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Burrowing Owls Dwell in Reserve

Burrowing Owls roost and nest in burrows, especially those of the California Ground Squirrel. They feed on beetles, grasshoppers and small rodents.

Site Visit

SNRI staff and members of a UC Natural Reserve System evaluation committee pause for a group photo during a tour of the Reserve.

Preserving Nature

With 6,500 protected acres, UC Merced will always have a majestic view of the high Sierra and plenty of open space.

The Wild Side

The Reserve supports many native plants and animals that depend on this diverse, healthy ecosystem. This Least Sandpiper is feeding in a playa vernal pool.

Long-billed Curlews Winging Overhead

Long-billed Curlews, the world's largest shorebird, forage for insects on Reserve grasslands.

Science Education

The Vernal Pools and Grassland Reserve is convenient and accessible to undergraduates. A number of professors now hold field trips there.

Drought leaves stock ponds dry

With only 2 inches of rain so far this year, cattle stock ponds are dry or nearly dry.

Vernal Pool Research

Vernal pools are fascinating, but rare ecosystems. Scientists have much to learn about the geological and hydrological processes that create and maintain them.

Chancellor Leland visits Reserve

Chancellor Leland, Reserve Director Chris Swarth and Kim Garner, Exec Asst. to the Chancellor, enjoy the view above Black Rascal Cr.

Stock Ponds

Stock ponds provide drinking water for the 1,600 cattle that graze on the Reserve. Some ponds are breeding sites for the federally threatened California Tiger Salamander.
Cattle Stock Pond in Reserve
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Blog

Winter is Raptor Season
by Chris Swarth, February 3, 2014.   There are few places in California that have as high a diversity of daytime raptors as the Reserve. This winter we’ve recorded many sightings of the following species: Bald Eagle                         Rough-legged Hawk Golden Eagle               ...