Marine, Coastal and Watershed
Resource Directory


Search by Name   Search by County   Search by Topic   Search for Volunteer Opportunities   Search for Internships


Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve

www.elkhornslough.org

Organization Type:
Government Agency

Mission:
The mission of the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve is to ensure the perpetual health of the ecosystems in the Elkhorn Slough and the surrounding watershed through preservation, restoration, research, information exchange, and education.

Contact:
Kenton Parker, Education Coordinator
Martha Nitzberg, Volunteer Coordinator
Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve
1700 Elkhorn Road
Watsonville, CA 95076
Phone: (831) 728-2822
Fax: (831) 728-1056
krparker@elkhornslough.org

Geographical Focus:
Local

Counties Served:
Monterey, Santa Cruz

Activities:
Research, Education, Conservation, Recreation, Restoration, Water Monitoring, Resource Management

Topic:
Wetlands, Cultural History, Wildlife, Habitat Restoration, Endangered Species, Water Quality/Storm Water Runoff, Bay & Estuary Habitats, Marine/Estuary Reserves and Sanctuaries

Educational Resources:
Curriculum, Activity/Learning Kit, Posters, Maps, On-Site Programs, Guided Walks, Field Trips, Nature Trails, Brochures, Exhibits/Displays, Website

Education Programs:
Elkhorn Slough Environmental Education workshops: teachers are required to attend a two-day workshop before they can bring their students to the site on field trips. They receive a copy of the Elkhorn Slough Curriculum Manual and have access to field equipment for their classes including binoculars, plankton nets and water quality monitoring kits. The Reserve has five miles of trails through a variety of habitats including salt marsh, mudflats, oak woodland and grasslands. The exhibits in our visitor center feature an aerial photo of the watershed and unique views of some of the more difficult to see and often very peculiar creatures of the Slough. There is also a small lab with microscopes available for students to use.

Additional workshops/activities for teachers, volunteers and the general public are scheduled throughout the year. Please check our website for a current calendar of events: www.elkhornslough.org.

The Reserve is open to the public Wednesday-Sunday, 9a.m. to 5p.m. with docent-led tours every Saturday and Sunday at 10a.m. and 1p.m. We are closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Target Audiences:
K-12, Adult, Teacher, General Public

Group Size Accommodated:
Up to 60

Other Languages:
Spanish: We have bilingual staff to facilitate our school programs and public visits.

Volunteer Opportunities

  Program:
Interpretive Guide Association
  Description:
After completing the 10 week training course volunteers can help with restoration projects, assist in research and monitoring, staff the visitor center and bookstore, lead public tours, and assist with school programs.
  When Needed:
All year
  Qualifications:
Over 18 years of age
  Commitment Required:
100 hours
  Application/Training:
Applications available in the visitor center or at www.elkhornslough.org. Required 10 week training course held in June, July and August.
  Community Service Documentation:
Yes, on a limited basis
  Contact:
Martha Nitzberg
(831) 728-2822
mnitzberg@dfg.ca.gov


Internship Opportunities

  Description:
Restoration projects, research, monitoring, education
  When Needed:
Varies
  Qualifications:
Previous and/or concurrent course work in topics related to the specific project
  Application:
Contact Kenton Parker, Education Coordinator; or Kerstin Wasson, Research Coordinator.
  Number of Interns:
2-4
  Housing Provided:
No
  Paid:
No
  Stipend:
No
  Credit:
Yes


Videos:
For use on site or loan

CD-Rom:
For use on site

Service Fee:
Entrance fee: $2.50 for adults; children under 16 are free. Teacher trainings: $25, scheduled in the Fall.

General Services:
Restrooms, Picnic Area, Bookstore/Gift Shop

Parking Availability:
Paved parking area for cars and buses

Disabled Access:
Yes



Please use your BACK button to return to the previous page.