UCSB Cheadle Center for Biodiversity & Ecological Restoration, 12/23/21, Vol. 35

Take a Walk on the Wild Side

UC Santa Barbara’s Steward of Natural History

Natural History in the Making

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Come explore campus’s natural wonders!

North Campus Open Space

Ocean Walk Housing Devereux Creek Trailhead

Coastal Ranches Conservancy Overlook

Phelps Creek Trailhead Putnam Overlook

Ellwood Trailhead

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Audobon Overlook

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CCBER Overlook

Mesa Trailhead

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CA Coastal Trail

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The UC Santa Barbara Cheadle Center for Biodiversity & Ecological Restoration protects the university’s natural history by managing its scientifically significant natural history collections and the restoration and conservation of the campus’s natural areas. The Cheadle Center fulfills the University of California’s mission of education, research, and public service through programs that avail the collections and natural areas to researchers, students of all ages, and the public. Sites such as North Campus Open Space, Campus Point, and the Campus Lagoon serve as living laboratories and models of coastal habitat restoration within our world-class research institution — all here in your backyard. We invite you to explore, find respite, and enjoy these picturesque successes of restoration and conservation.

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North Campus Open Space Trails

The Power of Restoration Research and fieldwork are ways to deepen our relationship with nature – restorative for humans and the environment alike.

This power is on full display every day at UC Santa Barbara, where you can spot secretive wetland birds at the Campus Lagoon, hawks swooping over your head at Campus Point, and endangered milkvetch attracting endangered bees and butterflies at North Campus Open Space. Rehabilitating nature’s complexity is a long-term project that takes persistence and an intimate knowledge of natural history. The outcome is a resilient and diverse ecosystem. We hope you feel inspired and uplifted by our work providing opportunities for everyone to connect meaningfully with nature.

Natural History The UCSB Natural History Collections hold a record of our unique biodiversity dating to the 1800s.

Collections help us understand threats to our local environment, such as declining bee populations or the role of invasive marine species. With new methods in genetics and data science, we gain insight into these dynamics, recognize global patterns, and train the next generation to better understand our changing world.

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Storke Rd.

Whittier Dr.

Mellichamp Overlook

Coil Oil Point Reserve

Duttenhaver Outdoor Classroom Discovery

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Visitor Plaza

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Library

Isla Vista

Devereaux Slough

Whittier

Goleta Beach

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Phelps Rd.

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Roost

Trail

Labyrinth Cheadle Overlook

Campus Lagoon

Slough Trailhead

Lagoon/Campus Point Trails

Endangered Species

Living Laboratory

Community Education

The Cheadle Center manages the largest self-sustaining population of the federally endangered Ventura Marsh Milkvetch. When this native plant was established, the federally endangered Crotch’s Bumblebee rebounded. Across campus, endangered and threatened wildlife species thrive thanks to the ongoing efforts of the Cheadle Center.

At the Campus Lagoon, students discovered through applied research that prescribed burns clear the way for diverse wildflowers.

The Cheadle Center continues to model these and other innovative restoration strategies, such as creating vernal pools and shelters for rare animals on campus natural areas, bringing nature to life.

The Kids in Nature (KIN) program is just one example of the many Cheadle Center programs teaching the public about the importance of our natural history.

Through KIN, undergraduates help teach local elementary school students through handson activities, classes, tours, and field trips. Children engage with scientists while fostering personal connections to the natural world.

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Pathways for Healing the Planet A lifelong love of nature begins with just one step. Curious minds of all ages are welcome to join our community of nature lovers and environmental protectors. Explore our trails, encounter wildlife, connect with nature and with our work. You play an essential role in our shared future.

Ways to Engage 1. Experience UC Santa Barbara’s coastal natural areas by visiting North Campus Open Space, North Bluff, Campus Lagoon, or Campus Point.

2. Join one of our community programs, such as Kids in Nature, Second Saturday volunteer restoration events, or Third Saturday guided tours of North Campus Open Space. For more information, email ncos@ccber.ucsb.edu.

3. Add to our understanding of the natural world by contributing your observations of plant and animal life on campus and surrounding areas through iNaturalist.org. Find our project by searching for “UCSB” on their “projects” page.

4. Go to ccber.ucsb.edu to sign up for NCOS News or join our mailing list to learn about upcoming natural history workshops and receive updates from the Cheadle Center.

5. Give — every donation makes a difference! To give online, go to giving.ucsb.edu/to/CCBER. North Campus Open Space is offering special recognition opportunities through naming various features, such as overlooks

and bridges, or naming the entire site. Naming opportunities range from $50,000 to $5M. Your contribution will leave a lasting legacy that connects you with this landmark achievement. For more information contact Matt Fratus at (805) 893-4050 or matt.fratus@ucsb.edu.

Poem from Kids in Nature participant Lauren, 5th grade