We welcome inquiries from researchers and graduate students interested in partnering with the La Kretz Research Center. Our current research themes center around oak woodland ecology; annual grassland, oak woodland and coastal sage scrub fire ecology (in particular around the reintroduction of prescribed fire), and the response of annual grasslands and oak woodlands to cattle grazing.

The La Kretz Research Center has the capacity to support researchers on multiple fronts:

  • increasing the reach of your project through strategic partnership with the UC and associated research institutes and organizations
  • linking your project with related research endeavors at Sedgwick
  • on-the-ground fieldwork and monitoring support from students, staff, and graduate student fellows

The La Kretz Research Center utilizes the facilities at Sedgwick Reserve, a 6,000 acre natural reserve that is part of the University of California’s Natural Reserve System. Sedgwick includes a 10-acre field station with excellent facilities for researchers, educators, and students alike. Download the Reserve Roads and Trails map here.

Planning Your Project

For researchers interested in partnering with the La Kretz Research Center, contact Center Director Frank Davis at frankdavis@ucsb.edu. Please be prepared to discuss the scope, timing, duration, and related logistical considerations associated with your proposed project.

Accessing Sedgwick Reserve

Sedgwick Reserve offers a unique opportunity for researchers to conduct studies in a stunning, natural environment. As a core mission of the UC Natural Reserve System, we are committed to supporting scientific research and encourage both new projects and the continuation of long-term studies. Discover the process for conducting research at Sedgwick by reviewing Sedgwick’s reservation requirements below, and take the next step in advancing your research in one of California’s most remarkable natural reserves!

Use of the Reserve is managed through the UC NRS Reserve Access Management System (RAMS). All use of Sedgwick Reserve assets requires advance approval via RAMS. Requests to visit Sedgwick for La Kretz activities should be submitted through the “Sedgwick Reserve” option on RAMS. For help creating an application, please refer to this page.

For inquiries related to RAMS or facilities usage for La Kretz-related projects, contact reserve staff.

Recording Data

If your research involves any site manipulations or installing equipment, monuments or flags, you are required to complete a research metadata survey form while at your field site. The quick and easy survey is completed using a Sedgwick Reserve iPad and the Wildnote app. Details are provided here.