Plants accustomed to accessing smaller amounts of moisture stored in underground rock formations are more resilient to drought conditions.
Main Content
Research
Scientists from around the world conduct field research in the protected landscapes of the Natural Reserve System on topics ranging from climate change to endangered species to habitat restoration.
Teaching
Visiting a reserve brings textbook lessons about the natural world to life. Students and teachers flock to reserves from the University of California and institutions around the globe.
Public Service
From hosting school field trips, to organizing scientific lecture series, to welcoming the public for weekend classes, NRS reserves benefit California communities.
News and Highlights
Field station planned for UC Merced’s Vernal Pools and Grassland Reserve
UC Merced aims to build a field station to facilitate research and instruction on the NRS’s Merced Vernal Pools and Grassland Reserve.
UC Natural Reserve System gains sister reserve in Baja California Sur
The UC NRS now has a sister reserve in Eco-Alianza de Loreto A.C., a Mexican nonprofit offersing educational and research access to the Gulf of California.