The mission of the Natural Reserve System is to support university-level teaching, research, and public service at protected natural areas throughout California.
What Is the Natural Reserve System?
The University of California Natural Reserve System is the largest and most diverse set of university biological field stations in the world. Its 39 reserves include examples of nearly every major ecosystem in the state. They provide secure sites for long-term environmental research, education and public outreach. The reserves enable monitoring of environmental health, and provide a baseline for ecosystem restoration, in the context of California’s rapidly growing population and the changing global environment.
Five natural reserves are administered by UC Davis and the Institute of the Environment: Bodega Marine Reserve, Jepson Prairie Reserve, McLaughlin Reserve, Quail Ridge Reserve, and Stebbins Cold Canyon.
Associate Director: Shane Waddell
Director of Strategic Engagement: Gary Bucciarelli