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.

In San Diego county, UC San Diego manages four of these reserves: Dawson Los Monos Canyon Reserve to the north, Elliot Chaparral Reserve inland, Kendall-Frost Mission Bay Marsh Reserve to the south, and Scripps Coastal Reserve next to the university.

The wide range of habitats allow for an array of research and teaching, and public contributions to the maintenence of their unique ecosystems is always welcome.

New! Dawson Reserve Meadow Weather Station Data!

Peregrine Falcons nesting in La Jolla for the first time in 50 years!

More photos here soon.