Stunt Ranch Reserve is pleased to provide avenues for students to champion their research and seek funding for their projects. Our committed staff actively engages in outreach efforts, collaborating with students to tailor events for maximum benefit from the reserve’s resources. For inquiries regarding outreach events and funding opportunities supported by Stunt Ranch Reserve, please reach out to reserve management.
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
The 2027 La Kretz Center + Stunt Ranch Reserve Research Awards
Stunt Ranch Santa Monica Mountains Reserve and the La Kretz Center for California Conservation Science and are thrilled to announce the open call for proposals for the 2027 Research Awards.
Undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral scientists whose work addresses environmental, ecological, evolutionary, or conservation science in California are welcome to apply. Proposals should lay out clear research objectives and meaningful project outcomes. La Kretz Center proposals should have a clearly articulated conservation focus, with particular interest given to projects addressing Southern California’s environmental, ecological, and conservation challenges. Stunt Ranch proposals must be centered around the reserve and may be conservation oriented or grounded in basic ecological, evolutionary, or environmental questions. Proposals can be funded anywhere between $500 to $4,000. Funds can cover supplies, equipment, and travel expenses tied to your research goals.
The 2026 La Kretz Center Public Lecture
Each year, the La Kretz Center for California Conservation invites leading members of the conservation community to educate and inform a public audience about innovative conservation science and policy in California. The La Kretz Center Public Lecture is not only an exciting talk, but also an opportunity for the public to connect with professionals in the conservation field and ask them questions about current issues. This free public event is held every year and is open to all ages. Visit the La Kretz Center website for more information on our next Public Lecture event.
Native Plant Restoration (11/07/2026)
Join us on Saturday November 7th, 2026 to support ongoing efforts to restore native grasses at UCLA’s Stunt Ranch Santa Monica Mountains Reserve. Collaboratively organized by the UCLA Ecological Restoration Association (ERA) and UCLA Environmental Student Network (ESN) and led by local restorationist Katherine Pakradouni, this free hands-on event will involve supporting native grass restoration at Stunt Ranch by transplanting native grasses into native habitat. Participants will learn how to successfully plant potted grasses, and sow native seeds that will be planted next year.
Participation is free and open to all ages!
Click on the link below to visit the event page and RSVP
Annual Funding Opportunities
The La Kretz Center + Stunt Ranch Reserve Research Awards
UCLA’s Stunt Ranch Reserve and the La Kretz Center for California Conservation Science sponsor an annual research awards competition that funds multiple innovative research proposals centered on California Conservation Science. This opportunity is available to UCLA undergraduates, graduates, and postdoctoral scholars. Successful applicants have the potential to receive funding ranging from $500 to $4,000 for projects that must be completed within a year. While conducting a study at Stunt Ranch Reserve is not mandatory for the award, the award committee views it as a favorable factor. For details on application timelines and procedures, please visit the UCLA Research Awards page.
UCUC Nature Mathias Graduate Student Research Grant Program
The Mildred E. Mathias Graduate Student Research Grant Program supports graduate research conducted at UC Nature reserves, including Stunt. Eligible candidates include graduate students from all UC campuses, regardless of their discipline. Offering grants of up to $3,000 each, this program encourages students to initiate independent research projects at reserves. For additional details on application timelines and procedures, please refer to the Grant page.
Annual Events
The La Kretz Center Public Lecture
Each year, the La Kretz Center for California Conservation invites leading members of the conservation community to educate and inform a public audience about innovative conservation science and policy in California. The La Kretz Center Public Lecture is not only an exciting talk, but also an opportunity for the public to connect with professionals in the conservation field and ask them questions about current issues. This free public event is held every year and is open to all ages. Visit the La Kretz Center website for more information on our next Public Lecture event.
UCUC Nature California Ecology and Conservation Course
California Ecology and Conservation is a seven-week field program that brings UC students together for intensive scientific training at UC Nature reserves. Students complete a series of research projects, learn field techniques, and present findings in oral, poster, and written formats. They hone research, public speaking, and scientific writing skills while gaining familiarity with California’s ecosystems.
The course is open to undergraduates from all 9 general UC campuses
with a maximum of 27 students permitted per quarter.
Deadline(s) to Apply
News
UCLA Newsroom: California Biodiversity Day at UCLA Stunt Ranch Reserve
UCLA Newsroom highlighted Stunt’s 3rd Annual California Biodiversity Day bioblitz!
Click here to read the full interview with assistant director David Blake on the importance of biodiversity conservation and how participating in a bioblitz can help make an impact on conserving critical habitat.
UCLA Newsroom: Fly into the season with bats
at UCLA’s Stunt Ranch Reserve
Check out the UCLA Newsroom’s article on local bat conservation outreach, promoted by La Kretz Center postdoctoral researcher Dr. Joseph Curti. Click here to read the full article.
Stunt Director on NPR Discussing Wildfires impact Wildlife
In the midst of the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, Director of Stunt Ranch Reserve, Dr. Brad Shaffer, spoke on NPR’s “AirTalk with Larry Mantle” about wildfire’s impact on California ecosystems and the long term effects of those fires. Click below to hear the full interview.
Malibu Times: Malibu Foundation hosts Native Plant Hike
It was a pleasure to have the Malibu Foundation and local nature enthusiasts at Stunt Ranch for a Native Plant Hike! Click here to get the full scoop on the interactive event.
Stunt Ranch Field Researchers Interviewed by Blue Dot
The Blue Dot radio program sat down with various members of the UCUC Nature to discuss the UCUC Nature and the fantastic programs UCUC Nature reserves are creating for students. Additionally, UCLA graduate students Joseph Curti and Madeleine Zuercher were interviewed about Stunt Ranch Reserve and how it helped them to achieve their research goals. Click here to listen and learn about the exciting activities at Stunt and other UCUC Nature reserves!