Research Locations
The Plant Sciences program works closely with research facilities both on- and off-campus. These amazing facilities support the research conducted here in the Plant Sciences program through the unique resources that each provide.
Center for Agroecology
The Center for Agroecology was recently designated an Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) by the president of the UC system. It serves to bring together the social and biological sciences to advance the knowledge of sustainable food systems and is home to the Agroecology undergraduate major.
UC Santa Cruz Arboretum and Botanic Garden
The UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden has an extensive collection of rare and unusual plants from around the world and is open to researchers and the public alike.
Forest Ecology Research Plot
The Forest Ecology Research Plot (FERP) is an ongoing source of long term exhaustive data on the species present in the plot, their interactions, and general habitat dynamics.
Greenhouses
The campus greenhouses are home to research trials and house native plant seedlings before they can be replanted at the natural reserves to restore native habitat.
Kenneth S. Norris Center for Natural History
The Kenneth S. Norris Center for Natural History provides resources for students, staff, and the greater community to learn more about the natural world through specimen collections, classes, and internships.
Natural Reserves
The six UC Santa Cruz Natural Reserves form a part of the UC Natural Reserves System. The reserves span a variety of habitats from coastal scrub to redwood forest to chaparral. They serve as important sites for a variety of ecosystem and restoration research.