The UC Natural Reserve System is a network of 41 protected natural areas located throughout California that provide undisturbed environments for research, education and public outreach programs. It is the largest university-administered Reserve system in the world providing access to more than 775,000 acres of diverse habitats from the ocean to the mountains to the inland deserts, and with access to more than a million acres of public lands. The Natural Reserve System contributes to the understanding and wise stewardship of the Earth.
The seven UC NRS Reserves managed by UCSB are used by thousands of researchers, students and public visitors each year as they investigate and learn about the natural world. Reserve users come from throughout California, the U.S. and the world to study the Reserve’s diverse natural systems and native flora and fauna.
The University of California is a Trustee Agency with regard to sites within the Natural Reserve System (California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines, Section 15386 (d)). As one of only four designated Trustee Agencies, the University has a duty to steward reserves to preserve their long-term integrity on behalf of the people of California. (14 CCR 15386).