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Nov 9 - Dec 31, 2023

Elkhorn Slough Foundation

Mission

The mission of the Elkhorn Slough Foundation is to conserve and restore Elkhorn Slough and its watershed.

The Big Idea

Land conservation in Elkhorn Slough is crucial to protecting water for wildlife and people.

ESF preserves more than 4,200 acres of wildlands, organic farms, and ranches. By retiring steep, unproductive farms from cultivation and restoring native vegetation, we reduce erosion and keep legacy chemicals like DDT out of sensitive wetlands. We’ve measured significant improvements to water quality in the estuary, benefiting sea otters, birds, and fish.

These efforts also keep more than 850 million gallons of water in the ground each year, buffering aquifers against seawater intrusion. As drinking water sources across California become strained by drought and overuse, protecting local aquifers grows in urgency and importance.

ESF also restores freshwater ponds in the uplands around Elkhorn Slough, sustaining endangered amphibians like the Santa Cruz long-toed salamander and supporting wildlife, from deer to mountain lions.

None of this important work would happen without the support of our community.

"For over 40 years, Elkhorn Slough Foundation has taken a holistic approach to conserving this last great wetland on California’s coast. From land conservation, to habitat restoration, to engaging the community in our work, ESF serves as a model of inclusive conservation. ESF is scaling up our work in acting locally to address climate change and safeguard biodiversity, and the support of the community is essential to our work.”

- Laura Solorio, MD