plots.

Some key projects include: ​

  • Mountain View Entry Improvements

  • Invasive tree and plant removal

  • Fire fuel reduction

  • Trail restoration and maintenance​

  • Martin meadow mowing (annually)​

  • Habitat restoration and other actions recommended in the Baseline Biological Assessment

  • Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden rehabilitation and maintenance

  • Installation of new map and trail signage, split-rail fencing, and benches