Biological Monitoring

Equipped with spotting scopes, binoculars, and iPads, volunteers monitor the number and activities of otters, simultaneously observing a dozen locations in Elkhorn Slough and Moss Landing Harbor.

Using as many pairs of volunteer eyes as possible, we attempt to discover “least wanted” invaders soon after they arrive, in the window of opportunity where control measures may be most effective.

With the help of volunteers, we track mud-dwelling clams and worms in the lower slough and crab populations in the upper slough.

We track imperiled amphibians in and around Elkhorn Slough Reserve, including the highly endangered Santa Cruz long-toed salamander, the California tiger salamander, and the California red-legged frog.

Dedicated volunteers track a variety of birds in Elkhorn Slough—shorebirds and waterfowl, a rookery of nesting egrets, herons and cormorants, and small songbirds that use nest boxes on the Reserve.