Welcome Week Hikes and Talks: Fall 2024

August 06, 2024

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Welcome Week Hikes Fall 2024

Welcome to what might be the most ecologically diverse campus in the world! Our campus is so rich in life that we have a 789-acre natural reserve that is used for engaging students in education, research and stewardship activities. Join UCSC Campus Natural Reserve staff on a hike as you get to know each other and some of the local flora and fauna in your incredible backyard. This is also a great time to find out about internship opportunities and other ways to get involved with learning about nature at UCSC. There will be hills, but we will take an overall slow pace. Bring water and sun protection.

Hikes are geared towards incoming first-year students and are offered at several UCSC colleges, though all UCSC students are welcome regardless of year or college affiliation.


Hike schedule:

Monday, September 23rd

9:30 am-11:00 am: Crown College and Merrill College; meet at the Merrill Lawn (by the Plaza)

1:00 pm-2:30 pm: John R. Lewis College and College 9; meet at the Social Sciences lawn

Tuesday, September 24th

12:00-1:30 pm; Kresge College; meet at the Kresge Building A Ground Lounge

Wednesday, September 25th

9:00 am-11:00 am: Rachel Carson College; meet outside the RCC Red Room

1:00-3:00 pm; Oakes College; meet at the Oakes lower lawn 

Welcome Week Talks Fall 2024

Two chances to learn more about UCSC Natural Reserves and Ken Norris Center for Natural History programs and opportunities!

The same talk will be held in Natural Sciences 2 room 233 from 11 am-12 pm
on Monday (9/23) and Tuesday (9/24) of Welcome Week

Are we on Campus or in a Forest? An Introduction to the Campus Natural Reserve Lands
The UCSC Campus is unique within the University of California in that almost 800 acres of the campus have been set aside as a Natural Reserve. These lands are home to 1000’s of plants and animals including bobcat, deer, and the California giant salamander. This event will discuss the animals and plants found on the Campus Natural Reserve and highlight ways you can get involved in research and educational activities at our Natural Reserves and the Ken Norris Center for Natural History. You will also learn about the appropriate use of the reserve and see some of the Norris Center's specimens of some of the animals and plants that occur on campus.