The 2010 Elkhorn Slough calendar is now available! For only $13.50, you can enjoy the slough's beauty year round. The calendar features spectacular images from around the watershed. There's otters, egrets, frogs, seals, landscapes, and more. It also includes daily tides- perfect for kaykers, fishermen, bird watchers, and more.

Ordering your calendar is easy. To pay by credit card call Diane at (831) 728-5939 x240. Or, mail your check to Elkhorn Slough Foundation, PO Box 267, Moss Landing, CA 95039. Please write "calendar" in the check memo. We'll send you your calendar immediately to ensure you receive it in time for the holidays. All proceeds from the sale of the calendar benefit the Elkhorn Slough Foundation, a nonprofit land trust with a mission to conserve and restore the Elkhorn Slough and its watershed.

The Elkhorn Slough Foundation held an open contest for photographs from the watershed. Amateur and professional photographers from all walks of life submitted hundreds of images. The Foundation selected twelve images that best captured the diversity and beauty of the slough and the life it supports. You can view the winning images by clicking on the link below.

The Parsons Slough Project is moving forward on several fronts. The goal of the project is to reduce tidal scour in Elkhorn Slough, which is eroding soft mud habitats and leading to the dieback of large tracts of salt marsh. The project consists of a water control structure, like and underwater retaining wall, at the mouth of Parsons Slough, a major branch of Elkhorn Slough. The structure will partially restore water flow in the area to historic conditions. The project was funded through a competitive grant program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration created by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act.

The project will be releasing an Environmental Impact Report to make sure the community has additional opportunities to comment on the project. The Public Scoping Meeting is scheduled for February 3rd, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Location to be determined. We also held a public meeting on December 3rd to discuss the project.

We have hired a team of accomplished engineers to develop designs for the project. The team is lead by Ducks Unlimited (DU), a private, nonprofit organization, conserves, restores, and manages wetlands and associated habitats for the benefit of North American waterfowl, other wildlife and people. Ducks Unlimited has teamed up with URS Corporation (URS) and Dixon Marine Services (DMS) to assist the Elkhorn Slough Foundation (ESF) in developing a 30% level design for an adjustable weir structure at the entrance to the Parsons Slough complex. Philip Williams and Associates (PWA) will provide additional technical analysis, including hydrology and hydrodynamic modeling.

The Elkhorn Slough Foundation has awarded the regulatory compliance contract for the Parsons Slough Project to a team of consultants led by Vinnedge Environmental Consulting. The Vinnedge team was uniquely designed to meet the needs of the Parsons Slough Sill Restoration project.

We have continued our collaboration with experts from a variety of disciplines as we develop the Adaptive Management plan for the adjustable structure. Working groups are meeting now on topics including water quality, fish, marine mammals, waterbirds, marine invertebrates, habitat change and geomorphology. The goal of the plan it to make sure that potential unintended consequences are identified early and monitored.

Teachers! Explore this unique outdoor classroom with your students. Experience life from the salt marsh and mudflats to the grasslands and oak woodlands, and observe many of the plants and animals that depend upon these habitats. Use the activity kits, binoculars and other research tools to foster a sense of wonder. Participate in our one day workshop, and then bring your class to the Reserve.

The workshop provides educators with the background needed to lead an informative, enjoyable, and inspiring field trip. It is designed to support you as you facilitate development of estuary and watershed literacy among your students. You will have access to the trails, teaching kits for use at the Reserve and in your classroom, field research tools, and a research lab with 24 microscopes. Workshop participants will receive extensive background and activity materials including the Elkhorn Slough Curriculum Manual, posters, and a certificate of completion. Teachers who complete this one day workshop will be certified to bring classes to the Reserve.

The day begins at 8:00 am with a continental breakfast and an opportunity to meet colleagues. The workshop is offered on Sat., Feb 20th or Sat., March 6. It begins promptly at 8:30 am and will end at 5:00 pm. We'll spend most of the day on the trails.Cost: $60.00 Includes curriculum materials, continental breakfast and beverages. (Optional CEU's are available through California State University Monterey Bay)

For more information and an application, click the link below or call either Tricia Wilson or George Merilatt at: (831) 728-2822

Join Elkhorn Slough and other local conservation groups for Community Day at the Monterey Bay Aquarium! See all the great aquarium sites and talk with representatives of your favorite local organizations (including us!). Be sure to check out the aquarium's Sandy Shore exhibit, celebrating life in Elkhorn Slough.

Admission to the Aquarium for Community Day is FREE for locals with proof of residency. Please contact the aquarium for questions regarding local proof of residency (831) 648-4800.

We'll see you on Sunday, Dec. 13th, 10am-6pm for Community Day!

Looking for an enjoyable and memorable outing for holiday guests? The Elkhorn Slough Reserve is a perfect place to bring visitors of all ages. With miles of walking trails, spectacular bird watching, and an award winning Visitors Center, there's something for everyone.

At only $2.50 for adults and FREE for children under 16, it's an affordable outing for your entire group. The Reserve is open Wed-Sun, 9:00-5:00. Please note, we will be closed on Christmas Day, Dec. 25th.

Give the gift of Elkhorn Slough. With each gift membership you share the joy and beauty of the Slough with your friends or family. Each gift supports the work of the conservation and restoration work of the Elkhorn Slough Foundation. Gift members receive all the benefits of ESF membership including invites to events and discounts, and this year the 2010 ESF calendar will be sent along with the announcement of your generosity to each person to whom that you donate a gift membership.