Younger Lagoon Reserve

The 72-acre reserve contains a Y-shaped lagoon, wetlands, coastal prairie, and pocket beach along the northern shore of Monterey Bay in California.

Donald and Marion Younger donated their family ranch land to the University of California in 1972, establishing the foundation for this natural reserve.

The reserve stands on the ancestral territory of the Awaswas-speaking Uypi Tribe, with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band maintaining traditional stewardship practices.

Students and faculty from UC Santa Cruz conduct research on drought conditions, native vegetation restoration, and wildlife monitoring throughout the eight distinct habitats.

The reserve supports 100 bird species, including 25 breeding species and 60 migratory birds that make seasonal stops in this protected coastal environment.

Location: Santa Cruz

Part of: University of California Natural Reserve System

Website: http://ucsantacruz.ucnrs.org/reserves/younger-lagoon

GPS coordinates: 36.95000,-122.06667

Latest update: March 19, 2025 10:56