There are 26 NERR's nationwide that collect and collaboratively share data and research to understand and improve the health of estuaries everywhere. An important aspect of the NERR system is water quality and nutrient data monitoring. Here at Elkhorn Slough, water quality sensors are submerged at four points around the slough. Every two weeks Slough researchers, led by John Haskins, Water Quality Monitoring Scientist, collect the sensors and upload data including salinity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, depth, and ph. At four other sites nutrient data, such as ammonia and nitrates, is measured. All the Elkhorn Slough data, as well as data from the other 25 NERR's is now available online. Aerial maps display exact locations of the sampling sites. It's easily searchable by site and data type. See how conditions have changed over time or compare Elkhorn Slough to other NERRs.

As most of you know, Elkhorn Slough is competing for a $50,000 grant in Pepsi's Refresh Everything grant competition. Thanks to everyone who has been voting!

We each have a special connection with the slough. Let's share that experience with our entire community- particularly disadvantaged groups who otherwise may never visit. Funding would expand and enrich our education and community outreach programs.

You can vote once a day for Elkhorn Slough. We're currently in the top 100. We must be one of the top 10 vote getters to win the $50,000. With your help, we can get there. Please forward this email and encourage all your friends and family to vote everyday too.

Remember, public vote- your vote- decides who receives grants from Pepsi. Simply log onto www.refresheverything.com/elkhornslough and vote for Elkhorn Slough each day in April. The Slough's proposal will benefit everyone who visits the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve through its support of the Naturalist staff person in the Visitor Center and will also enable the Elkhorn Slough Foundation, the nonprofit land trust, to share the beauty of our lands with more of the public.

Spring Nature Walk
THIS Saturday, April 10
10:00am-1:00pm
Have spring fever? Enjoy a nature walk with ESF on Saturday, April 10th. We'll hike through maritime chaparral and secluded oak woodlands and get some spectacular ridgeline views of the slough, the ocean, and the surrounding valleys. This special spring walk is free for all ESF members and their guests. RSVP today.

Kayaking Trip
Saturday, May 22nd
10am- 1pm
Join Elkhorn Slough Foundation for a spring paddling tour. See otters, seals, and dozens of birds up close in their native habitats. We'll leave from Kirby Park with an experienced kayak guide. This trip is open to all ESF members. No kayak experience necessary. $45 includes kayak rental. More info and RSVP!

New Member Sunset Walk
Thursday evening, April 15
We'll hike to a ridgetop for spectacular views of the sun setting over the ocean. Chat with fellow members and ESF staff on this special walk for our newest ESF members. Open to everyone who joined ESF after November 1, 2009. Become an ESF member between now and April 15 to join us on this sunset walk. RSVP today.

Give us your best shot! Each month Elkhorn Slough selects a spectacular photo to be featured as our photo of the month. This months shot, Bobcat on the run, by Malone Hodges, was taken on Humming Bird Island. "My mother and step-father were in town and we were exploring along with my wife and our two sons (age 10 and 7). We were walking quietly through the island when I came face to face with this bobcat. We looked at each other for a long time before he jumped from the grass and ran from left to right. I was able to get one shot of him on the run before he disappeared in the grass." Enter your photo today for a chance to be featured as May's best shot.

Think of all the good a $50,000 grant will do for Education and Outreach at the Slough. Vote today and everyday!!