Elkhorn Slough Foundation (ESF)

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The mission of the Elkhorn Slough Foundation (ESF) is to conserve and restore the Elkhorn Slough and it's watershed. ESF's conservation efforts focus on four main areas: land acquisition, education, science, and restoration.

Ekhorn Slough Highlights

Elkhorn Slough is located in the central coast of California and is the largest track of tidal marsh in the state outside of the San Francisco Bay. The Central coast slough is a crucial companent for preservation of the central coast biodiversity because it is home to 135 aquatic birds, 550 marine invertebrates, and 102 fish species. The Elkhorn Slough ecosystem is composed of freshwater wetlands, coastal prairie, and maritime chaparrel. The [Moss Landing Power Plant] which is the largest electric power generating plant in California also resides within the slough.


  • The slough has one of the most active fishing ports in California, three state highways and a Union Pacific Railroad going through it

History

trying to sort through this... maybe this section won't happen...

Land Acquisitions

The Elkhorn Slough Foundation currently is the largest landowner in the Elkhorn Slough watershed. The Foundation owns approximately 2,600 acres and manages an additional 1,000 acres. The land is purchased with the assistance of partners in ecosystem management.

Elkhorn Slough Protected Lands

Ecosystem Management Partners:

  • California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG)
  • The Natural Resources Conservation Service
  • The Resource Conservation District of Monterey County
  • The California Coastal Conservancy
  • The Nature Conservancy

Education

One way that ESF offers education to the public is through their volunteer program where people can make short or long term commitments .[1]. Volunteers are always needed and anyone is free to come by the visitors center where experienced naturalists are open for questions. The Elkhorn Slough website offers and interactive experience for students where they can learn about species identification, slough vocabulary and get the latest news, games and pictures[2]. One of the most innovative aspects of the ESF is that they consistently offer interactive workshops for teachers [3]. These workshops help teachers prepare for field trips to Elkhorn Slough or just keeping their class informed on how to be the best stewards of the land. The most innovative and successful program that ESF offers is the Coastal Training Program[4] which educates decision makers from all parts of the community. This crucial program works to educate key decision makers on the importance of preserving the Elkhorn Slough ecosystem

Science

Science and research are critical to learning more about the Elkhorn Slough. The Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve (ESNERR) is the hub of research at the Slough. ESF and ESNERR are partners in supporting outreach, education and research at the Elkhorn Slough.

ESF Restoration Projects

Elkhorn Slough Tidal Wetland Project ([1])

Parsons Slough Restoration Project ([2])

References

  1. Elkhorn Slough Volunteer Program: [http://www.elkhornslough.org/volunteer/index.htm
  2. Elkhorn Slough Student Education: [http://www.elkhornslough.org/education/students/index.htm
  3. Elkhorn Slough teacher workshops flyer: [http://www.elkhornslough.org/education/teachers/TTWflyer2011.pdf
  4. Coastal Outreach Training Program:http://www.elkhornsloughctp.org/ Coastal Outreach Program

Elkhorn Slough Acquired Lands Map

Links