Research and Extension Centers

Two researchers hold quadrat squares for an ecological study in a field at Sierra Foothill Research and Extension Center
California’s network of field stations for research, education, collaboration and public programs

California is vast and complex, encompassing a wide array of ecosystems, cropping systems, soil types and climatic conditions.

That’s why we administer 10 innovative Research and Extension Centers, strategically located in diverse growing regions — from the Oregon state line to the Mexican border, and from the Sierra Nevada, across the Great Central Valley, to the Pacific Ocean.

Totaling 13,000 acres, these sites make up California’s largest system of agriculture and natural resource research and education field stations. They provide researchers with land, expertise, facilities and equipment for their experiments, and offer local communities opportunities to learn from and engage with the UC.

Discover California’s RECs

Explore our network of 10 Research and Extension Centers, strategically located across the state’s diverse agricultural and natural landscapes.

 

IMG_0900
Site - Research and Extension Center

Desert Research and Extension Center

Welcome to the Desert Research and Extension Center, located in Holtville, California. We are committed to agricultural research and education in the Imperial Valley desert and specialize in vegetable crops, alfalfa, desert cattle feeding, irrigation and drainage management, and pest management.
View Site
Sheep on back pasture near Dean Trail
Site

Elkus Ranch Environmental Education Center

Elkus Ranch has been an Environmental Education destination since 1975. We are available by reservation only for a number of activities: School Field Trips, private parties and private tours, seasonal day camps, overnights and as an event venue for weddings or meetings.
View Site
4
Site - Research and Extension Center

Hansen Agricultural Research and Extension Center

UC Hansen Agricultural Research and Extension Center (HAREC) is located in Camarillo, a few miles east of the Pacific Ocean. HAREC is one of University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) nine Research and Extension Centers (RECs).
View Site
Lambs first day on pasture 3
Site - Research and Extension Center

Hopland Research and Extension Center

The UC Hopland Research & Extension Center is a multi-disciplinary research and education facility in Californias north coast region. We are stewards of more than 5,300 acres of oak woodland, grassland, chaparral, and riparian environments.
View Site
Aerial IREC
Site - Research and Extension Center

Intermountain Research and Extension Center

Four miles from the Oregon border, in Tulelake, California, the Intermountain Research and Extension Center (IREC) is one of nine centers under the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
View Site
header.png
Site - Research and Extension Center

Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center

Since its official dedication in 1965 Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center (KARE) has achieved international acclaim for leadership in the development of new fruit, nut, and grape varieties, innovative cultural and irrigation practices, pest and disease management techniques, and postharvest…
View Site
Oranges
Site - Research and Extension Center

Lindcove Research and Extension Center

The Lindcove Research and Extension Center fosters research, education and outreach programs focused primarily on the citrus crop, but also has projects on avocado, olive and walnuts.
View Site
SFREC Researchers
Site - Research and Extension Center

Sierra Foothill Research and Extension Center

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…
View Site
Person picking citris fruit from a tree
Site - Research and Extension Center

South Coast Research and Extension Center

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.
View Site
rows of planted romaine lettuce
Site - Research and Extension Center

West Side Research and Extension Center

Located in the highly productive agricultural west side of the San Joaquin Valley, the West Side Research and Extension Center (WSREC) is one of nine centers operated by the University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
View Site