The Big Sur coast is under serious threat from invasive non-native plants. Species such as jubata grass, Croftonweed (sticky eupatorium), and French broom (genista) spread aggressively, smothering hillsides and displacing the native chaparral and coastal scrub that define Big Sur’s wild character. Once established, these invasives outcompete native plants, alter fire behavior, and diminish the habitat available for native wildlife.

Invasives thrive where the land has already been disturbed—after landslides, wildfires, road grading, and even misguided vegetation-clearing projects done in the name of “fire prevention.” Their seeds travel easily by wind, water, vehicles, and even by people who unintentionally spread them because they look like “pretty flowers.”

This problem is not just aesthetic—it is ecological. The spread of non-native plants accelerates erosion, increases fire danger, and weakens the resilience of Big Sur’s landscapes.

KEEP BIG SUR WILD is committed to tackling this challenge. We are working with the public, local land managers, and agencies to build strategies that will slow the spread of invasives and restore native vegetation. A key part of this work is education. We are producing short videos and resources to help residents and visitors understand what they can do to stop the spread.

Another essential part of this fight is the hard work on the ground. KEEP BIG SUR WILD organizes regular volunteer work days, bringing the community together to remove invasive plants directly from the landscape. We also provide access to specialized equipment and resources to make this work more effective across Big Sur’s rugged terrain. By combining community action with the right tools, we can make real progress in keeping Big Sur wild

.➡️ Watch our first video on Jubata Grass and learn how you can help protect Big Sur’s native beauty.