What event, memory, or visit inspired you to support the restoration and conservation of Elkhorn Slough?

Share your Slough story! Selected stories will be featured in February's Slough Buzz. If your story is published, we'll send you a stainless steel Elkhorn Slough Foundation water bottle. Try to keep your story to 250 words or less. Accompanying photos are welcome, but not necessary. Be creative and inspire your fellow Slough aficionados! Deadline to enter is January 31, 2010. Email stories to diane@elkhornslough.org

When ESF acquired a 32 acre property in October, we received twenty acres of pristine oak woodlands and forest and seven acres of healthy maritime chaparral. However, as with most of the properties ESF obtains, this property required some clean up too. The land came with a dumpsite measuring more than one acre and reaching ten feet deep. The dumpsite, dating back to the 1950's, includes a variety of trash, crushed concrete, metal pieces and nonnative dirt. Among the more interesting finds are old glass bottles, a rusted 1950's bicycle, and a cow skull.

The good news? We're able to recycle more than 90% of the materials at the site. Concrete will be crushed and used as base rock for roads. The metal will be melted down and recycled. A neighbor is taking the nonnative dirt to use on his property. The above photo shows just a small fraction of the dumpsite. A majority remains underground and is being excavated with bulldozers and cranes. We'll post some "after" photos in the coming month.

The initial clean up will last three weeks. Overall, our years of experience have shown that it generally takes 7 to 10 years for a property to be more fully restored to its natural state. Your contributions help us accomplish this work and leave a legacy of natural beauty.

It's a busy spring for ESF member events! We've planned walks and events to cater to all interests. Events are FREE for ESF members (unless otherwise noted) and a guest. If you're not already a member, join ESF today! These event dates are tentative. Watch for upcoming Slough Buzz's with details and RSVP information.

March 19 Magnifying the Slough
March 28 Bird Watching Walk
April 10 Spring Nature Walk
April 15 New Member Sunset Walk
April 24 Stewardship Circle Member Event
May 22 Kayak Tour of the Slough (additional cost)
June 11 Stewardship Circle Member Sunset Walk

Do you have an idea for a walk or event? A particular ESF property you'd like to explore? Contact Diane at diane@elkhornslough.org . We're always open to our members' suggestions!

We, like you, are making efforts to reduce our paper usage. Sustaining the Slough is ESF's paperless monthly or quarterly membership program. It's easy to participate. Simply sign up online and select an amount and your payment schedule- either monthly or quarterly. Each month/quarter that amount will be automatically charged to your credit card. You can stop payments at anytime with a 30 day notice to ESF. By giving monthly or quarterly, your gift will make a big difference to the Elkhorn Slough Foundation without having a major impact on your bank account. And, as a member of the Sustaining the Slough program, your membership will always remain current and eliminate the need for paper renewal notices. If you'd like to go completely paperless, write "send acknowledgment via email" in the comments section when you sign up. Current members are encouraged take advantage of this option too.

We still have a limited number of 2010 Elkhorn Slough calendars available. The full color 8.5x11 calendar features spectacular watershed photos and daily tides. Order your calendar today for only $13.50. Contact us at (831) 728-5939 to place an order by credit card or mail your check to ESF, PO Box 267, Moss Landing, CA 95039.