Goals & Needs

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Point Reyes Field Station, a member of the UC Natural Reserve System, was established as the result of a partnership between UC Berkeley and the National Park Service. It is uniquely situated for research on well over 100,000 acres of remarkably diverse biological, cultural, and historic resources within Point Reyes National Seashore as well as the large number of open space lands in the surrounding area. It serves as a thriving center for environmental research and education, close to the University of California, California State University, and California Community College campuses. 

 

A fellow can expect to work on projects that improve the capacity of the field station which aims to provide transformative experiences for students and researchers alike. The fellow will have the opportunity to work on land stewardship and restoration, fire mitigation, and community engagement. A typical day may involve activities such as grounds maintenance, habitat restoration, the creation of defensible spaces around facilities by managing flammable vegetation, as well as assistance with controlled, prescribed burns on site. This work will bolster Point Reyes Field Station and National Seashore’s resiliency to the increasing threat of wildfires, drought, and habitat disturbance. A fellow will also be encouraged to develop independent projects that enhance visitor experiences and use of the field station, by engaging with students, researchers, community members, Tribal representatives, and National Park Service employees. 

 

This capacity building work is essential to ensure that Point Reyes Field Station remains an active center for field-based teaching in a variety of disciplines. The projects will align with GrizzlyCorps’ goals to build the capacity of the local community by ensuring that the natural habitats of Olema Valley in West Marin are protected for generations to come. 

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Capacity Building Projects

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Project 1. Land stewardship and fire mitigation

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This project will serve both Point Reyes Field Station as well as Point Reyes National Seashore’s environmental preservation goals. Point Reyes Field Station is located between two creeks in mixed chaparral, grassland, and forest ecosystems. However, our station does not currently have the capacity for stewardship of the lands surrounding this station. The fellow would be responsible for helping to maintain the grounds by inhibiting the growth of invasive plants and fire-prone species. The goal will be to maintain the aesthetics of the vegetation and the grounds of a historic landscape. Some desired project outcomes include the development of a comprehensive management plan for Point Reyes Field Station, outlining strategies for limiting the growth of invasive and fire-prone species. This plan may include a detailed assessment of the current vegetation (species abundance and distribution), proposed long-term management techniques, and timelines for implementation. The fellow will also provide quarterly reports documenting the effectiveness of land management efforts over their tenure. They will work closely with their Site Mentor to produce these reports. Hiring a fellow to assist with land stewardship can significantly increase the station’s capacity to address resilience challenges by providing specialized and dedicated focus to these tasks. Through their work, the fellow would allow for the timely implementation of stewardship projects based on real-time data. In addition, the fellow would contribute to the long-term development of a comprehensive management plan that will allow the station manager to effectively mitigate fire risk and sustainably manage the grounds. 

 

Project 2. Field station development

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The Hagmaier Ranch House serves as currently the only onsite facility available to guests and visitors at the reserve. The fellow would join at a time when they would help increase the capacity of the station. They would help with active improvements on site aimed at creating a transformative experience for groups of guests. They would collaborate with National Park Service employees to service the physical structure of the house. In addition, they would help with the installation of new canvas safari tents to increase our housing capacity as well as plans to convert a historic barn into an outdoor classroom. Some desired outcomes will be the development of proposals for renovations, upgrades, or additions to the physical structure of the field station, including the need for repairs, accessibility improvements, and aesthetic enhancements. In addition, they will be responsible for producing quarterly reports that provide updates on the status of the canvas tent installation. Their reports may include suggestions for future plans aimed at enhancing the overall visitor experience at Point Reyes Field Station, through interpretive and informational signage, interactive exhibits, or virtual tours of the facilities. These resources will help increase our ability to provide a truly engaging experience of the natural and cultural history of the landscape.

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Organizational & Community Highlights

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The Point Reyes Field Station is part of the larger UC Berkeley Natural Reserve System which encompasses six other protected areas in Northern California. Our small community of staff and faculty foster a collaborative environment that is characterized by a deep appreciation for nature. We are committed to advancing scientific knowledge and environmental stewardship to help address our society’s pressing conservation challenges. Working alongside this community would provide GrizzlyCorps fellows with invaluable professional development opportunities. First, fellows have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience conducting land stewardship projects that are highly sought after in environmental science, policy, and management fields. Second, our staff and faculty strive to offer practical skills, mentorship support, and career development advice to interns, students, and assistant stewards. Our partnership with the National Park Service would provide additional opportunities for engagement with park employees. Thus fellows would have access to a broader network of experts and professionals in the disciplines of conservation science and environmental stewardship.

 

In addition to these professional gains, living and working in Olema Valley will offer fellows access to the stunning natural beauty of the diverse ecosystems around Marin. This area provides countless opportunities for exploration and outdoor recreation. The close proximity to Bolinas and Stinson Beach offers additional ways to become involved with local cultural events and initiatives. We hope to provide fellows with a dynamic and welcoming environment where they will not only thrive professionally but also enjoy a high quality of life, while cultivating a respect and love for the surrounding lands and communities.

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Housing​

 

The fellow would be housed at the historic Hagmaier Ranch House in Olema Valley of West Marin County. We can offer access to a private room in the house as well as to a shared kitchen, bath, and shower. The fellow would have free WiFi onsite and would not have to pay any utility costs.