Conservation Science at Elkhorn Slough
The goal of the Reserve research program is to inform conservation strategies for Elkhorn Slough and other estuaries. This research includes long-term monitoring to detect changes over time and short-term projects to understand and diminish threats to Slough habitats and communities.
We are committed to restoration science, conducting experiments to determine the most effective strategies for bringing back coastal species and habitats that have been negatively impacted by human activities. We serve as Elkhorn Slough detectives, solving mysteries and supporting the recovery of this precious estuary. Our work is collaborative, and our doors are always open to students, researchers, or community members who’d like to help study Elkhorn Slough.
Santa Cruz Long-toed Salamander
Current Conditions
Information from Reserve monitoring.
Long-Term Monitoring
Reserve staff and volunteers keep their fingers on the pulse of the estuary.
Conservation Research
Reserve staff conduct applied studies to support conservation and management.
Research Stories
Resources, References, and Information
Reference library (Zotero)
A searchable compilation of more than 1000 articles and references.
Research permit information
Learn about different permits required for different portions of the estuary.
Meet our staff scientists
Meet Elkhorn Slough Reserve’s scientists.
Reserve staff publications
50+ publications in peer-reviewed international journals authored by Reserve staff.
Mapping resources
GIS files available for downloading.
Elkhorn Slough technical report series
30+ reports with information about the estuary useful to coastal managers, educators, and researchers.
Questions for students
Filling data gaps to inform conservation and management.
Staff research
Questions Elkhorn Slough Reserve staff are answering.
Conservation research award
Summary of past winners.
Graduate Research Fellows
Past NERR graduate fellowship recipients.
Summer internships
The Reserve sponsors two undergraduate interns per year through CSUMB’s REU program; applications due in February.
Photo by Dian Larkin Adrian
Elkhorn Connects Us
Much of our work at the Elkhorn Slough Reserve is powered by volunteers.