Field Trip to Elkhorn Slough Reserve

Join the Young Birders Club for a day trip to Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve! Located just a few miles east of Moss Landing, the Reserve supports one of California’s largest coastal salt marshes and provides habitat for a fantastic diversity of birds, plants, marine mammals, and fish. From oak woodlands to tidal salt marsh and freshwater ponds, we will explore the Reserve’s diverse habitats to observe the birds that call Elkhorn Slough home. Led by volunteer Aaron Bartley, we’ll stroll this Monterey Bay biodiversity hotspot looking for White-tailed Kite, Barn Owl, Acorn Woodpecker, nesting egrets, and more.

The gates open at 9:00 AM, early entrance is not available.

This trip is designed for young birders, though parents and siblings are welcome to attend! We welcome birders of all skill levels. Loaner binoculars are available for participants.

Meet: At the Reserve Visitor Center, located at 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville, CA 95076

Leader: Aaron Bartley

Trip Difficulty: 2-3 miles on gravel/dirt trails