Why Support Valentine Eastern Sierra Reserve?

Valentine Eastern Sierra Reserve (VESR) is a unit in the University of California's Natural Reserve System. Administered by the Santa Barbara campus (UCSB), VESR provides state-of-the-art facilities to support research, teaching and outreach in a part of state far from any university campus.

Support from the State of California once provided nearly all of the university's budget, but now underwrites one-third of UCSB's total expenditures, and nearly two-thirds of NRS expenditures. At UCSB, State appropriations are designated for essential expenses. UCSB must have other funds in order to maintain the excellence for which it is known throughout the world. Private giving works in concert with the state's commitment. This public-private partnership plays a significant and increasing role in building the University's reputation.

Private philanthropy provides the margin of excellence, and plays a significant and increasing role in shaping the University's reputation for teaching and research. Gifts to UCSB are making the expense of attending a first-rate university within the reach for exceptional students, creating new, innovative fields of study, and preparing students for leadership in the new millennium. Philanthropic gifts and pledges to UCSB reached an all-time high of $30.5 million during the 1999-2000 fiscal year.

The Natural Reserve System is one of the areas of excellence that rises above and beyond the commitment from the State of California. Created by the Regents in 1965 with a handful of undeveloped reserves, the system has now grown to 35 reserves. Many of these reserves, such as VESR, have become regional centers for the University, with important research, teaching, and public outreach programs. Professional reserve staff are the stewards of irreplaceable libraries of California's natural diversity. While core funding for basic NRS staff and operations comes from the State, private funding has become increasingly important in supporting additional programs and new facilities.

VESR is a consistent leader within the Natural Reserve System. Scientists from all over the country conduct research at VESR, typically about 45 active research projects with over $2 million in grant support. This research is making a major contribution to the understanding of natural systems and the management of our local resources. Located in a part of the state lacking in University presence, VESR is the University of CA in Mono County. Our outreach program is the most ambitious in the system. Over 2000 Inyo and Mono County school children visit the Reserve each year for hands-on, age-appropriate, field science experiences. This is a university program with all the academic resources of the university behind it, and with a focused local benefit. While this is an identified part of the NRS mission it is important to note that it is an optional, un-funded part of the mission. Hence the need for local support. Beginning this year the University no longer charges an administrative fee on contributions so that every dollar contributed goes directly to a designated local program.

Page last updated Sunday, September 21, 2003