Elkhorn Slough Foundation is excited to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) titled: Early Mitigation Planning for Transportation Improvements in the Elkhorn Slough Watershed. The agreement is the result of months of hard work among eleven key groups who joined together to form the Elkhorn Slough Early Mitigation Partnership (ESEMP) to develop the MOU. Partners in ESEMP represent diverse interests in the watershed- ranging from California Department of Transportation and Transportation Agency for Monterey County to California Coastal Commission and the EPA.

The signed MOU establishes a process for early mitigation of transportation project impacts that maximizes conservation value. A key goal is to focus and consolidate Caltrans mitigation efforts into areas identified in regional plans as high priority for conservation. Congratulations to all involved on this successful agreement!

This July, ESF partnered with The Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) for a planting project at our Iniguez property. This former strawberry farm was acquired by ESF in 2007. ESF has recountoured the land- a work intensive project that included removing ten dumpsters full of buried plastics- and is working to restore it to a native grassland and oak woodland habitat.

The joint ESF/CAFF project planted more than 1100 young creeping wild rye grass plants (purchased from Native Oaks Nursery) at Iniguez. As they take root, the plants will help control erosion during the rainy season and encourage the growth of other native grass plants. Over time, as the entire Iniguez basin is restored to grassland and oakwood land, it will provide an essential habitat for wildlife, including salamanders and red-legged frogs.

Thanks to CAFF for their partnership on this project! CAFF is building a movement of rural and urban people to foster family-scale agriculture that cares for the land, sustains local economies and promotes social justice.

Do you have a great shot of the Slough? ESF is creating a 2010 calendar and we're inviting you- our members and friends- to submit photos for inclusion! Photos may any slough content, including landscapes, wildlife, and plants. Images selected by ESF will be featured in our 2010 calendar. Photographers will receive photo credit and a free copy of the calendar. Pass this onto all your photographer friends and help ESF share the beauty of the slough!

Experience the slough from an otters view! Join ESF for an invigorating members kayak tour on Saturday, August 22nd. Expert kayaker Ron Eby will guide members through the slough, starting at Kirby Park. ESF staff will provide insights and stories about our work and properties. This event is open to all ESF members and their guests. Cost is $45 per person with kayak rental and $20 per person if you provide your own kayak. Space is limited so register today!

We're extending a unique challenge to all Elkhorn Slough Facebook Fans! If you can help us grow our page to 225 fans by September 1st, we'll offer a special walk on our Long Valley property, exclusively for Elkhorn Slough Facebook Fans. Follow the link below to become a fan. Already an ESF Facebook Fan? Recruit all your friends and tell them to spread the word! Once we reach 225 fans we'll post registration for this fun, free event on our Facebook page. The walk will be on Saturday, September 12.

Otter photo by Jessica Riggin

ESF has several exciting events scheduled for the upcoming months. Be sure to check out our event calendar. October events will be added soon.

ESF encourages everyone to spend some time volunteering at the slough. It's a fun way to get outside and learn more about this special place. There's a new volunteer training class beginning in September. For more information, call Amanda, volunteer coordinator for the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve (ESNERR) at 831-728-2822 x303