NCOS flood reduction benefits recognized by FEMA
Breaking news! The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued a Letter of Map Revision for the North Campus Open Space, which formally documents a change to the flood hazard zone of the area. Click here for the full story.
NCOS Education Resumes with Pre-k Field Trips!
We are excited to resume educational visits this summer after over a year of restrictions that prevented organized field trips to North Campus Open Space. Currently ongoing is a collaboration with Orfalea Family Children’s Center (OFCC) funded by UCSB’s Coastal Fund. NCOS’s proximity to OFCC makes it an ideal destination for these 2- to 5-year-olds to explore, learn, and connect with nature. Click here to learn more about these exciting field trips!
Community Insights at NCOS
As the restoration of North Campus Open Space progresses, the site’s benefits are increasingly felt. While we have already conducted surveys of the site's visitors to determine the top reasons people come out to NCOS, we wanted to take the chance to hear specific anecdotes from a number of community members regarding the role of NCOS in their lives. Click here to read insights from individuals who shared what NCOS means to them.
Invertebrate Food Web at NCOS
Restored native vegetation at NCOS is not only providing the desired habitat-type for much of our area’s native wildlife, it is also functioning as the basis of the food chain as many invertebrates utilize both dead and living plant matter as their primary food source. Read more here!
A Short Guide to Distinguishing Four Key Native & Non-Native Plants at NCOS
Due to the current shelter at home orders for COVID-19, only a very minimal crew of CCBER staff are able to be on site, which makes it challenging to keep up with all the weeding. So, next time you're out on the Marsh trail and if you feel inspired to pull a weed or two, here is a short guide to differentiating four key weeds from their similar looking native counterparts.
NCOS Thanks You
What a year it has been! Looking back on 2019, the overwhelming support of the community is what we remember most. As we look forward to the construction of several North Campus Open Space public amenities such as the visitors’ plaza, discovery trail and overlooks, we would like to take this opportunity to honor the many donors that have provided foundational support. Read more here about some of the many people who have helped make NCOS possible and are ensuring the project and site will persist long into the future.
Predators and Prey at NCOS
American Kestrel - Photo by Mark Bright
Interactions between predators and prey at NCOS are being studied and are in turn informing management decisions. Read on to learn about how you can help keep predator-prey interactions healthy.
NCOS Vegetation Update: The Restoration Evidence Is In
CCBER's restoration team recently completed the second year of vegetation monitoring at NCOS. Check out how the coverage and diversity of native species is expanding, as well as updates on the planting numbers and more.
To NCOS, With Love
February is here – the month often recognized by the celebration of love on Valentine’s Day. Read on to discover some of the latest “love” stories unfolding at NCOS.
NCOS - A Big New Outdoor Classroom
Throughout 2018, CCBER's Kids In Nature (KIN) program has made good use of the hands-on environmental education resources that the NCOS restoration project provides. Read more about the KIN program and how it is utilizing this new outdoor classroom.
