The University of California Natural Reserve System marked its 60th anniversary with a relaunch as UC Nature during a symposium held April 7 at the Lawrence Hall of Science in Berkeley. The event brought together university leaders, government officials, faculty, and students to highlight the organization’s expanded goals for supporting ecological and institutional change.
The symposium underscored UC Nature’s longstanding role in research, education, and community engagement across California. Janet Reilly, Chair of the UC Board of Regents, welcomed attendees by noting that more than 36,000 university-level students each year experience nature through reserve visits. She said the network has helped connect people with the environment for generations.
Steve Monfort, Executive Director of UC Nature, said it was fitting to hold the event at UC Berkeley given Joseph Grinnell’s foundational work in establishing field stations there. Monfort stated that “We intend to serve as a front door for UC’s engagement with the natural world—linking research, education, stewardship, and public service.” He emphasized that UC Nature will address challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss by broadening its mission.
California Secretary of Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot moderated a session on how UC Nature can help meet state conservation goals. Crowfoot said California’s partnership with UC Nature “has never been more important than now,” describing outreach efforts like those at Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center. Conservation philanthropy leader Michael Mantell added: “I have often said that UC Nature is probably the most under-appreciated, undervalued asset that California has. It needs more attention in the public’s eye.”
UC Vice President Theresa Maldonado described reserves as shared outdoor facilities covering nearly all of California’s biodiversity and offering unique opportunities for system science studies. Roxanne Beltran from UC Santa Cruz discussed how field experiences at reserves increase student persistence in science fields and help close opportunity gaps.
Graduate students Ishana Shukla and Sam Sambado shared personal stories about how their involvement with reserves shaped their academic paths. The symposium also highlighted initiatives like the California Sentinel Sites for Nature project—a large-scale biodiversity monitoring effort—and featured talks from researchers and grant recipients involved with UC Nature programs.
Peggy Fiedler, former executive director of the organization, concluded: “We come from all walks of life… We strive to understand, to appreciate, and to steward the magnificent landscapes of California…for those who seek to understand the magical biodiversity that is this great state.”
