Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Re-
search Reserve
The Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine
Research Reserve is one of 26 National Es-
tuarine Research Reserves established na-
tionwide as field laboratories for scientific re-
search and estuarine education. It is located
approximately 100 miles (160 km) south of
San Francisco, California in the middle of the
Monterey Bay. The Reserve is administered
by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad-
ministration.
It
is managed as Elkhorn
Slough Ecological Reserve by the Califor-
nia Department of Fish and Game.
The 1,400-acre (5.7 km2) Reserve is a hub
of activity and hosts programs that promote
education, research, and conservation in Elk-
horn Slough. The Visitor Center has award-
winning exhibits that invite everyone to ex-
plore the Unseen Slough. There are five
miles (8 km) of trails that meander through
beautiful oak woodlands, calm tidal creeks,
and freshwater marshes. It is also a popular
spot for kayaking and birding.
Mission
The Mission of the Elkhorn Slough National
Estuarine Research Reserve is to ensure the
perpetual health of ecosystems in Elkhorn
Slough and the surrounding watershed
through preservation, restoration, research,
information exchange and education with
particular
emphasis
on
the Research
Reserve.
Address
The Elkhorn Slough Reserve is located at
1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville, CA 95076
Entrance fee and hours
The Reserve and Visitor Center are open
Wednesday - Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Due to
California state budget issues, the Reserve is
currently closed the first and third Friday of
the month.
Admission is free to the Visitor Center and
picnic areas.
The Visitor Center features exhibits about
the birds, plants, animals and marine life of
the watershed. Naturalists provide informa-
tion about the Slough, and there are guided
nature walks on weekends led by volunteers.
To walk the trails there is a $2.50 day-use
fee (cash or check, no credit cards) for adults
16 and older; children are free. Entry is also
free with a California hunting or fishi