Scientists examine how, where, and when to light prescribed burns to reduce catastrophic wildfire risks in California’s most populous regions.
Santa Cruz Island Reserve
Fog binds California and Chile together
By Kathleen Wong, UC Natural Reserve System The thick fog that cloaks California shorelines over summer has an atmospheric counterpart south of the equator. Marine fog not only drenches coastal sections of the South American nation of Chile, but is so reliable that some communities there use fog for drinking water. And in both areas, […]
Student research gear closet lowers barriers to field experiences
By Kathleen Wong, UC Natural Reserve System Enjoying time in nature is much more comfortable with the right stuff. Gear such as hiking boots and a warm sleeping bag can spell the difference between a transformative experience and an utterly miserable outing. But buying outdoor basics can take considerable financial means. For cash-strapped college students, […]
Unseen California arts initiative uses NRS reserves as canvas
By Kathleen Wong, UC Natural Reserve System The reserves of the UC Natural Reserve System are best known for fostering science teaching and research. But that long-standing reputation is broadening. A new arts initiative from UC Santa Cruz, Unseen California, aims to connect both professional artists and UC students with reserves. Challenging artists to engage […]
The FAIR Island Project links data with place of origin
By the FAIR Island Team Every year, field stations like those in the UC Natural Reserve System generate a wealth of data. This information can come in a dizzying array of forms, including sensor readings, digitized plant and animal specimens, DNA barcodes, and observations to name just a few. All too often, however, this information […]
Beach hoppers feed island foxes
By Sonia Fernandez, UC Santa Barbara Island foxes are masters of survival. Having lived and evolved on the windswept, rugged and relatively remote Channel Islands off the coast of California for thousands of years, the cat-sized canids have quite a few tricks up their sleeves. Their small size, for one, is an adaptation to their […]
Shell currency was part of an ancient economy in the Channel Islands
by Jim Logan, UC Santa Barbara As one of the most experienced archaeologists studying California’s Native Americans, Lynn Gamble knew the Chumash Indians of Central California had been using shell beads as money for at least 800 years. But an exhaustive review of some of the shell bead record led UC Santa Barbara professor emerita of anthropology to an […]
2020-21 Mathias Grant recipients
By Kathleen Wong, UC Natural Reserve System Most people will be staying close to home in 2021 due to the pandemic. UC Santa Barbara graduate student Samantha Sambado will not be among them. Her doctoral research will take her on multiple journeys up and down California, in search of ticks and the human pathogens they […]