UC Nature

08/25/2026

The National Park Service is celebrating its 110th birthday this year. In California, UC is providing rangers with the information they need to protect parks while welcoming visitors from around the world. UC Nature does its part for NPS science by operating field stations that support research in Yosemite, Lassen Volcanic, and Channel Islands national parks, as well as within Point Reyes National Seashore, Mojave National Preserve, and the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

Explore how UC science gives rangers the information they need to protect our parks while welcoming all who visit.

08/21/2026

It's not every day that you can vote for one of California's state symbols. But you can have a say in California's state bee by voting for one of 19 native pollinating powerhouses. The California Native Bee Society is championing this effort to draw attention to the fact that our state is home to more than 1,600 native bee species, representing about 40% of bee biodiversity nationwide. Jess Mullins, a former recipient of a UC Nature Mathias Graduate Student Research Grant, recently completed her dissertation at UC San Diego studying native bees at UC Nature's Elliott Chaparral Reserve and is the founding president of the society.

Help us choose California’s official State Bee. Explore the nominees and learn which native bee species best represents the Golden State.

08/20/2026

The view from UC Nature's Coal Oil Point Reserve made the front page of the NYT today. The juxtaposition of ordinary folks enjoying the shoreline against the backdrop of an oil rig in the Santa Barbara Channel was a great way to illustrate what's at stake in the Trump administration's attacks on California's hard-won environmental protections.

At least a half-dozen federal agencies have taken action against the state that has led the nation in environmental protections.

08/19/2026

UC Nature's Stunt Ranch Santa Monica Mountains Reserve will be hosting a bioblitz to celebrate California Biodiversity Week. Sign up to use your sharp eyes and smartphone to document the plants and animals you see on the reserve Sat. Sept. 12 9:30 am to 1 pm. Your findings will help inform our understanding of state biodiversity. Link to signup form in bio. Image: Crotch's bumblebee/David Blake. Link in bio.

08/19/2026

UC Nature's Stunt Ranch Santa Monica Mountains Reserve will be hosting a bioblitz to celebrate California Biodiversity Week. Sign up to use your sharp eyes and smartphone to document the plants and animals you see on the reserve Sat. Sept. 12 9:30 am to 1 pm. Your findings will help inform our understanding of state biodiversity. Sign up at the linked form.

Celebrate the state-wide event, California Biodiversity Day by joining us at UCLA Stunt Ranch Santa Monica Mountains Reserve on Saturday, September 12th, 2026 @ 9:30 am for our annual Biodiversity Bioblitz! We invite citizen scientists of all ages to participate in California conservation by hiking....

08/17/2026

Attend a bioblitz at UC Nature's Stunt Ranch Santa Monica Mountains Reserve to document the plants and animals found on site. It's a great way to celebrate California Biodiversity Day in 2026! Sat. Sept. 12 9:30 am–1 pm, 1201 Stunt Rd., Calabasas.

08/14/2026

UC Nature is hiring! Our UC Irvine reserves seek a chief administrative officer to lead the administrative, financial, and operational backbone of UCI Nature. This hands-on leadership role will oversee budgeting, financial reporting, procurement, facilities logistics, recharge administration, and contract and grant support, and helps keep multiple reserve locations running smoothly. Occasional travel to reserve sites is required a few times a year.