The mission of the Natural Reserve System is to contribute to the understanding and wise management of the Earth and its natural systems by supporting university-level teaching, research, and public service at protected natural areas throughout California. The UC system administers over 30 reserves.
UC San Diego manages four of these reserves:
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Located 45 minutes northeast of main campus in Vista, California, Dawson's unique topographies and habitats include: the perennial Agua Hedionda Creek, coast live oak woodland, and inland sage scrub. Dawson has two weather stations and a research/dormitory trailer. |
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Located 25 minutes east of main campus near MCAS Miramar, Elliott was almost entirely burned by the 2003 Cedar fire. The subsequent succession of chaparral habitat and recovery of animal populations have been the focus of several studies. Elliott also has a weather station and research trailer. |
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Located 20 minutes south of main campus on the north shore of Mission Bay, Kendall-Frost's rare Pacific salt-marsh habitat is home to the endangered Clapper-Rail and many other species of birds, fish, invertebrates, and plants. Kendall-Frost also has a research and dormitory trailer. |
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Located immediately west of main campus and directly adjacent to Scripps Instutution of Oceanography, Scripps' topographies and habitats include: coastal sage scrub, sandy beach, rocky intertidal, and underwater plain. The Scripps knoll and beach are available for public use without a permit (but groups must obtain one -- see Use Applications link at left). |
The wide range of habitats allow for an array of research and teaching. Public contributions to the maintenence of their unique ecosystems is always welcome!
