The Elkhorn's Ecosystem

Aquatic Habitats: Salt marshes Include upper regions of tidal water near the coast. Fresh water flowing into the slough creates some brackish marsh areas, and the main marsh is covered with plant life. Fresh water areas include wet meadows, riparian corridors and freshwater marshes. These are home to many plants and reptiles such as the Santa Cruz Long-toed Salamander. Much of the fresh water around the edges of the slough have been lost due to agriculture. The Harbor of the slough leads directly to the Monterey Bay. The harbor is home to many fish and animals such as otters, sea lions and topsmelt.

Terrestrial Habitats: Coastal prairie and coastal scrub areas include many plants, mammals, reptiles, and insects. The coastal prairie is actually home to several endangered wildflowers. 99% of california grasslands have been lost in the last 200 years making them one of the most endangered ecosystems in the U.S. Species include Coyote Brush, California Poppy, and the white-tailed kite. The maritime chaparral includes endemic manzanitas, bobcats, and mountain lions. The Coast Live Oak Woodlands holds over 200 animal species including mammals birds and reptiles. Oaks are most common, but in the watershed there are also eucalyptus, conifers and riparian woodlands.

The Slough's Flora & Fauna: There are more than 340 bird species, several of which are rare or endangered, such as the Brown Pelican and the Peregrine Falcon. In the water there are both marine and estuarine fish. Some come to feed, mate and spawn before heading back to the ocean. These fish include the Bat Ray and the Leopard Shark.Some of the mammals in the slough include Sea Lions, Sea Otters, Harbor Seals, and even Bobcats and Mountain Lions. The slough contains over 400 plant species. Over 100 of these species are non-native plants from asia and europe. Native plants include the California Poppy, Santa Cruz Tarplant and Pickle Weed.