Research at the Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve
The Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve is focused on learning, innovation, preservation, and restoration. To this end, we are excited for the Preserve to serve as a platform for conservation innovation and living laboratory in the Santa Barbara region. Scroll down to learn more about how to get involved in research on the Preserve.
Ongoing Research
Take a look at this dashboard to get to know the projects and people currently conducting research at the Dangermond Preserve.
Conducting Research at the Dangermond Preserve
We welcome applications to conduct research at the Preserve that supports our conservation objectives. Since our founding in 2017, we have supported over 70 research projects of various types on the Preserve. Priority will be given to research that is expected to benefit and be compatible with the goals and objectives of the Preserve. Other types of research that are not in conflict with the conservation of biodiversity or other research projects may also be considered. Because sound scientific information is essential to adaptive management of each ecosystem and advancing TNC’s mission, permitted investigators at TNC Preserves are expected to share data collected with TNC within a reasonable time. For access to data from past research projects, please see our data page. If you are interested in conducting research at the Preserve, please get in touch by emailing the Preserve at dangermond-preserve@tnc.org.
Fee Structure
The fee structure for research access and supporting amenities at the Dangermond Preserve is still under development. Researchers who secure project approval and research permits should incorporate fees for research access, lodging at Jalama Beach County Park or in Lompoc, facility use, staff support, and data streaming in budgets. At this time, we do not offer overnight facilities, nor do we allow dispersed camping on the property.
Applying to do research at the Dangermond Preserve
To conduct research on the Preserve, we recommend you review the Integrated Resources Management Plan and reach out to the Preserve Scientist to discuss research ideas and feasibility. If there is a similar project already occurring on the Preserve, we will recommend collaborating with other scientists. After meeting with the Preserve Scientist, you may be invited to submit a research application. Please note that it may take up to two weeks for Preserve staff to review your research application.
The 8-step Workflow to Conduct Research on the Dangermond Preserve: 1. Talk over your proposal. 2. Submit a research application. 3. Project approval and orientation. 4. Schedule each visit online. 5. Submit data. 6. Annual update. 7. Review your project. 8. Close out your project.
Policies and Expectations
The primary goal of the Preserve is conservation, which means we do not support large-scale interventions that may negatively impact the ecological function and resilience of the Preserve. As a reminder, researchers are not allowed to use the Preserve for recreational purposes. We do not allow dispersed camping across the Preserve. The Preserve team is building a research ethic of shared data and information and as such all researchers are expected to follow FAIR and CARE data principles. See our data section for more information.
Permits
Researchers are expected to adhere to all federal, state, and local laws and are responsible for securing any applicable permits to conduct their work (including Scientific Collecting Permits). All researchers will follow the Dangermond Preserve Code of Conduct and behave respectfully and professionally while working on the Preserve. Please make sure to review all documents in the Preserve rules and safety folder you received with your researcher packet and adhere to all guidelines, these include aquatic biosecurity measures, fire safety measures, and emergency protocols.
Photo Policy
We ask that you take care when sharing photos of the Preserve and do not share any photos of Point Conception and the lighthouse, endangered or threatened species, buildings or infrastructure or cultural artifacts to social media. Please remove geolocation information from photos when posting them online and use #DangermondPreserve and #PointConceptionInstitute on your science in action posts.
Facilities and Resources
We do not currently offer overnight facilities for researchers. We hope to offer this in the future. If space is needed for sample processing, please work with TNC staff. We cannot guarantee that we can accommodate all requests.
Explore the Preserve
The Nature Conservancy’s Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve sits at the intersection of two ocean currents, and its topography ranges from sea level to 1,900 feet. Those rare combinations—plus the absence of residential development—make it a trove of biodiversity. Click through this map to learn more about each of the distinct habitat types that exist within the Preserve.
Oak Woodlands
Coast live oaks are unique among California’s oak trees in their ability to thrive near the ocean. They are drought-resistant and adapted to fire, and they support acorn woodpecker, western scrub jay, western gray squirrel and dusky-footed wood rat.
Chaparral and Scrub
The coastal hillsides are blanketed by extensive coastal sage scrub and chaparral shrub communities. These are biodiversity hot spots that support badgers, bobcats, mule deer, mountain lions, pack rats, lizards, snakes and a variety of avian species.
Streams and Arroyos
Precipitation that falls on the preserve eventually flows to the ocean. In addition to Jalama Creek, the preserve contains major perennial streams, coastal wetlands, and smaller unnamed seasonal short-run streams, locally known as “arroyos.”
Shores and Marine
Point Conception sits at a marine intersection, where ocean currents from the north and south overlap, bringing a diverse mix of plant and animal life. The ecosystem is supported by the offshore upwellings that bring nutrients from deep in the ocean.
Wetlands
The 328 acres of wetlands include seeps, springs, seasonal wetlands, wetland swales, in-stream wetlands, perennial marshes and artificial ponds. These extensive habitats support abundant freshwater biodiversity.
Grasslands
The grasslands are used by a large, diverse group of plants, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects. Cattle grazing and prescribed burning play an essential role in making sure these grasslands continue to provide plant and animal habitat.
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Research Publications
Click the button below to find a list of publications related to research and reports from the Dangermond Preserve and the Point Conception Institute.