Formerly part of the Camp Elliott Military Reservation, the Elliott Chaparral Reserve encomprises a diverse mixture of natural coastal and desert ecosystem that is becoming increasingly rare with rapid suburban growth in the San Diego region. The reserve encompasses a narrow, steep-sided ridge of Kearny Mesa, bounded north and south by broad, flat-bottomed valleys and associated arroyos.
The rolling topography is covered with an unusually wide variety of south coastal chaparral, much of it a nearly pure stand of greenwood, intermixed with elements of coastal sage scrub. Forty-five vascular plant species have been identified on the reserve, several of which have a relatively restricted distribution, such as ash spike moss (Selaginella cinerascens), bushrue (Cneoridium dumosum), and mission manzanita (Xylococcus bicolor).
The soils, formed on an Eocene conglomerate, are thin, pebbly, and leached. As a result, the chaparral plants, particularly chamise, are more stunted and open than in most other Southern California locations. Research and teaching opportunities extend beyond reserve boundaries onto adjacent military open lands featuring rare vernal pools on clay hard-pan soils.
Teaching Opportunities
Large expanses of near-pristine habitats serve as outdoor classrooms for teaching at all levels; UC San Diego students in ecology and other sciences take field trips to the site.
Habitat Restoration
Some areas altered by development or exotic species are being restored to native habitat; a cooperative-research study examines irrigation and mulching methods to restore native chaparral while discouraging increases in invasive Argentine ant populations.
Selected Research
- The effects of floral predation on the pollination biology and reproductive success of Yucca whipplei.
- Ecological assessment of ground obligate beetle diversity in western San Diego County.
- Elliott Chaparral Reserve before fire in 2003
Contact Information
Isabelle Kay
Natural Reserve System
APM Prime Room #202 9500
Gilman Drive UC,
San Diego La Jolla, CA 92093
Phone: 858-534-2077
ikay@ucsd.edu
Elliott Chaparral Reserve website
Location
San Diego County, 16 km (10 mi.) northeast of San Diego campus; adjacent to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.
Facilities
Trailer for staging, research, and short-stay accommodations for up to four; storage container; wireless internet access; weather station offers real-time data online.
Reserve bibliography
The reserve bibliography includes citations of journal articles, books, theses, art, and other works published about or based on activities conducted at the reserve.
Databases
Plant List
Reserve-based publications since 1995; herbarium (on campus); species lists for birds, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, and vascular plants.
Personnel
Academic coordinator on campus
Size
74 hectares (183 acres)
Elevation
230 to 290 m (760 to 950 ft.)
Average Precipitation
36 cm (14 in.) per year
Average Temperatures
13.2 – 22.8 ºC (55.8 – 73 ºF)
mean: 18 ºC (64 ºF)