California red-legged frogs are federally listed as threatened and have disappeared from 70% of their former range, but in some pockets of our wonderful watershed they can be found in relative abundance. One of these places is the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve and they can also be found on some of the ESF properties. In order to keep track of whether the frogs are breeding successfully, ESNERR biologists utilize two different means of checking for reproduction: looking for egg masses and later, dip-netting for larvae (tadpoles).

The early spring is the time to look for egg masses, and while this may sound difficult, it's like a big treasure hunt. To find the egg masses, we don some chest waders and get into the ponds. From there, a careful search of the emergent vegetation and water surface ensues. A California red-legged frog egg mass is large, with up to 4,000 eggs in a mass. When freshly deposited, it bobs slightly out of the water and appears about the size of a grapefruit; later, as the eggs swell with water it will spread out and sometimes sink a bit. So far this year, we have found one California red-legged frog egg mass on the reserve, but we are still hunting! 

Photo: Amphibian researcher Nina D'Amore (with daughter Ayla) and ESF grants manager Gabi Estill search for egg masses

Special Red Legged Frog Event for our Stewardship Circle Members Celebrate "Save the Frogs Day" with this memorable evening honoring everyone's favorite amphibian. The night begins with refreshments and a presentation on amphibian decline by Dr. Kerry Kriger of Save the Frogs, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting amphibian populations and to promoting a society that respects and appreciates nature and wildlife. Following the talk, ESNERR's own "frog lady," Nina D'Amore will lead a sunset hike to the Reserve's rookery ponds where we'll catch frogs and learn firsthand about these amazing amphibians. This event is free and open to all members of ESF's Stewardship Circle ($1,000 and above donors) and their guests. RSVP required.

While many students still flock to Cancun or Baja for a week of partying and sunning on the beach, a growing number of college students nationwide are choosing to spend their Spring Break volunteering. Known as an alternative spring break, the concept matches students with meaningful community projects. Here at the Elkhorn Slough, students from two universities, Vanderbilt and Northeastern, each spent a week assisting with land restoration and planting projects.

This week, a dozen students from Vanderbilt University in Tennessee arrived at Elkhorn Slough, enthusiastic and eager to get to work. The group is working with Elkhorn Slough staff on a number of projects. First up was a day of weeding at the Elkhorn Slough Foundation's native grass farm. At the grass farm, native grass plugs are grown and their seeds are collected to plant on properties throughout the Elkhorn Slough watershed. Projects for the remainder of the week include planting lupines at the site of a recent tidal wetland enhancement project as well as a fence project and greenhouse plantings at the Reserve.

Alternative Spring Break does not appeal to a single major or type of student. Participating Vanderbilt students come from all over the country, even the world (Hong Kong and Istanbul). Diverse student majors include Math, Human Development, Neuroscience, and even Violin Performance. Most chose to come to Elkhorn Slough to experience California for the first time and to learn about the environmental challenges facing western coastal areas.

It's time for Spring events! Relax in the beauty of the Slough. Registration for our Birding Walk, Spring Nature Walk, and Magnifying the Slough microscope night is now available. All these events are free for Elkhorn Slough Foundation members and their guests.

Spend an evening exploring the fascinating life within a drop of slough water. At this fun and popular event in our microscope lab you'll be amazed at what you see. Pictured is a Hydroid: Is this a plant or an animal? It's actually an animal. The red stalk is the stomach topped by a ring of tentacles around the mouth. The yellow ovals are eggs about ready to be released into the currents to spread to other parts of the salt marsh. RSVP today!

Caravan with local birding expert Rick Fournier to hotspots around the slough. Elkhorn Slough is home to more than 340 species so you're sure to see a plethora of fascinating birds. All levels of birders are welcome. If you don't have your own, we'll provide binoculars. RSVP today!

Join us for an enjoyable hike through the Northern Crescent of the Elkhorn Slough highlands. The trail features stunning ridge top views and meanders through diverse habitats. We'll provide a light snack. Friends and families are welcome. RSVP today!

The Elkhorn Slough Foundation is looking for someone to help with general administrative tasks (filing, scanning, organizing, etc). Basic computer skills needed. It's a great opportunity to get involved with the Elkhorn Slough Foundation and our daily work. We'd like a volunteer for about 5 hours a week, anytime between 9 and 5 Monday through Friday. If you're interested, please call or email Emily at emily@elkhornslough.org or (831) 728-5939.