James Reserve, Protected natural area in San Jacinto Mountains, California, US

James Reserve is a 29-acre (120,000 m2) ecological reserve and biological field station of the University of California Natural Reserve System, located at 5,200 feet (1,600 m) in a wilderness area of the San Jacinto Mountains near Lake Fulmor in Riverside County, California. The property was purchased in 1966 by the University of California, Riverside, from Harry and Grace James. It serves as a protected natural area for teaching and research and as an engineering testing ground for sensor-related and ecosystem monitoring technologies.

The reserve was established in 1966 when the University of California, Riverside purchased the land from Harry and Grace James. Since then it has operated as a research station dedicated to long-term ecological studies.

The reserve is a field station of the University of California Natural Reserve System, run by UC Riverside and directed by Dr. Casey Woodall. School groups and university classes stay at the on-site Trailfinders Lodge while carrying out teaching and research in the sciences.

Access to the reserve requires advance permission since it primarily serves research and teaching groups rather than casual visitors. Lodging is available at the Trailfinders Lodge for authorized parties conducting field studies.

The reserve uses advanced sensors and a robotic camera system to monitor ecological processes continuously without disturbing wildlife or plant life. This technology allows researchers to gather data while keeping the natural environment undisturbed.