Elkhorn Slough and REI are partnering for National Trails Day on Saturday, June 5th and we need YOUR help! Volunteers will assist with habitat restoration, trail maintenance, and the creation of wildlife corridors at the Reserve and on nearby Foundation lands. Spend a day outside helping protect and restore Elkhorn Slough.

Water, snacks and commemorative volunteer T shirts will be provided by REI. Dress for sun, rain, and potential poison oak protection (long pants and sleeves); wear close-toed shoes. Bring your water bottle, work gloves and enthusiasm. A fun opportunity for anyone ages 12 and up. Volunteer spots are limited, so register today!

National Trails Day is American Hiking Society's trail awareness program, celebrating our nation's trails, thanking volunteers and outdoor related organizations, and encouraging the public to get involved.

Congratulations to Grey Hayes, Coastal Training Program (CTP) Coordinator, for winning a Blue Circle Award. On 4/22, the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, Grey received a Blue Circle award for his work via the CTP at ESNERR for "contributions to a local watershed." The Blue Circle an informal group composed of local agencies, units of government, special interest groups, and concerned citizens who meet to discuss natural resource issues affecting residents living in the County's watersheds. It was organized in 1996 by the Santa Cruz County Resource Conservation District.

Celebrate Mother's Day at Elkhorn Slough! There are special activities planned throughout the day.

• Guided Tours (10:00 & 1:00)
• Kids Craft Corner (10:00- noon)
• Cards for Mom (10:00- 3:00)
• Microscope Lab (11:00-2:00)
• Naturalists on the Trail (10:30- 12:30)

April 30th was the 2nd annual Save the Frogs day, with events taking place throughout the world. Here at the Slough, Dr. Kerry Kriger, founder and Executive Director of the Save the Frogs organization, gave an eye-opening presentation on the status of frogs worldwide to ESF's Stewardship Circle (members who donate $1,000 or more annually). Kriger highlighted the diversity of species worldwide, complete with lively examples of frog calls. He discussed various threats facing amphibians, including the pet and food trades, loss of habitat, and disease.

Following Kriger's talk, the group hiked down to the Reserve ponds to search for local frog species, particularly the California Red-legged frog. Several people were brave enough to don waders and look for frogs in the cold pond. Soon enough, ESNERR's Amphibian Researcher, Nina D'Amore, spotted and caught a Red-legged. After posing for some photographs, the frog was released. The group enjoyed a moonlit hike back to the Visitor's Center, pausing to watch the Barn Owls and Great Horned Owls hunt.