Trail Closure

At Kirby Park, the accessible trail remains closed due to storm damage.

Elkhorn Slough Foundation hero

Photo by Paul Zaretsky

Foundation

Elkhorn Slough Foundation

Land is the heart of the community

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We see Elkhorn Slough and its watershed protected forever—a working landscape where people, farming, industry, and nature thrive together.

Conserving land has never been more important.

Elkhorn Slough Foundation (ESF) is a nonprofit land trust founded in 1982 to conserve and restore Elkhorn Slough and its watershed.

We restore habitat, protect native species, improve water quality, support healthy farms and ranches, and nurture connections between people and nature. We also partner closely with both state and federal governments to support the Elkhorn Slough Reserve.

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What is a Land Trust?

Land trusts conserve the natural resources that keep our communities healthy and sustainable for future generations. ESF does this by acquiring land outright, partnering with willing landowners to preserve vital ecosystems, and restoring these ecosystems to keep them vibrant and resilient long into the future.

With more than 4,200 acres of protected lands under our care, ESF is now the largest private landowner in Elkhorn Slough. We are accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission.

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Photo by Paul Zaretsky

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Celebrating Community

It takes a community to protect a place. As a local partner to the government agencies that manage the Elkhorn Slough Reserve, ESF provides neighbors and visitors with increased access to open spaces, active opportunities for environmental stewardship, and rich experiences of connection with the land and each other.

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Hikers on a trail
ESF celebrating community Mark with group brothers

Support ESF

A broad range of wildlife, from southern sea otters to endangered orchids, rely on the sensitive wetlands and surrounding habitats of Elkhorn Slough.

By becoming a member of Elkhorn Slough Foundation, you’ll help keep Elkhorn wild for future generations.

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Leadership and Governance

ESF is accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission and receives the highest nonprofit ratings from Charity Navigator and GuideStar. Our Board of Directors, drawn from across the Monterey Bay community, is composed of respected professionals, conservationists, scientists, and community leaders.

To meet our board and see our latest financials, visit our governance page.

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ESF leadership

ESF Executive Director Mark Silberstein with Congressman Jimmy Panetta.

Southern sea otter

Photo by Jennifer Riggin

Keep Elkhorn Wild

Give today to preserve the lands and waters of Elkhorn Slough for future generations.

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