UC's Natural Reserve System (Audio)

UC Natural Reserve System lands are home to dozens of vulnerable animal and plant species. These range from some of the state's rarest amphibians to endemic plants to icons of the West such as bighorn sheep. Studies conducted at the 39 reserves of the NRS informs how these species are managed, which helps preserve the Golden State's extraordinary biological diversity.

Scientists "can work in protected areas that allow them to follow the biology and the ecosystem dynamics of these rare and endangered species. We're really proud of that," says Peggy Fiedler, executive director of the NRS. Series: "UC Natural Reserve System" [Science] [Show ID: 33949]

Explore how a species of Scrub Jay, the Island Scrub Jay, is expanding oak forests on Santa Cruz Island, helping to recover natural habitat on California's Channel Islands. Series: "UC Natural Reserve System" [Science] [Show ID: 31252]

California Ecology and Conservation brings together 27 students from across the UC system for seven weeks of intensive learning at NRS reserves. Guided by experienced field instructors, undergraduates transform into scientists by conducting independent research studies. Series: "UC Natural Reserve System" [Science] [Show ID: 30875]

Explore how the the nature of highly seasonal rainfall cycles and periodic fires create conditions that have shaped Mediterranean climate ecosystems and all that lives within these very special regions. Series: "UC Natural Reserve System" [Science] [Show ID: 24605]

The climate of Mediterranean Climate Ecosystems is largely driven by different processes in nearby coastal oceans. Atmospheric processes over the oceans influence seasonal rainfall patterns, while currents and ocean temperatures affect both local and regional climate conditions - understanding these are key to understanding Mediterranean-type ecosystems. Series: "UC Natural Reserve System" [Science] [Show ID: 24604]

Great weather, abundant harvests, fabulous food, some of the world’s most cosmopolitan, and romantic, cities – as well as the world’s most critical biodiversity hotspots -- make up what are known as Mediterranean-climate Ecosystems. This episode of the six-part series explores how geology has shaped life in Mediterranean climate ecosystems. Series: "UC Natural Reserve System" [Science] [Show ID: 24603]

Great weather, abundant harvests, fabulous food, some of the world’s most cosmopolitan, and romantic, cities – as well as the world’s most critical biodiversity hotspots -- make up what are known as Mediterranean-climate Ecosystems. With this program, UCTV and the UC Natural Reserve System inaugurate a six-part series that will be unveiled in spring 2013 on UCTV Prime. The introductory program offers an overview the world’s Mediterranean-climate zones, pointing out their similarities, unique characteristics and importance, while also illuminating the factors that threaten them. From geology to ocean and atmospheric forces, subsequent programs will explore the many factors that make these environments so unique and alluring. Series: "UC Natural Reserve System" [Science] [Show ID: 24602]

Take a journey to two of the UC Natural Reserve Systems’ reserves in southern California, the James San Jacinto Mountains Reserve and Sweeney Granite Mountains Desert Research Center. Series: "UC Natural Reserve System" [Science] [Show ID: 24031]

Modeling climate change and how fast species will have to move to endure changes in climate. Series: "UC Natural Reserve System" [Science] [Show ID: 21292]

Studying the reproductive ecology of Valley Oaks in California. Series: "UC Natural Reserve System" [Science] [Show ID: 21297]