 The University of California Cooperative Extension's Natural Resources Program provides research-based information, tools and training to serve as the basis for sound natural resource management in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. The unique physical geography of Southern California makes it an internationally recognized center for biological diversity and contains a wide variety of significant natural habitats, from marine communities, coastal wetlands and beaches to trout streams, oak woodlands, chaparral, sage scrub, desert and mountain-top pine forests. These counties are also home to approximately 10.5 million people, about a third of all Californians. With demands of a growing human population, an increasing number of local species--more than any other region in the continental United States--are threatened or endangered. UC Cooperative Extension advisors work closely with local, state and federal agencies and service providers, community organizations, educational institutions and interdisciplinary natural resource groups to plan and implement educational and applied research programs to improve resource management in Southern California. Our advisors maintain expert knowledge in the following areas: habitat and species conservation and restoration; conservation planning; watershed education; and invasive plants. Sabrina Drill Natural resources/watershed management (LA and Ventura counties) Carl Bell Invasive plants (Southern California) Monique Myers Coastal natural resources (LA and Ventura counties) |
Watershed Management
Water is by far the most important limiting factor for life in Southern California, whether for people or animals. For this reason, the program focuses on natural resources from a watershed perspective and the management, conservation and restoration of aquatic, riparian and upland habitats.
Environmental Education
Taking watershed education one step further, Cooperative Extension developed an English as a Second Language curriculum for English learners. The curriculm is designed to introduce new U.S. residents and other ESL students to the natural environment in central Los Angeles and to foster environmental stewardship.
Invasive Species
The Natural Resources program looks at ways to maintain or improve the health of ecosystems that are severely damaged by invasive plants. Damage reduces available water and increases the risk of floods and fires.
Wildland Fire
Wildland fire is a natural part of the ecosystems of Southern California. UC resources can help you prepare your home and landscape for wildland fire as well as help recovery in wildland areas.
Land Use and Water Quality
The way we use our land has important impacts on freshwater and marine resources. UC Sea Grant is addressing this problem through outreach education for both residents and local decision makers.
Wetland and Coastal Marine Research
Sustainable Coastal Development
Climate Change
News UC Links Santa Clara River Watershed Times
From the campus to the community