On Friday, October 23rd, Dr. Jane Lubchenco, Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator, spent a sunny Friday afternoon here at Elkhorn Slough. Lubchenco, a marine ecologist and environmental scientist, toured the Slough with Reserve Manager Becky Suarez, ESF Director Mark Silberstein, and several Slough researchers.

The group walked to the Reserve overlook, discussing Elkhorn Slough, estuarine conservation, and our dynamic research program. Lubchenco was impressed by how we apply our research findings to long-term conservation efforts that help protect and restore habitats for rare and endangered species. She remarked, "What an amazing place Elkhorn Slough is with diverse landscapes and seascapes." Elkhorn Slough is truly a gem on Central California's coast.

Photo: Dr. Lubchenco, center in yellow shirt, with ESF, ESNERR, and NOAA staff

Looking for something fun to do this Saturday? ESF invites you to spend a few relaxing hours outside on our Long Valley property. We're leading a FREE walk on Sat., November 7th, from 9-11am. The walk is open to everyone. Advance RSVP required.

We'll meet at the Reserve (1700 Elkhorn Rd., Watsonville) and carpool to the top of Long Valley. From there, we'll walk down the trail through spectacular oak woodland habitat. The trail is easy to moderate and great for all ages.

RSVP today to secure your spot for the morning walk! Note, the second public walk, from 1:30-3:30 is full.

Congratulations to Nora Grant, student at Moss Landing Marine Labs and winner of the 2009 Conservation Research Award, jointly sponsored by the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve and the Elkhorn Slough Foundation. This annual award honors a junior researcher who has recently made a meaningful contribution in estuarine science, in particular by answering questions that will help inform conservation and management strategies.

Nora's research explores eelgrass habitat use. Eelgrass is a vital "ecosystem engineer" in estuarine ecosystems. Until Nora's study, very little was known about the fish and epibenthic invertebrate communities associated with this rare estuarine endemic in Elkhorn Slough. She was chosen as this year's recipient for the Conservation Research Award because her investigation will help elevate the importance of eelgrass as a conservation and restoration target in the estuary, by characterizing the rich communities associated with this habitat type.

Photo: Seal rests on a bed of eelgrass in the Slough

Gifts of stock are always welcome at the Elkhorn Slough Foundation. Appreciated stock gifts provide a double tax incentive to the donor, but with the market what it is these days a second look might be needed to obtain the best tax benefit by giving stock. If your stock has had a loss this year, you might consider selling stock, taking the cash, and then donating the cash to ESF. A talk with your tax advisor will confirm that you could still get the double tax benefit (capital gains loss and charitable contribution) with this strategy.

All gifts to the Elkhorn Slough Foundation are tax deductible as a charitable gift to a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Stock donations are received through Bruce Harr (559-437-3117) at Wells Fargo Investments. Donations to ESF support our work to conserve and restore the Elkhorn Slough and its watershed.

Questions? Please contact Lorili Toth at the Elkhorn Slough Foundation at (831) 728-5939 x241 or lorili@elkhornslough.org