These lovely wildflowers were in full bloom in early April. Photo by Jenna Heckel.
Science Education
The Reserve is convenient and accessible to undergraduates. A number of UC Merced professors now hold field trips there.
Long-billed Curlews Winging Overhead
Long-billed Curlews, the world's largest shorebird, forage for insects on Reserve grasslands.
The Wild Side
The Reserve supports many native plants and animals that depend on this diverse, healthy ecosystem. This Least Sandpiper is foraging in a playa vernal pool.
Mima mounds
This aerial image taken 100 ft up by photographer David Rosen shows the remarkable Mima mound geomorphology in northern part of Reserve
Spring 2014 Service Learning Team
A team of students designed an award-winning brochure, web page and interpretive sign for the Reserve.
Horned Lark Nest
Horned Larks are abundant nesting birds on the Reserve. Their nest is placed on the ground, often near a grass clump or cobble. Photo by Jenna Heckel.
High over Black Rascal Creek
This false color image by Brandon Stark and Brenden Smith (UCM MESA lab) on March 4, 2015 reveals fine-scale elevational differences.
Lizard Sighting
On August 6, 2015 we spotted the first common side-blotched lizard recorded on the Grasslands Reserve
Burrowing Owls Dwell in Reserve
Burrowing Owls roost and nest in the burrows of California Ground Squirrels. They feed on beetles, grasshoppers and small rodents.
Dedication Ceremony
Chancellor Leland cuts the ribbon at the April 30 ceremony as Chris Swarth (L), Peggy Fiedler and Martha Conklin look on.
Sightings on Reserve
Our motion sensor camera photographed this Great Blue Heron and three White-faced Ibis foraging on the Le Grand Canal leakage wetland on an August afternoon.
Preserving Nature
With 6,500 protected acres, UC Merced will always have majestic views of a spectacular natural landscape.
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.
Predation In Action
One of our automatic, motion cameras snapped a photo of a Bobcat carrying off a California Ground Squirrel, reflecting predator-prey relationships.
Coyote Pups
These coyote pups were photographed with our motion sensor camera on a June afternoon at the Hercules watering tank.
Reserve Hike
UC Merced staff, faculty, and students set out with Reserve staff to explore Black Rascal Creek. Check out the Events section for our next hike.
Soil profiles
On an area adjacent to the Reserve, scientists examine soil layers that underlie the vernal pools.
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.
5th Graders from Merced Public Schools
In spring, Reserve staff and "Splash" educators from Sacramento teach K-12 students about vernal pool ecology
