ELKHORN SLOUGH NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE

Alongside the hustle and bustle of Highway 1 commuters sits a relatively undiscovered place of peace, relaxation and discovery. It's Elkhorn Slough (rhymes with YOU), a protected coastal wetlands area. The wetlands and marshes support hundreds of different kinds of wild flora and fauna in one big peaceful interdependent puzzle. Elkhorn Slough presents a unique opportunity to explore one of the state's largest and last remaining coastal wetlands.

Bring your bird book and your binoculars and discover the peaceful excitement of spotting Caspian Terns or White Tailed Kites. In these wetlands live over 250 species of birds, including gawky pelicans, majestic hawks, graceful swallows and beautiful egrets. If your book and binoculars are still packed, borrow some from the Visitor's Center (no charge). Take a hike down any of the well-marked trails with your eyes and ears open. Make certain to pick up a map at the Center before heading out. The maps show you exactly how far a hike each path is. You can then choose one that fits your group. The trails criss-cross through much of the Slough, so plan to come back many times to explore them all. One of the best trails for viewing birds takes a tangent down to a duck-blind type of shelter. There you can peek at herons, terns and other birds without disturbing them. The openings are large enough not only to see through, but to rest your zoom lens on.

There is so much to see, and the Slough is a photographer's delight. From the mudflats to the old Elkhorn Dairy site, opportunities to capture the ecological diversity of this area abound. The morning light is ideal, and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. docent-led hikes are the perfect introduction to this wellspring of life. Put on your long pants (to keep the mosquitoes at bay), some hiking shoes, sunscreen and a hat, bring along your water bottle and enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the slough. If you're a little more adventurous, take a guided trip with the experienced boaters at the Kayak Connection or Monterey Bay Kayaks. Glide through the gentle waters and see a whole different view of the Slough. One that may very well include seals and sea otters in the water, and interesting plants and flowers along its banks.

Over three hundred species of native plants grow here, painting a springtime splash of color, and a fall canvas of greens, browns and oranges. Each week, the "plant ladies" of the Slough walk the trails and pick some of the plants currently in bloom for display in the Visitor's Center. Take the time to look at them first before your hike, and see if you can identify their specific habitats. Fresh flowers aren't the only surprise in the Visitor's Center. This is a place for other California public entities to envy and emulate. Various small centers are attractively arranged to provide maximum use of a relatively small building. The Center is especially appealing to children who are able to touch as well as look. The highlight is a much larger than life cutaway of life in the mud, complete with an icky four-foot long worm. The staff members are not simply desk clerks, but fountains of information. This is a wonderful opportunity for your children to learn from those with a genuine heart for the preservation of the Slough.

It's difficult to visit and not come away with a greater appreciation of the balance of nature. Though the Slough is teeming with life, it evokes a gentle calm you'll want to experience again and again.

(c) 2000 Paul and Julie Gentry. Note: this article first appeared in The Classmate magazine.