Natural Reserve System (NRS)
What we do
The Natural Reserve System offers a unique opportunity for students, researchers and the general public to learn more about protected natural areas in California.
Dawson Los Monos Canyon Reserve
Located in Vista, California, 45 minutes northeast of the main campus, 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.
Elliott Chaparral Reserve
Located 25 minutes east of the 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.
Kendall Frost Reserve
Located 20 minutes south of the 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.
Scripps Coastal Reserve
Located immediately west of the 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. While the Scripps Reserve is accessible to the public, organized groups should obtain a permit before visiting.
Get involved
Each reserve has different opportunities for individual, group, or class involvement.
Email us if you and/or your group would like to participate on a one-time or repeated basis.
Office
Hours
Email the academic coordinator, Isabelle Kay, at ikay@ucsd.edu.
Location
2802 Applied Physics and Mathematics Annex
Muir College
UC San Diego Main Campus
Mailing Address
UCSD NRS
9500 Gilman Drive MC 0116
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, CA 92093-0116