South Coast Research and Extension Center

Welcome

South Coast Research and Extension Center (SCREC) serves as a regional living laboratory for UC scientists to conduct agricultural and natural resources management research and extend research-based information to a wide spectrum of audiences. Research and extension efforts are focused on fruits and vegetables including, but not limited to, avocados, apples, citrus, stone fruits, strawberries, cherimoyas, persimmons, blueberries, and dragon fruit. 

Considerable effort is also directed at agronomic crops, turf grass and landscape shrub/tree management, and ornamental plant nursery production. The Center is also complemented by supporting work in entomology, plant pathology, biological control, and integrated pest management. Over the years the Center has earned a distinguished reputation. In fact, the University now holds several U.S. patents for strawberry and avocado varieties developed by UC researchers utilizing the Center.

In addition to being an outdoor laboratory, South Coast is also headquarters to the Orange County Farm Bureau, and UC Cooperative Extension programs such as the Master Food Preservers, Master Gardeners, 4-H Youth Development, EFNEP, and research and extension programs addressing Human Wildlife Interactions, Urban Forestry, Water Resources, and Nutrition/ Family & Consumer Services. Check out a quick video about us below!

South Coast REC Engagement Center Project 

The University of California (University), Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) South Coast Research and Extension Center (South Coast REC) is proposing to construct a new Engagement Center at the southeast corner of the South Coast REC, which is a 193-acre facility located at 7601 Irvine Boulevard, within the eastern portion of the City of Irvine (City), Orange County, California. Keep up with latest updates on the project site.

Our Hub for Urban Living

South Coast REC is home of the Hub for Urban Living, a physical and virtual multidisciplinary space that connects universities, non-profits, government agencies, and industry and encourages collaboration to discover sustainable solutions to the most important challenges facing our urban world. To learn more about the Hub for Urban Living, check out the interactive Prezi below and explore this StoryMap.

Interested in doing a project with us?

For those interested in conducting research at our Center, check out our new South Coast REC one-pager (PDF, 555.94 KB).

Check out our newsletter, and join our mailing list!

To learn about current research projects, the latest program activities, tips and tricks from our experts, and upcoming events, sign up to receive The RECap, a newsletter brought to you by South Coast Research and Extension Center and UC Cooperative Extension Orange County. To read current and previous newsletters, click here. 

Click here to be added to the South Coast REC mailing list for updates on fruit sales, workshops, youth programs, u-pick events, and much more!