Natural History
The UC Santa Cruz Fort Ord Natural Reserve was established with the goal of protecting a representative sample of the diverse vegetation communities and natural features that exist in the maritime chaparral of the ancient dunes at the former army base. Incorporating this parcel into the University of California Natural Reserve System enables students and faculty to further learn, study, and enjoy the diverse flora and fauna of our state. The resources below describe the diversity of the organisms in this habitat. While these lists are works in progress, so please reach out if you have more current info, or need any clarification.
Reptiles and Amphibians
Students monitor trails, coverboards, and pitfalls for herptile species across the reserve as a measure of ecosystem health and change over time.
A pdf list of the reptile and amphibian species that have been found on UCSC Fort Ord Natural Reserve. A PDF version can be accessed here.
Birds
Students and researchers have operated a bird banding station and conducted point counts at Fort Ord Natural Reserve. Data gathered at our station can assess diversity and population trends of both resident and migratory species.
We are always looking for new ways to monitor birds at the reserve. Contact us for more information on how to get involved.
A pdf list of the avian species that have been observed on UCSC Fort Ord Natural Reserve can be accessed here.
Mammals
Student researchers and volunteers assist staff in monitoring the mammal population at UCSC FONR. A pdf list of all species observed on site is available here.
Fungi
A good list resource is the current set of fungi observations from the reserve listed on iNaturalist.
The public map below can be starred for used in the Google Maps application and smartphone web browsers. The main North reserve gate location is near the address 711 Neeson Rd Marina, CA (this is not our ctual address, look for the gate at the dead end of Neeson Dr.). In general, there is no vehicle access at UCSC Fort Ord Natural Reserve unless granted by reserve staff. Additional interactive maps detailing research infrastructure and habitats are available upon request. Click the button in the top right of the inset below to go full screen, then zoom in to explore or print sections that you need to use.