Tidal Exchange Spring 2022

Tidal Exchange newsletter of the elkhorn slough foundation

spring 2022

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF CONSERVATION Mark Silberstein, ESF Executive Director

This March marked the 40th Anniversary of Elkhorn Slough Foundation’s incorporation.

Spearheaded by members of the Reserve Advisory Committee, a group of local citizens worked with Reserve Manager, Ken Moore, to establish a non-profit organization to develop research, education, and community programs. The vision for ESF’s mission expanded as the California Department of Fish and Wildlife took on the programs the Foundation developed, and enabled ESF to expand efforts to protect and conserve watershed lands. Over the years, ESF has worked with diverse groups – agencies, individuals, and other non-profit organizations to expand protected acreage in the watershed, and these efforts were fueled by the philanthropic support of our community.

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2021

2000 Before and after: These two maps of the Elkhorn Slough watershed illustrate the hard work accomplished over the last 40 years.

Cover: Porter Ranch in full bloom. Photo by Paul Zaretsky

Elkhorn Slough Foundation board of directors Bruce Welden President

Robert Hartmann Vice President

Anne Secker Treasurer

Tara Trautsch Secretary

Anne Olsen

Past President

Gary Bloom Judith Connor Terry Eckhardt Sandy Hale Emmett Linder Kent Marshall Hon. Susan Matcham Laura Solorio, MD David Warner Mark Silberstein

Executive Director

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

We see Elkhorn Slough and its

RESERVE UPDATE

Celebrating Our Partnership Dave Feliz, Elkhorn Slough Reserve Manager

The Elkhorn Slough Reserve is proud to raise a glass and toast our longtime partner, the Elkhorn Slough Foundation! Our partnership now extends back 40 years, and we celebrate with the Foundation the impressive work they have done in the name of conservation, and the work we have done together.

Here’s to 40 more years!

Mark Silberstein with Dave In keeping with the good work and tradition of Feliz-working together to secure the future of Elkhorn four decades, Reserve staff and volunteers seeded 63 Slough. pounds of native seed and almost 15,000 native plants at the Hester Marsh restoration site. Since we’ve received little rain this year, sprinklers were set up to irrigate the area. Plants include creeping wildrye, blue eyed grass, California oat grass, purple needlegrass, and meadow barley. In the Five Fingers area where eucalyptus trees were removed in 2018, young coast live oak trees were planted. All plants and seeds were produced onsite at the Reserve greenhouse and the ESF native bunch grass farm.

Additionally, an old antenna tower below the big barn was refurbished to host a set of antennas that will be capable of documenting the passing of migratory animals tagged with radio transmitters. This is part of a growing network of towers being installed across the country.

Wildflowers are now blooming throughout the Reserve, so be sure to come for a visit soon to catch them in all their glory! n

watershed protected forever— a working landscape, where people, farming, industry, and nature thrive together. As one of California’s last great coastal wetlands, Elkhorn Slough will remain a wellspring of life and a source of inspiration for generations to come.

Before

PO Box 267, Moss Landing California 95039 tel: (831) 728-5939 fax: (831) 728-7031 www.elkhornslough.org Tidal Exchange Lisa Zaretsky, Editor printed on recycled paper © 2022 Elkhorn Slough Foundation

After Before and after: ESNERR and ESF are collaborating on a stewardship project to support endangered wildlife and freshwater habitat at the Reserve. ESF Land Steward Ken Collins (pictured) was one of the experts who consulted on the creation of the Reserve's Long Valley pond.

Photos by Ken Collins and ESNERR Stewardship Specialist Mary Paul

2022 Before and after: The photo on the right shows the erosion-scarred hills of the Renteria property, acquired by ESF in 2007. The same view in 2022 shows this hillside is now stabilized and home to a young coast live oak forest. Photos by ESF Land Acquisitions Manager Kevin Contreras

40 YEARS OF CONSERVATION CONTINUED FROM COVER

The forty-year partnership between ESF, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has led to impressive outcomes: a research program that is nationally recognized; award-winning education programs reaching thousands of students from kindergarten through graduate schools; cutting edge habitat restoration and land stewardship; and direct protection of thousands of acres of farmland, ranchland, and critical habitat. The partnership is only part of the equation, however, as it takes a strong community of volunteers and donors to power it all.

