UCNRS

University of California Natural Reserve System

Main Content

The nature of UC

Ways to give

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 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.

About us

The UC Natural Reserve System is a library of ecosystems throughout California. Most of the state's major habitat types are represented, from coastal tidepools to inland deserts, and lush wetlands to redwood forests. No other network of field sites can match its size, scope, and ecological diversity. The NRS offers outdoor laboratories to field scientists, classrooms without walls for students, and nature’s inspiration to all.

By the numbers

What we do

Research

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

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 Services

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

Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve expands

By Land Trust of Napa County/UC Davis News and Media Relations Nearly 500 acres of the California Coast Range’s signature oak woodlands and chaparral communities will be incorporated into the Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve under a transfer between the Land Trust of Napa County and the University of California, Davis. Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve is a premier destination […]

Cricket crew flocks to Sedgwick

By Nikki Evans, Sedgwick Reserve Caroline Williams is a professor of Integrative Biology at UC Berkeley where she runs a lab on the evolution of metabolic physiology in ectotherms. In other words, the Williams Lab studies how energy-providing processes throughout the body evolve in cold-blooded species. Her lab is particularly interested in insects. At Sedgwick, they […]

First Swarth Fogel Undergraduate Research Scholar studies vernal pool grazing

By Joy Baccei, Reserve Director, Merced Vernal Pools and Grassland Reserve Field research can transform the academic and professional careers of undergraduates, and help increase retention rates in college students majoring in the natural sciences. UC Merced has made it a high priority to enable more students to become involved in hands-on field experiences. The […]

Plan your visit to the NRS

Access to NRS reserves is by permission only. Reserves are available for teaching, research, and public service, but not general recreation.

Apply to visit via our Reserve
Application Management System

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