This summer, budding photographers captured the Elkhorn Slough through unique lenses. The students were part of Carmel's Center for Photographic Arts PhotoFocus program, which provides free summer photography workshops to Monterey County high school students. The young artists, led by photographer Greg Mettler, spent five days talking with ESNERR and ESF scientists and staff, observing ecosystems and, of course, taking photos. They then compiled their work into a stunning photo book.

Enter your best slough shots in our 2010 calendar contest! We're looking for photos that focus on a variety of watershed life and landscapes. There's more to the slough than otters and sea lions- although they are adorable and we love those photos too! Get creative- sunsets, oak trees, wildflowers, and more. Deadline to enter is September 15. To those of you who have already entered, thanks! We've received some amazing photos.

Those of us working to restore habitats use many tools from our toolbox to facilitate the process of restoring function to degraded landscapes. One of the tools we use: planting native plants.

Many benefits come from growing and planting our own plants. One of the greatest benefits is the opportunity to involve volunteers in every step of the process. Volunteers collect local seed, grow the seed in our on-site greenhouse, pot up seedlings into larger pots, then plant those plants into restoration planting projects around the Reserve and the greater watershed. That involvement creates stewardship. Once in the ground, the plants hold soil in place, provide food and shelter for native animals, and restore the beauty of the native landscape.

Our new greenhouse has been up and running since September 2008. Since then we have sown approximately 33,810 seeds (give or take a hundred) of 38 different plant species. Of course all of those seeds didn't grow. We make sure to sow more seed than we need plants. It usually works out that we get the number we aim for. To date almost 10,000 plants successfully grew to planting stage, with new seedlings popping up every day.

Facebook Fans Walk
THIS Saturday, September 12th
10am-noon
This walk's for all our socially networked fans. Spend a beautiful morning hiking through oak woodlands and other unique ecosystems. Relax and enjoy the outdoors with friends, old and new.
RSVP via our Facebook Page

Walk and Talk with ESF's Stewardship Director
Saturday, Sept 26
1:30-3:30pm
Kim Hayes, ESF Stewardship Director, will lead a fun and educational walk on one of ESF's properties (to be decided soon). See restoration projects in action, learn to distinguish between native and nonnative plant species, and ask Kim questions about our stewardship program. FREE for all ESF members and a guest. RSVP required.
Register online or call Diane at 831-728-5939

Kayak the Slough
Sunday, October 18
1:00-4:00pm
Get a unique view of the Slough. Observe otters, seals, egrets, and other birds in their native habitats. An experienced kayak guide will lead you from Kirby Park. This trip 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. Rentals will be double kayaks and single kayakers will be paired together.
Register today!

Public Walk at Long Valley
Saturday, Nov. 7
9:00-11:00am & 1:30-3:30pm
You've kayaked the slough and walked on the Reserve trails. Now, get a completely different perspective of the Elkhorn Watershed. On Saturday, November 7th ESF is leading two walks at our Long Valley property, a spectacular upland oak woodland habitat. Both walks are FREE and open to the general public (ESF members also welcome). RSVP required. We'll meet in the Elkhorn Slough Reserve parking lot and carpool to Long Valley.
Register today!