Nestled in a canyon on the western slope of San Jacinto Peak, the James San Jacinto Mountains Reserve is a place dear to the hearts of many. Educators Harry and Grace James bought the site in 1941 as a campsite for their Trailfinders School for Boys. In the 1960s, the couple sold the land to […]
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Concerns over COVID-19 have compelled us to postpone the Symposium we had planned to hold this coming November. We plan to reschedule when conditions enable attendees to remain healthy at the event.
Reserve Operations and COVID-19
During the unprecedented public health crisis posed by the spread of COVID-19, the UC Natural Reserve System supports the cancellation of any reservation to protect the health and safety of the visitors and staff. Reserve visitation remains the authority of respective campus NRS and reserve staff. Reserves are empowered to make the determination to cancel reservations as needed on a case-by-case basis. COVID-19 Information for UC employees provides guidance for all University of California operations. We consider the well being of our community to be paramount, and enjoin all staff and visitors to continue our exemplary 55-year record of service and safety. Some reserves are closed to use or visitation due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Peggy Fiedler
Executive Director
UC Natural Reserve System
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
Careful planning yields a better Big Creek reserve
Big Sur is one of California’s scenic wonders. A nexus of rushing creeks, vertical mountains, cool redwood stands and underwater kelp forests, this slender section of the Central Coast appeals to just about everyone. Those wishing to study Big Sur’s dynamic environment routinely turn to Landels-Hill Big Creek Reserve. Encompassing canyons and ridgelines, a freshwater […]
A phoenix from the ashes: Stunt Ranch field station
The threat of wildfire is an unsettling reality across southern California. In the Los Angeles Basin, Santa Ana winds can tip that risk into terrible disaster. Born of cold air tumbling downslope, these winds gain heat and ferocity as they descend from mountain passes and barrel toward the coast. Bone dry and gusting at highway […]