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 24 known breeding populations of the salamander. When the California red-legged frog was listed as a threatened species in 1996 and the California tiger salamander in 2004, the purpose of the refuge expanded to include protection of these two species.  Over time more properties were added to the refuge.  The addition of the Calabasas Unit was significant because it also supports California red-legged frog breeding sites and the addition of the Harkins Slough Unit provides freshwater habitat for migratory birds.  Because of the sensitive nature of the habitats, the refuge is closed to visitors.