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James San Jacinto Mountains

James San Jacinto Mountains

University of California Riverside

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      • James Reserve
      • Oasis de los Osos
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What are the James and Oasis de los Osos Reserves?

The James San Jacinto Mountains and Oasis de los Osos Natural Reserves are two of 39 natural reserves operated by the Natural Reserve System of the University of California. Established in 1965, the original purpose of the reserve system was to identify and preserve examples of each of the unique ecosystems found in California and to use them as outdoor laboratories for conducting research and university classes in the structure and function of these ecosystems.

The James Reserve was created in 1966 from a donation of land in the San Jacinto Mountains owned by Harry and Grace James (Visit History of the James page). Harry and Grace ran an outdoor boys school at the site where they trained young boys in outdoor lore and crafts. That tradition continues today at the James as people of all ages from PhD researchers to elementary students come to learn about the ecosystem that makes up the James.

Oasis de los Osos Reserve was created when The Nature Conservancy deeded a 160 acre parcel of land to the University of California (Visit History of Los Osos page). The land was an original homestead that eventually was bought by The Nature Conservancy with a donation from Mr. Robert Bear for whom the area is named (Bear in Spanish is Oso). As opposed to the forested James Reserve, Los Osos consists of desert habitat and provides research and educational opportunities to this unique and interesting ecosystem.

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doi:10.21973/N3KQ0T

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Live feed cameras

Live feed view of the bird feeders at the James Reserve. The Reserve has a high diversity of bird life and multiple feeders are in place. Due to recent bear activity the feeders and the cameras have been temporarily discontinued.

Safety and Conduct at the Reserves

Frequently Asked Questions

Breaking News from the James Reserve!

Important Reserve Guidelines

  • Smoking is not allowed anywhere on the Reserve.
  • Open fires are limited to the barbecues
  • No Pets are permitted on the Reserve.
  • You are responsible for cleaning up after yourselves.
  • Please conserve electricity by turning off all lights when not in use, especially the bathrooms.
  • Please minimize use of water as it takes electricity to pump the water.
  • Except when unloading, all vehicles are to be parked in the lower parking area (see map).
  • Both Reserve gates are to remain locked at all times.

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