MERCED -- The University of California at Merced and the Sierra
Nevada Research Institute are developing a conservation and
research plan for thousands of acres of grasslands. The area is
home to springtime vernal pools that teem with plant and animal
life just north of the campus. "The notion that we could
establish a natural reserve here, and our students and the
surrounding community could learn from it, is something that's
unusual," said David Hosley, executive director for the research
institute. "I think it's a great opportunity to conserve the
lands." Ultimately, about 6,400 acres could be protected into
perpetuity as part of the UC Natural Reserve System, a network
of 38 protected sites, including more than 750,000 acres.
However, officials must first design and then submit for
approval a project proposal to the UC Board of Regents. Efforts
recently moved forward with the appointment of two managers
tasked with designing the research, education and conservation
program. Chris Swarth, a 20-year expert