Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve

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The Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve is one of 26 National Estuarine Research Reserves established nationwide as field laboratories for scientific research and estuarine education. It is located approximately 100 miles (160 km) south of San Francisco, California in the middle of the Monterey Bay. The Reserve is administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It is managed as Elkhorn Slough Ecological Reserve by the California Department of Fish and Game.

The 1,400-acre (5.7 km²) Reserve is a hub of activity and hosts 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 (8 km) of trails that meander through beautiful oak woodlands, calm tidal creeks, and freshwater marshes.

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[edit] Mission

The Mission of the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve is to ensure the perpetual health of ecosystems in Elkhorn Slough and the surrounding watershed through preservation, restoration, research, information exchange and education with particular emphasis on the Research Reserve.

[edit] Address

The Elkhorn Slough Reserve is located at 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville, CA 95076

[edit] Entrance fee and hours

The Reserve and Visitor Center are open Wednesday - Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is free to the Visitor Center and picnic areas.

To walk the trails there is a $2.50 day-use fee (cash or check, no credit cards) for adults 16 and older; children are free; entry is also free with a California hunting or fishing license. A one-year pass is available for $15.

[edit] External links