By Kathleen M. Wong, UC Natural Reserve System Streams hide an underwater world of tiny insects in a fantastically varied web of life. Though largely hidden from human view by rushing waters, these aquatic communities are every bit as complex as anything on dry land. Why species are found where within streams, however, remains rather […]
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
Elephant seals measure “the Blob”
By Tim Stephens, UC Santa Cruz The North Pacific Blob, a marine heatwave that began in late 2013 and continued through 2015, was the largest and longest-lasting marine heatwave on record. A new study using data collected by elephant seals reveals that in addition to the well documented surface warming, deeper warm-water anomalies associated with […]
Researchers track juvenile elephant seals for insights into mortality rates
By Tim Stephens, UC Santa Cruz As young elephant seals grow up, males and females diverge dramatically in their size, diets, migration patterns, and even how likely they are to survive. A new research project led by Roxanne Beltran, assistant professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at UC Santa Cruz, is investigating how the increasing […]