Over the past forty years we have been able to accomplish much more together than any one of these entities would working alone. ESF has been able to administer federal and state grant funding on behalf of our partners, and expand protected acreage in addition to the lands secured by public agencies. CDFW has provided expertise, public access, and management. NOAA funds ongoing research, education, and stewardship for the Reserve,

2007

and shapes the overarching programs. In addition, Elkhorn Slough is part of the extraordinary network of 30 National Estuarine Research Reserves around the country under the umbrella of NOAA, and we are continuously learning from each other.

I am continually struck by the extraordinary diversity of life the slough supports. Over 100 species of fishes and more than 500 species of aquatic invertebrates, occupy the slough. Within a radius of 15 miles, 340 species of birds have been identified. A recent article in Natural History Magazine (February 2022 issue - posted at www.elkhornslough. org) highlights some of these creatures, and tells the story of southern sea otters in the slough – the densest concentration along the California coast.

Since designation as a National Estuarine Research Reserve in 1979, Elkhorn Slough has been recognized as a Nature Conservancy Legacy Reserve, an Audubon Globally Important Bird Area, a Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve, the tidal waters as part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, a State Ecological Reserve, a State Marine Protected Area, and by the Ramsar

Covershot, Bathing Pelican by Kevin Lohman

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40 YEARS OF CONSERVATION

microcosm of coastal ecosystems and challenges faced up and down the coast. This is a place where we are striving CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 to answer the question of how to "do" conservation in a Convention as a Wetland of International Importance. working landscape.

The ESF Board of Directors We recognize the serious threats recognized early on the importance of posed by a changing climate and balancing conservation of the slough rising seas, but proceed with a with economic activities compatible sense of optimism in the face of with healthy ecosystems. We know these dire challenges. One of the from the archaeological record that things that continually impresses people have made their living here for me about working at the slough is over 8,000 years and will continue the extraordinary dedication and to do so. The idea of a “working commitment of the people who are landscape” was embraced. Today, putting their shoulder to the wheel our assets include a cattle ranch, five in understanding, protecting, and certified organic farms, residential managing the rich biological and properties, and thousands of acres of ecological resources here. Each of critical habitat including wetlands, oak them is a hero to me. woodlands, maritime chaparral, coastal Relative to the global challenges terrace prairie, ponds, and creeks. we face, Elkhorn Slough is small.

Sand Hill Farm sits above the waters of We’ve expanded public access to the Global ecological balance will not the upper slough. By restoring habitat and slough with the Reserve, and built the hinge on this place alone. Around stabilizing hillsides we've been able to only wheelchair accessible trail along the reduce run-off and improve water quality the world I see communities in the estuary. slough shore at Kirby Park. Working doing what they can, and making with Reserve scientists, we have been meaningful changes for the better. able to demonstrate significant reductions in excess farm Elkhorn Slough is embedded in a network of 30 nutrients draining into the upper slough after our land National Estuarine Research Reserves which manage acquisitions and restoration and management activities 1.3 million acres of invaluable coastal environments on certified organic farmland. For me, the slough is a CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

2016 Before and after: Sand Hill Farm is one of the biggest challenges ESF has faced. Mountains of trash and plastic and extreme erosion problems from years of farming left this property in dire shape. Acquired in 2016, we have been hard at work ever since. The recovery here has been incredible to watch.

Photos by ESF Land Acquisitions Manager Kevin Contreras 4

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2022

2008

2022

Before and after: When the El Chamisal property was acquired in 2008, it was home to an ostrich farm and littered with cars and trash.

Now in 2022, the trash is cleared, the soil is stable, and the land is healing. Photos by ESF Land Acquisitions Manager Kevin Contreras Visit: www.elkhornslough.org/before-and-after to see more transformations from this property and others.

40 YEARS OF CONSERVATION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

around the country. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife, responsible for managing the 1,700-acre Elkhorn Slough Reserve, has conserved and managed well over a million acres of California landscapes. ESF has protected 4,200 acres of watershed lands, and is a founding member of the California Council of Land Trusts, and Accredited by the National Land Trust Accreditation Commission. The Land Trust Alliance, the parent organization, represents over 1,000 land trusts that have conserved 64 million acres of the American landscape.

