On Thursday, an oak-studded 2,400-acre ranch just outside of Hollister, became the seventh addition to UC Santa Cruz’s list of natural reserves used for research, outdoor classroom space and hands-on learning experiences.
After the UC Board of Regents approved the designation of Strathearn Ranch as a natural reserve Thursday, UCSC officials announced the addition was made possible through an anonymous estate gift to the campus. Following the designation, UC staff will finalize the transfer of the property to the UC Regents – which is expected to be completed in 2025.
The San Benito County addition also marks the 42nd property to become part of the UC Natural Reserve System state-wide. The reserves are each managed by one of the nine UC campuses and their mission is to encourage wise stewardship of natural systems…