We support research on critical rangeland issues
Located 60 miles northeast of Sacramento in Browns Valley, the Sierra Foothill Research Extension Center (SFREC) is one of nine centers under the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Our center provides land, labor and infrastructure to support research on critical rangeland issues and provides key site resource to support education and outreach efforts that explore these themes.
The center was formed following acquisition of several large parcels in the 1960’s and has supported research, education and outreach in the sierra foothills for well over half a century. Located on the Yuba River and spanning river, grassland, oak woodland and riparian habitat types the center supports programs on beef cattle production, nutrition and health, rangeland water quality management, oak woodland restoration, native plant conservation and invasive plant management as well as monitoring and management of sensitive fish and wildlife species.
Our Facilities
The Center has key facilities and infrastructure to support a broad range of field research and education activities including:
- Over 80 fenced dryland and irrigated pastures allow experimental control over the landscape.
- Two sets of animal handling facilities and a feed barn allow for weighing, sorting, processing and observation of cattle.
- Dry labs allow on-site processing and storing of research samples
- Fabrication shops that allow custom fabrication of all types of field research materials and equipment needed
- A large (120 person capacity ) and small (20 person capacity) conference room
- Bunkhouses with a kitchen, and laundry to house researchers at $35/person/night
- Outdoor meeting facility on the Yuba River that highlight the local history, ecology and natural resource issues of the sierra foothills
Want to get involved?
Check out our Opportunities for Research & Extension at SFREC
To learn more, read our Center's Highlights
Explore fun facts about our Center here!
