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University Research
University Research
Photo Source: ucnrs.ogr/reserves[1]
University of California - Santa Cruz
University of California - Santa Cruz
At the Fort Ord Natural Reserve, the once military base now field-biology site shows a beautiful blend of coastal sage scrub and chaparral ecosystems. In collaboration with the U.S. Army, researchers from UCSC have the opportunity of studying native annuals and perennials, working towards usage in restoration projects across California. With several listed species residing here, Fort Ord is a prime location to study the dynamics between ecological restoration and community ecology of away from urban disturbances.
Information Source: Fort Ord Reserve [3]University of California - Los Angeles
University of California - Los Angeles
Stationed in the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains, the La Kretz Center Field Station pioneers important conservation research. With educational opportunities ranging from Ph.D. projects to community engagement, UCLA looks for ways to share knowledge on ways to preserve and restore the only Mediterranean region found in the United States. One interesting project studies the interspecific interactions of pollinators that share the same niche.
Information Source: ioes.ucla.edu [4]
Photo Source: nps.gov [1]
Government Research
Government Research
Photo Source: nps.gov [1]
Channel Islands Field Station
Channel Islands Field Station
The Water and Environmental Research Center's Field Station focuses on studying the biodiversity of California's archipelago. Particularly, it focuses on the Channel Islands National park, where the unique island chaparral ecosystem can be found. They also assess the evolutionary history of island native species, comparing their differences to that of mainland chaparral species.
Information Source: nps.gov [1]Notable Studies
Notable Studies
Laurel E. K. Serieys, Amanda Lea, John P. Pollinger, Seth P. D. Riley, Robert K. Wayne
Map of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Each colored dot represents where bobcats were sampled.
Source: StudyDue to the rapid urbanization of the greater Los Angeles and Ventura counties surrounding the Santa Monica Mountains, the California Bobcat (Lynx rufus) has seen significant barriers to gene flow as well as population bottlenecks resulting from common rodenticide use in suburban residences. This study highlights the impact that urbanization (ranging from structural barriers to chemical pollutants) can have on populations and biodiversity. In order to protect species most impacted by these barriers, certain infrastructure installments, such as wildlife corridors, can prevent anthropogenic driven genetic diversity.
Megan M. Wheeler, Madison M.Dipman, Tessa A. Adams, Annemieke V. Ruina, Colin R. Robins, Wallace M. MeyerIII
With the pressing threat of increased temperatures due to anthropogenic activity, scientists are seeking ways to both preserve the environment while fighting climate change. Wheeler et al (2016) compares the carbon and nitrogen sequestration efficacy of California Sage Scrub compared to invasive grasses. California Sage Scrub contained more than double the soil carbon and 1.7 times greater the nitrogen mass per square meter compared to that of the invasive grass plots, showing their benefits as a native biome. Thus, preserving California Sage Scrub serves not only to preserve aspects of biodiversity, but has increased value towards combating climate change.
Photo Source: nps.gov [1]
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