Friends of Ensign launch volunteer group as 67-acre floodplain restoration advances
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Summary
Bixler Land Trust and the Center for Community Advocacy briefed the Salinas commission on the Friends of Ensign volunteer group and the second phase of Ensign Community Park: a 67-acre floodplain restoration with 1.7 miles of trails, native plantings and expected completion in 2026; volunteers will support cleanups, learning events and a Dec. 20 oak-planting.
Bixler Land Trust and partner Center for Community Advocacy updated the Salinas commission on Ensign Community Park and the newly formed Friends of Ensign volunteer group, which will help steward the park’s second phase: a 67-acre floodplain restoration in the Carr Lake Basin.
"We acquired 73 acres in the Carr Lake Basin here in Salinas back in 2017," said Jennifer Vasquez of Bixler Land Trust. She told commissioners the first, 6-acre traditional park opened in August and that phase two — a 67-acre restoration with 1.7 miles of trails and seasonal wetland channels — is under construction and expected to be completed in 2026. Upon completion, Bixler Land Trust plans to transfer the restoration site to the City of Salinas and continue stewardship through volunteers.
Asucena of the Center for Community Advocacy described about eight years of community engagement that produced leadership development and strong resident input on park amenities. Volunteer Nancy Carrasco and youth speaker Concepcion Alvarado Islas described community connections to the land and the role youth have played in outreach and events. The presenters said roughly 12 volunteers are leading the Friends group so far and that the group will run monthly cleanups (third Saturday, 10:30–11:30), community art events, and restoration learning sessions.
Commissioners pressed presenters on roles and responsibilities. Staff said core park maintenance remains part of the city parks system under an existing memorandum of understanding, and the Friends will provide supplemental weekend and holiday cleanups and volunteer programming. Presenters said Bixler Land Trust committed a year of support to incubate the volunteer group and that they are pursuing funding and possible internship stipends to build capacity. The presenters also announced a Dec. 20 volunteer day that will combine a monthly cleanup with planting 30 oak trees alongside restoration contractors.
The city thanked the volunteers and partners; no formal policy or budget decision was requested during the presentation. The commission accepted the update and moved on to the remaining agenda items.
