November 15, 1996

Dear Friend of the Stunt Ranch Reserve,

I am pleased to let you know that this month marks the first anniversary of the establishment of the UCLA Stunt Ranch Santa Monica Mountains Reserve, the 32nd in the UC Natural Reserve System. It is the only unit of this system managed by UCLA and is dedicated to academic research and environmental education in the greater Los Angeles area and beyond.

Many of us have learned that the most basic rules of the world - the ones we all live by - are ecological rules. These can't be simply studied from books or perceived fully in a classroom or laboratory setting. Whether one is a botanist, a biologist, an archeologist, or an earth scientist, it is imperative to go out on the mountainside, watch the rain fall over a valley, dig into the earth beneath a fallen tree, or wade a creek for cobbles with sources upstream. The best work in the natural disciplines starts with observations in nature. Field work, however, is not merely descriptive and involves the use of modern scientific instrumentation for quantitative studies of ecological processes.

Such areas where the environment can be studied first-hand are critical to educational programs in many fields; places where all the intricacy and marvel of the natural world is intact. Everywhere, including California, and especially in the Los Angeles area, those places are becoming fewer and more precious. Unlike wilderness areas that are available for recreation, the University's natural reserves are devoted entirely to teaching and research. The reserves serve as living laboratories, where researchers can pose questions of the natural world that can only be answered by intense field study.

As part of the UC Natural Reserve System and UCLA, the Stunt Ranch Reserve is central to the university's teaching and research mission and to the State's environmental future. The Reserve's goal is to contribute to the understanding and wise management of the earth and its natural systems by supporting university level research and teaching as well as K-12 educational programs. It is also vitally important that the reserve be able to serve the educational needs of the community of which we are a part.

The past year has been a dynamic time of great forward movement in many areas impacting the reserve. Phil Rundel, faculty reserve manager, and I would like to share with you this extensive update.

As California's natural resources become more scarce and the world's environmental problems become more serious, the UCLA Stunt Ranch Reserve will continue to increase in significance to both the campus and the community. Please share news of the availability of the reserve for research and educational programs with your colleagues and friends.

I'd like to again remind you that the street address for the reserve has been changed to 1201 Stunt Road and that the reserve can only be accessed by prior approval. However, the Stunt High Trail is open daily to the public from dawn till dusk.

As always, we welcome your comments and suggestions, and would be happy to give you a tour of the Stunt Ranch Reserve at our mutual convenience. Call (310) 206-3887 to set up an appointment.

Regards,

Carol Felixson
Project Manager
UCLA Stunt Ranch Reserve