FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Thembi Jackson
thembi.jackson@ucop.edu
(510) 587-6314
NATURAL RESERVE SYSTEM HOSTS 50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
OAKLAND, CA (7/15/15) –
It is the premier platform for ecosystem research in California. Nearly the size of Rhode Island, its
39 wildland reserves include deserts and mountaintops, coastal shorelines and conifer forests, oak
woodlands and even vernal pools. Protected for research and study, these landscapes are
laboratories for groundbreaking studies of island habitat restoration, high altitude medicine, bird
behavior, endangered species conservation, supernova explosions, and much more.
This remarkable library of ecosystems is the University of California Natural Reserve System
(NRS). Spread across a north-south distance of 600 miles, and an east-west distance of 300 miles,
the NRS is large enough to register trends in temperature, shifts in rainfall, runoff across
watersheds, the migratory paths of birds, and range changes for entire species. Because reserves
are located at different altitudes, harbor different ecosystems, and have records of species and
climate going back many years, the NRS offers an ideal base for comprehensive, long-term
ecological studies. Recognizing this unique capacity, UC President Janet Napolitano recently
awarded $1.9 million for an NRS-based climate change institute investigating ecosystem
responses to climate change.
Now, after 50 years of educating students, training future scientists, and answering questions
about the earth, the NRS is holding an anniversary celebration. The UC Natural Reserve System
Fair will feature experts and research from across the reserve system. Join UC faculty, students,
and staff to witness a wireless weather station node in action; see the HOLOS Ecoinformatics
Engine map environmental data such as species ranges and vegetation types; learn what elephant
seals are teaching us about the ocean; and much more. Enjoy music, food, and prizes while
learning about the world’s largest university-administered reserve system. The event is free and
open to the public.
Come to the fair, and help launch the NRS into another fruitful 50 years.
Details:
Tuesday, August 11 2015
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
5th Floor Terrace
1111 Franklin St. Oakland.
UC Office of the President
RSVP is required for building access; contact thembi.jackson@ucop.edu.
Webpage: http://www.ucnrs.org/nrs-fair.html