Securing Elkhorn Slough's future

The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this blog are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Land Trust Alliance, its staff, its board of directors or any other individuals associated with the organization.

The Elkhorn Slough Foundation in Moss Landing, California, has successfully completed Elkhorn Forever, its $12 million campaign to secure the future of one of California’s most treasured estuaries.

Known for its breathtaking beauty and rich biodiversity, Elkhorn Slough is home to more than 700 species of plants and animals, including migratory shorebirds, 16 threatened and endangered species, and the iconic southern sea otter. As the largest tidal wetland complex in California south of San Francisco Bay, it plays a critical role in maintaining water quality, providing habitat and mitigating the effects of climate change.

Elkhorn Forever represents a renewed commitment to ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of this extraordinary ecosystem. The campaign launched two new funds, a $9 million "rapid response" fund to purchase land and create new protected areas, and a $3 million stewardship fund to support habitat restoration in the Elkhorn watershed.

“Our goal with Elkhorn Forever was to secure the long-term health of Elkhorn Slough and ensure that future generations can experience its beauty, just as we do today,” said Mark Silberstein, executive director of Elkhorn Slough Foundation. “This ecosystem is facing mounting challenges, from habitat loss to climate change, and Elkhorn Forever allows us to act boldly now to safeguard its future."

For more than four decades, Elkhorn Slough Foundation has been at the forefront of conservation efforts in the region. Through partnerships with funders, scientists, policymakers and local stakeholders, the land trust has protected thousands of acres of wetland and upland habitat, restored vital ecosystems and engaged the community in ongoing stewardship efforts. Elkhorn Forever builds on these efforts, ensuring that the next generation will continue to experience and benefit from the slough’s natural wonders.

"Elkhorn Slough is an unsung jewel in the Monterey Bay Area," said Cynthia Vernon, campaign committee co-chair and recently-retired chief operating officer of Monterey Bay Aquarium. "We've seen recently that many of the funding systems we've come to rely on to protect our natural resources have been eroding or coming under attack. So, it's up to us to step up and make sure that resources are available to take care of places like Elkhorn Slough. I'm so proud of what the community has accomplished through Elkhorn Forever."

Campaign funds are already being put to work, from powering large-scale habitat restoration to acquiring properties with high conservation value.