Photo by Paul Zaretsky
Elkhorn Slough Reserve
Discover the magic of Elkhorn Slough
A Sanctuary for Wildlife and People
Located just a few miles east of Moss Landing, the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve supports one of California’s largest coastal salt marshes and provides habitat for a fantastic diversity of birds, plants, marine mammals, and fish.
The Reserve is one of 30 National Estuarine Research Reserves established nationwide as hubs for environmental stewardship, research, and education. It is administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, owned and managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and supported by its partnership with the Elkhorn Slough Foundation.
Photo by Paul Zaretsky
Photo by Csaba Nemeth
Photo by Paul Zaretsky
Visit the Reserve
The Elkhorn Slough Reserve features a visitor center, picnic areas, and five miles of trails through beautiful oak woodlands, calm tidal creeks, and open grasslands
We are committed to ensuring the health of Elkhorn Slough and its surrounding watershed for generations. Please join us in keeping this place healthy and wild.
Our Programs
We support conservation at Elkhorn Slough and beyond through research, stewardship, education, professional training, and community engagement.
Photo by: Michael McGreevy
Elkhorn Connects Us
Much of our work at the Elkhorn Slough Reserve is powered by volunteers.