| The Reserve
The
Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve is a field laboratory
for scientific research and estuarine education. The
1400-acre Reserve is a hub of activity. Visited by thousands every
year, the Reserve hosts many programs that promote education, research,
and conservation in Elkhorn Slough. The Visitor
Center has award-winning exhibits that invite everyone to explore
the Unseen Slough. There are five miles of trails
that meander through beautiful oak woodlands, calm tidal creeks
and freshwater marshes. They offer tours
on the weekends and special events throughout the year.
The Reserve is
dedicated to preservation, so pets, camping, biking, riding, boating, and
fishing are not allowed on the grounds. The Reserve is closed Monday and Tuesday.
To find out more about
visiting the Elkhorn Slough Reserve, click
here.
Map and directions to the Elkhorn Slough
Reserve.
Beyond
the Reserve
Visitors
to the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve can
learn a lot about what the entire Slough has to offer. Nearby, however -
in and around the main channel, out on the open ocean, and along
the coast - recreation opportunities abound.
We have compiled a list of links to local businesses to help you plan your visit.
Kayaking and Boating
A favorite
way to see the slough is in a kayak or canoe. Paddling just above
the water level, you can come face to face with a mischievous
sea otter swimming on its back, a harbor seal lounging in the
mud, or a grebe about to dive for fish.
Click here for more information about kayaking.
Recreation Areas
With five
state beaches, several parks and preserves, and two wildlife areas
nearby, the Elkhorn Slough area offers a wide range of fishing
spots, equestrian trails, camping facilities and picnic grounds.
At the Moss Landing Wildlife Area, seasonal hunting for water
fowl is permitted.
All these places provide
excellent opportunities for birding. But for an offbeat birding
experience, check out the Moonglow Dairy on Dolan Rd (633-4637).
For reasons that are unclear, a number of uncommon birds like
the Mongolian Plover, Little Stint, Siberian Wagtail and Yellow-headed
blackbird like to congregate around the dairy's catch basins.
Moss
Landing
When you're
ready for a relaxing meal in a bustling harbor town, Moss Landing
sits at the mouth of the slough, where the Pacific Ocean rushes
in at high tide. A prominent whaling center in the 19th Century
and again in the 1920s, Moss Landing is home to 200 pleasure boats,
400 commercial fishing vessels and two marine research institutes
today. Antique lovers should leave time to poke around the shops
along Sandholt and Moss Landing roads.
Hunting
and Fishing
While not allowed at the Reserve, hunting
is allowed in certain parts of the Elkhorn Slough during the waterfowl
season. Please educate yourself about all the rules and regulations before attempting to hunt at the Slough.
For fishing and hunting information,
please contact the Monterey Office of the California Department
of Fish and Game.
Shellfish Quarantine: There is an annual shellfish quarantine May 1 - October 31 for personally harvested
shell fish along the California Coast. For
more information contact the shellfish information line at 1-800-553-4133.
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