Ellicott Slough National Wildlife Refuge

Ellicott Slough National Wildlife Refuge is located in Santa Cruz County within the Monterey Bay area. The refuge, established in 1975 to protect the endangered Santa Cruz long-toed salamander, supports two of the eight known breeding populations of the salamander.

The threatened California red legged frog and California tiger salamander have been observed on the refuge. Current management efforts focus on enhancing both wetland and upland habitat for the Santa Cruz long-toed salamander.

Getting There . . .

To protect habitat for threatened and endangered species, the refuge is closed to public access.

San Andreas Rd, 4 miles west of Watsonville, CA   
E-mail: sfbaynwrc@fws.gov
Phone Number: 510-792-0222

Mangement Activities

Management objectives are to protect the site from disturbance and maintain habitat quality. Current management efforts focus on enhancing both wetland and upland habitat for the Santa Cruz long-toed salamander.

Projects include developing wells as alternative sources of water to augment water levels in breeding ponds during periods of low rainfall. In addition, substantial efforts are underway to remove non-native invasive plant species (Eucalyptus sp. and pampas grass) and to revegetate with native plant species.

15-Year Management Plan now available to view

What is a Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP)? Download and read the Refuge's CCP.

For more information, contact:
Ellicott Slough National Wildlife Refuge
1 Marshlands Rd
Fremont, CA 94555
510-792-0222
or e-mail us at San Francisco Bay NWR Complex

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