We magnify the work here through these networks, and by building a pipeline of engaged young people who are inspired by the richness of Elkhorn Slough, and who are learning tools and techniques for making positive changes. It is our work with this new generation of young people that fuels our sense of optimism.

Throughout the past 40 years, one consistent and critical element has been present – you. None of the progress we share would be possible without the strong community support we’ve enjoyed. I look back over the years and think about the remarkable members and volunteers that have embraced this place and fostered 6

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its transformation. Had it not been for the optimism, perseverance, and generosity of our community, Elkhorn Slough would not be the conservation success story that it is today. From my vantage point, the next 40 years will be exciting and certainly challenging. I have no doubt that the kind of enthusiasm and dedication that the slough has attracted these last 40 years will persist.

Together, we have accomplished much, and though we still have some ways to go before we may rest, I’m confident that with your continued support the next 40 years will be even more transformative. n

A view of the slough from conserved land at the ridge-top of the watershed.

ELKHORN SLOUGH FOUNDATION FINANCIAL REPORT Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2021

REVENUE (Fiscal year ending June 30, 2021)

11%

18%

21% 50%

Contributions & Foundation Grants . . . . . . $ 1,504,445 Government Grants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 3,957,124 Investment Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,641,262 Other Revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 887,123 Total Funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 7,989,954 EXPENSES (Fiscal year ending June 30, 2021)

10%

6%

SLOUGH VIEW

ESF's Financial Outlook 84%

Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 4,022,122 Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 483,528 Fundraising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 296,821 Total Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 4,802,471 BALANCE STATEMENT (Fiscal year ending June 30, 2021) ASSETS

Conservation Land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 29,161,760 Invested Funds: Endowment & Other Investments . $ 11,031,516 Property & Equipment (net of depreciation) . . . $ 1,220,582 Other Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 2,140,770 Total Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 43,554,628 ACCOUNTS PAYABLE & ACCRUED LIABILITIES

Accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 951,522 Deferred revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 669,425 Note payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 100,000 Other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 178,042 Total Liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,898,989 Total Net Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 41,655,639 Total Liabilities & Net Assets . . . . . . . . . $ 43,554,628

Anne Secker, Treasurer, ESF Board of Directors As Elkhorn Slough Foundation celebrates 40 years of conservation, I am pleased to report that ESF is on firm financial footing, with the ability to continue our conservation efforts well into the future.

Conservation requires considerable investments of both time and financial resources, and the past 40 years attest to what is possible when those two converge in one place. Consider that Elkhorn Slough was almost home to a colossal oil refinery, factories, and a large harbor.

Instead, today Elkhorn Slough teems with wildlife, and has been recognized by the Ramsar Convention, our planet's first environmental treaty, as a Wetland of International Importance. That outcome is no happy accident - it's a consequence of our community's values and investments in conservation.

Shared here is a summary of ESF's financial standing as of the most recently completed fiscal year. As you can see, your investments in Elkhorn Slough's conservation continue to be well-managed. The link between your generosity and healthy conservation lands and wildlife is indisputable. Thank you! n tidal exchange

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Elkhorn Slough Foundation P.O. Box 267 Moss Landing, CA 95039

Farewell to Diane Porter Cooley 'GODMOTHER' OF ELKHORN SLOUGH

Diane left the hills and marshes of Elkhorn for heavenly pastures on March 10th at the age of 93. As a board member of the Elkhorn Slough Foundation, Diane introduced us to and engaged community leaders to conserve the slough. Diane and her parents, Tom and Bernice Porter, galvanized slough conservation with the donation of the Porter House and marsh to the Nature Conservancy in the 1970s. This was followed by initial gifts to establish the Elkhorn Slough endowment, and by the gift of the upper Porter Ranch to ESF in the 1990s. The Ranch had been purchased by Diane’s great grandfather from Mariano Vallejo’s family and is now owned and stewarded by ESF. The historic ranch, pictured on the cover of this issue, remains an active cattle ranch today and we are honored to be entrusted with this legacy. We are also in the process of renovating and restoring the historic Porter House as an educational and community center, and as homage to Diane and her family. She is greatly missed and will never be forgotten.

To learn more about Diane Porter Cooley and her legacy, visit: www.elkhornslough.org/diane-porter-cooley

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