How two Bruins used film and science to reframe a ‘spooky’ species
UCLA College’s new “Cabinet of Curiosities” podcast explores the fang-tastic North-South collaboration
La Kretz Center for California Conservation Science
California wildfire smoke linked to reduced bird activity and health
Wildfire smoke significantly impacts California bird populations, leading to decreased activity and body mass, according to new UCLA study.
Project Phoenix uses community science to learn how smog and smoke affect birds
All are invited to participate in new program from UCLA and Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Wildfires drive L.A.’s mountain lions to take deadly risks
UCLA and National Park Service researchers studied the cougars’ movements before and after the Woolsey Fire
Events
Conserving California’s Coastal Waters
The 2026 La Kretz Center for California Conservation Science Public Lecture
Join us for a public discussion of recent advances in ocean conservation and a chance to interact with current UCLA conservation researchers, Zach and Mark Gold.
News
Saving California’s ancient oak trees with DNA analysis
In partnership with The Nature Conservancy, UCLA scientists are studying plant DNA to help California’s oak trees adapt to climate change.
The Annual UCLA La Kretz Center and Stunt Ranch Reserve Research Awards
The UCLA La Kretz Center & Stunt Ranch Reserve Research Awards is an opportunity for UCLA student scientists to receive funding for research proposals related to environmental, ecological, evolutionary, and/or…
Dave Daversa for Marymount Magazine – How Marymount became part of Southern California Native Herpetology Research
Marymount Highschool's magazine highlights how students of their SAILL program worked under former La Kretz Center Postdoctoral Fellow Dave Daversa to study the stress responses of Western Fence Lizards in urban environments.
Application Open for the 2027 La Kretz Center Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
Applications must be submitted by September 28th to qualify for the two year fellowship.
Joseph Curti Speaks on Sierra Club Climate Dispatch podcast
La Kretz Postdoctoral Fellow Joey Curti recently sat down with Climate Dispatch to discuss how Southern California bat populations are impacted by artificial light.
Devon DeRaad awarded James G. Cooper Early Professional Award
Congratulations to La Kretz Postdoctoral Fellow Devon DeRaad on this prestigious award and for being recognized for his work investigating bird speciation.
Postdoc Fellow Ryan Buck for Spectrum News – UCLA researchers identify oak tree populations as well adapted to climate change
La Kretz Postdoc Ryan Buck spoke with Spectrum about his work gene sequencing California oak populations to build climate-resilient forests.
The 2025 UCLA La Kretz Center Annual Report
Our Annual Report showcases the research, programs, and events supported by the La Kretz Center and the Stunt Ranch Santa Monica Reserve in 2025. It also reflects on the legacy…
One of Los Angeles’ best-adapted urban creatures? Lizards
The UCLA Newsroom spoke with UCLA La Kretz Center Director Brad Shaffer about a few urban reptiles found locally and the important ecological roles they play.
Tropical forest ecosystems bounce back much faster than we thought
La Kretz postdoc Timo Metz is first author of a new study that found animals returned to deforested land much more quickly than scientists originally thought.
Adapting oak trees for climate change, one acorn at a time
La Kretz postdoc Ryan Buck, an evolutionary biologist working in the Sork Lab, is a co-author on recent studies that use cutting-edge gene sequencing to save oak trees.
Announcing Winners of the 2026 La Kretz Center and Stunt Ranch Reserve Research Awards
Congratulations to our 2026 awardees!