GOOD ANCESTORS
The story of conservation in Elkhorn Slough is the story of a community galvanized by the challenges and rewards of ecological stewardship in the era of climate change. Together, we strive to be good ancestors—for the children being nurtured here today and for the generations to come.
As a valued supporter, you play a crucial role in sustaining this sanctuary for wildlife and people. Work like this can only happen through community. This Impact Report highlights some of the many milestones and accomplishments of 2023, accomplishments we can all celebrate together.
I attribute a lot of our conservation progress to the triad of partners that continue to work closely together here. As home to one of the thirty National Estuarine Research Reserves around the country, Elkhorn Slough is linked to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which provides guidance and funding for the primary programs on the Reserve. From the beginning, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has owned and managed the 1700-acre Reserve, staffing and overseeing its many programs. The Elkhorn Slough Foundation (ESF) supports this work in two main ways—as a land trust preserving thousands more acres of key conservation lands around the Elkhorn watershed, and as an administrator of grant funds supporting Reserve projects.
The extraordinary support of the slough community also flows through our outstanding volunteer programs, run by CDFW staff on the Reserve and by ESF staff on Foundation lands. Together, we’ve transformed thousands of acres of degraded lands into productive habitats. At the same time, we’ve built dynamic programs and hosted tens of thousands of students and visitors for a first-hand connection to the land and life of Elkhorn Slough.
In this issue, we acknowledge and celebrate the people who have generously supported the transformations we see every day in this remarkable place.
Thank you one and all!
Mark Silberstein Executive Director
impact report 2023 n 3
THE ELKHORN SLOUGH RESERVE
Owned and managed by CDFW, with funding from NOAA, the 1700-acre Elkhorn Slough Reserve is part of a network of 30 sites around the U.S. that study, protect, and celebrate coastal ecosystems.
2023 Highlights
Awarded $2.55M in Federal funds for marsh restoration
2,500 hours contributed by 76 volunteers
Hosted 4,000 students and 27,000 visitors
Planted
6,500 native plants at Reserve restoration sites
Planted 100,000 baby oysters in Reserve waters
Completed removal of 1,500 non-native eucalyptus trees to improve wildlife habitat, groundwater retention, and public safety
“We got to see birds, shake trees, and catch bugs. I didn’t know so many spiders could live in a tree!”
Pippa Scheiblauer, 3rd grade
Finished ADA all-accessible trail connecting the Visitor Center to the Overlook
impact report 2023
SUSTAINING THE WATERSHED
The Elkhorn Slough Foundation protects 4,200 acres in the Elkhorn watershed, preserving unique natural areas, restoring degraded properties, and enhancing agricultural sustainability.
Planted more than 200 trees along Carneros Creek to benefit wildlife and water quality
Created 200 tons of biochar from 6 acres of invasive eucalyptus, sequestering carbon and improving habitats
Built 2,400 feet of new cattle fencing to preserve the wetlands of Porter Marsh
Restored 3 freshwater ponds for endangered amphibians and other wildlife
Discovered 3 new native species on ESF lands:
Pacific wax myrtle
Michael’s rein orchid big leaf maple
Repaired a 60-year-old gully to slow erosion from neighboring farmland
“We appreciate the feeling of teamwork. I can always depend on ESF employees.”
Allan Renz, Agco Hay
WW impact report 2023 n 5
Left: Volunteers plant blue-eyed grass and California horkelia at the Reserve Overlook (photo by Andrea Woolfolk). Above: Big leaf maple at ESF’s Long Valley property.
Served 500 students from across California
Broadened outreach to community organizations including North Monterey County Alliance, Latino Conservation Week, and Conservationists of Color
Removed 1,000 pounds of trash from Elkhorn Slough
LAND IS THE HEART OF COMMUNITY
Expanded family programs from 20 to 50 families
Deepened relationships with communities in North Monterey County that have historically had less access to nature
Doubled participation at Hall Elementary School, North Monterey County High School, and CSU Monterey Bay
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Fourth graders from Hall Elementary learn about grassland fauna at ESF’s Outdoor Classroom. Photo by Victoria Derr.
The Elkhorn Slough Foundation works with students, families, volunteers, and partners to create welcoming spaces for community relationship building.
Co-wrote a chapter for Multispecies Thinking in the Classroom and Beyond , a new book about sustainability education
“Like many others, I was drawn in by the majestic oak tree at the Outdoor Classroom. But it’s the beauty of our partnership that sustains me. Our work together is a shining example of how we can care for the land and care for each other at the same time.”
Dr. Victoria Derr, CSUMB
tidal exchange n 7 These preliminary financial summaries are derived from the Elkhorn Slough Foundation’s June 2023 consolidated financial statements, currently in the process of independent financial audit. n Programs $3,581,167 n Management $625,628 n Fundraising $420,633 Total Expenses $4,627,428 ASSETS Conservation Land .............................. $29,161,760 Invested Funds: Endowment & Other Investments* ....... $10,323,202 Property & Equipment (net of depreciation) .......... $1,429,976 Other Assets $1,499,568 Total Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $42,414,506 ACCOUNTS PAYABLE & ACCRUED LIABILITIES Accounts Payable $747,413 Other Liabilities $283,767 Total Liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,031,180 Total Net Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $41,383,326 Total Liabilities & Net Assets .............. $42,414,506 *includes unrealized gain of $430,902 n Contributions & Foundation Grants ........... $1,860,662 n Government Grants $2,483,258 n Other Revenue $1,183,952 Total Funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,527,872 BALANCE STATEMENT (Fiscal year ending June 30, 2023) EXPENSES (Fiscal year ending June 30, 2023) REVENUE (Fiscal year ending June 30, 2023) Elkhorn Slough Foundation FINANCIAL REPORT Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2023 45% 34% 21% 14% 77% 9%
Making Conservation Possible
Thank you for renewing your membership, making a special year-end gift, signing up as a monthly member, or supporting our Monterey County Gives campaign. When you read Tidal Exchange, listen to our podcast, or hear about all the good work taking place throughout the watershed, please know that it is because you and your friends care enough to make conservation possible. We would also like to thank the Community Foun-
dation for Monterey County, the MC Weekly, and the Monterey Peninsula Foundation for hosting Monterey County Gives. During the final two months of 2023, this partnership raised $11,932,245 for more than 200 nonprofits in Monterey Bay, including the Elkhorn Slough Foundation. We couldn’t do it without you!
Elkhorn Slough Foundation Post Office Box 267 Moss Landing, CA 95039-9988 elkhornslough.org
Photo by Juan Ramirez
