Valentine Eastern Sierra Reserves

Q: What is the website?

https://valentine.nrs.ucsb.edu/, https://valentine.nrs.ucsb.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026Newsletter_reduced.pdf

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Valentine Eastern Sierra Reserves

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VESR is a field research station in Mammoth Lakes, CA and part of the University of California’s Natural Reserve System (NRS).

Valentine Eastern Sierra Reserve (VESR) is a field research station, two of 39 sites in the University of California’s Natural Reserve System (NRS). The Reserve is administered by UC Santa Barbara and consists of two sites, Valentine Camp and the Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory (SNARL), located 15 miles apart near Mammoth Lakes in the eastern Sierra Nevada. The mission of the Natural Reserve System is to contribute to the understanding and wise stewardship of the Earth and its natural systems by supporting university-level teaching, research, and public service at protected natural areas throughout California. VESR provides protected wildlands, on-site experimental facilities, as well as the support facilities for conducting studies of natural systems over a large part of central, eastern California and western Nevada. The Reserve is open, by application, to any bona fide researcher or instructor. We welcome your interest and your inquiries..

10/21/2026

With the Summer 2026 season coming to a close, we are proud to share our Summer Newsletter! Visit the link in our bio to view the newsletter and learn more about research, programs, and projects happening at the Valentine Reserve and the Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory! 🐿🌲🐟🏔

10/14/2026

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Herbal Medicine Workshop last weekend, led by Dr. Rebecca Lyons! Dr. Lyons gave an overview of each botanical element and their properties and discussed how to gather responsibly. Participants gathered, chopped, sliced, and prepped each ingredient to create their own customized fire c***r. The morning wrapped with a warming cup of “SNARL flu tea”…. just in time for the wintery weather we received this week!

THANK YOU, Dr. Lyons, for your guidance and insight!

10/12/2026

🌋 Fun Fact: Near Mammoth Mountain is the Long Valley Caldera–one of the world’s largest calderas. The Long Valley Caldera was formed by a massive eruption that was 500 times larger than the 1980 eruption on Mt. Saint Helens.

Last weekend, this year’s California Naturalist cohort, with Eastern Sierra Land Trust and Sierra Forever (Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association), traveled to the Long Valley Caldera, as well as Valentine Eastern Sierra Reserves (affiliated with UC Santa Barbara), which is a peaceful gem that has never been logged or grazed. They also met with Tracy Misiewicz, Bi-State Sage-Grouse Coordinator with the Bi-State Local Area Working Group (LAWG). Misiewicz shared how Tribes, ranchers, and agencies collaborate to protect vital habitat for this unique bird. The group wrapped up the day at Hot Creek Geologic Area, continuing the thread of unpacking geologic time in the stunning Eastern Sierra.

Science comes alive when you experience it in person alongside people who love this place. These field trips are part of a certified course offered by UC Environmental Stewards.

➡Visit eslt.org/blog for more stories.

10/12/2026

Last week, a small (but mighty!) group of artists spent the afternoon among the aspens at Valentine Reserve during our Plein Air Panting event. Swipe to see some snapshots of the afternoon! Thank you to all who came! 🍂

10/09/2026

Looking for a unique way to learn more about Eastern Sierra botany? Join us this Saturday, October 10th at SNARL for a workshop led by Dr. Rebecca Lyons, environmental chemist and creator of herbal medicine. Swipe to learn about what we will be crafting on Saturday!

Spots are still available. Sign up today!

10/07/2026

Fall at SNARL 🌞 Yellow rabbitbrush and blue skies.

Interested in learning more about the plants that grow at SNARL and the various ways they can be used to support human health? Come join our LAST event of the season on Saturday! Click the link in our bio to learn more!

09/28/2026

Fall is here in the Sierra Nevada! 🍂 Visit the "Public Tours" link in our bio to learn more about ways to experience the changing season at SNARL and Valentine!

Photos by Mark A. Chappell

09/16/2026

Mark your calendars! 🌿

We are so excited to welcome Dr. Rebecca Lyons back for another seasonal herbal medicine workshop! Dr. Lyons is a professor of chemistry at University of Redlands and founder of 🌟

During the workshop, we will incorporate plants growing at SNARL in various herbal remedies that focus on enhancing health and wellness for the changing season. This program filled up fast last year — register today! Visit the Public Tours link in our bio to learn more!

09/09/2026

Paint among the fall colors at Valentine Reserve! 🍂👩‍🎨

While not an art lesson, this is a unique opportunity to connect with fellow artists as you immerse yourself in the beauty of the changing seasons of the Eastern Sierra.

Register at the link in our bio today! (Public Tours) Spots are limited.

08/12/2026

Summer is not over yet! 🌼🐜🍃 Experience the beauty of the Valentine Reserve on one of our recently added August tours! Discover flora, fauna, geology, human history, and more on a guided naturalist walk as you explore the Reserve.

Spots are limited. To secure your place, register at the link in our bio today! 🐾

Address

2380 Old Mammoth Road
Mammoth Lakes, CA
93546

Website

https://valentine.nrs.ucsb.edu/,https://valentine.nrs.ucsb.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026Newsletter_reduced.pdf

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