Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Elkhorn Slough Foundation
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: ESF
Mailing Address: 1700 Elkhorn Road
City: Royal Oaks
State: CA
Postal Code: 95076
Main Phone: 831-728-2822
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://elkhornslough.org/foundation/
Employer ID Number: 94-2823247
Organization Tax Status: Tax-exempt status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 03/06/2026
Requested Amount: $5,000

Project Title: Carneros Creek Outdoor Classroom
Project Description:

The Carneros Creek Outdoor Classroom is a core community program at Elkhorn Slough Foundation. Through hands-on activities, fourth and fifth graders from Hall Elementary explore nature through a series of lessons led by ESF staff, volunteers, and California State University Monterey Bay students. Students visit different habitats at our Outdoor Classroom site and help with a variety of restoration projects. Activities include planting native species, learning about local wildlife, and removing invasive plants. A significant component of our program is the mentorship between California State University Monterey Bay Environmental Studies students and the students at Hall Elementary. The elementary students build relationships with caring adults while playing, exploring, and learning about the importance of conservation without having to leave their neighborhood. All these activities are incorporated directly into Hall teachers’ Science and Language Arts curriculum, in accordance with Common Core standards for the State of California.

Hall Elementary is located in the nearby community of Las Lomas which is designated as underserved by the State of California due to a lack of public access points to natural areas, open spaces, or parks. Our Outdoor Classroom program, which serves 250+ Elementary students each year, addresses these challenges by increasing access to nature and elevating environmental literacy. With our partners, we teach students about the diverse habitats in the Elkhorn watershed, centering relationships and youth voice as guiding practices.

Total Project Budget: 90,500.00

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation – $20,000 (pending) Pebble Beach Company Foundation – $10,000 (pending) American Water Charitable Foundation – $5,000 (pending)

Project Duration: Calendar year 2027
Geographical Area Served: Central Monterey Bay, California
Age Group To Be Served: 8-11 years

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.):
Contact First Name: Taylor
Contact Last Name: Honrath
Contact Title: Deputy Director
Contact Phone: 657-251-7257
Contact Email: taylor@elkhornslough.org