Visits by University-level classes can be tailored to fit the needs of any discipline, including ecology, population biology, integrative biology, and botany, environmental science, earth science, geography, natural resource science, interdisciplinary courses, and art and literature. Valentine has modern classroom spaces (with wi-fi), cabin living space with bathroom and kitchen. Applications for class use may be made through the Reserve Application Management System. Applications and reservations should be submitted at least three weeks prior to the intended visit.
Facilities
We have facilities to support class use
- Information about facilities that can be reserved for course use
- Natural Resources of Valentine Reserve
- Real-time and historical weather at Valentine Reserve
- Bibliography of research conducted at Valentine since the 1980s
- If you are unsure of whether your class is feasible and appropriate for a UCNRS site, review the NRS Use and Guidelines
- Our staff are knowledgeable about the reserve, its resources, and possible options for courses. Please reach out to us with your questions and class ideas at vesr@nrs.ucsb.edu
The first step to visiting SNARL is to create an application in our Research Access Management System (RAMS). Choose the “University or College Class” Application Type.
During the application process your class visit will be reviewed for suitability based on a number of factors including natural resources, permits, other research projects, infrastructure, environmental conditions, and staff resources if required. We will make every effort to work with applicants and welcome new classes.
Set up an account on RAMS
What information should I provide in the application?
- Course title and number
- Purpose of the field trip and specific activities planned
- Environmental manipulations including collecting specimens, removing soil, or installing long-term equipment
- Approximate dates of the proposed class visit. The application will require you to provide dates and an “activity” (what you are going to be doing on those dates) in order for your application to be approved
- Your anticipated need for housing, on-site transportation and/or equipment
- Number of students anticipated
- Contact information for a primary instructor who will be on-site during the fieldtrip
Additional Approvals
- If your class will involve vertebrate animals, you will need approval of the UCSB Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). For more information visit UCSB Animal Subjects and read Using Wild Vertebrates in Research.
- If you class includes research on human subjects, you will need approval of the UCSB Human Subjects Committee (HSC) which serves as the Institutional Review Board (IRB).
- If your class involves drones, you will need to complete an application to fly drones at the Reserve. For questions on drones or the permitting process, reach out to Dr. Brandon Stark at uassafety@ucmerced.edu
- Installation of equipment will require a consultation and plan for installation, upkeep, and removal. Larger installations will require CEQA approval.
Make a Reservation for Every Visit
Valentine is one of the busiest field stations in the UCNRS so please plan far in advance to ensure that we have space to accommodate your class.
- Learn about facilities you can use as a class instructor.
- We will review your reservation and let you know if we have space, or offer you alternate dates for your visit.
Understanding Applications vs Reservations in RAMS
New classes are submitted as an application. Individual visits within a course are submitted as reservations linked to the application. Please allow 10 business days for review of a new application, and 3 business days for review of reservation
When to file a new application:
- Any time a new class is presented to SNARL
- If a previously approved class is expanded, altered, significantly revised or extended beyond the period stated in the approved proposal.
- When multiple classes are proposed (separate applications must be filed for each course)
When to file a new reservation:
- Any time you plan to visit SNARL as part of an approved class application
- You may submit your first reservation at the same time as your application
Guidelines for Visitors:
- Before you arrive review our Code of Conduct
- Make sure you have completed all the necessary Permits and Waivers prior to your arrival
- Review the information on Infectious Diseases found in the area
- Review and download the General Information Guide. Please email vesr@nrs.ucsb.edu for any questions.
- Spouses and family members not engaged in research will be accommodated on a space-available basis. Public accommodations, including campgrounds, are available in the Mammoth and Convict Lake areas.
- Let reserve staff know if you see anything broken or unusual out in the Reserve.
- NO firearms, NO smoking, and NO pets are permitted anywhere on the Reserve. If you violate these rules, you will be asked to leave.
Class and Field Trip Leader Responsibilities
Instructors and leaders are fully responsible for the safety and behavior of their students, and all members of their group. All users must agree to our Code of Conduct to submit an application in RAMS. It is the responsibility of the instructor to relay this information to the students and take full responsibility for their actions and behavior. We require that class instructors and trip leaders stay onsite and in the dorm or living space accommodations with their students. Our staff have their hands full keeping the station operating, and do not have the time, resources, or training to supervise students.
Waiver of Liability
Each non-UC, overnight visitor to the reserve must sign and return a Reserve Waiver prior to visiting the reserve. Release agreements for minors (those under 18 years of age) must be signed by the parent or legal guardian. It is the responsibility of the group leader (the person whose name is on the reservation) to find out who in their group must sign a release agreement and to insure that they are on file with the reserve director prior to the proposed visit.
Payment Information
- See our Rates and Payment Page for costs and payment methods.
- Users will be charged for the dates and the number of people they book at the time of application, unless they bring more people or stay longer.
- Payment may be made by UC recharge, by invoicing your college or university department, or by personal check or credit card.
- Please do not bring cash; we will send you an invoice following your visit.
- If part of a large group, please arrange for one individual to pay for the group.
- The group leader is responsible for making sure each participant is aware of reserve policies and guidelines listed on the application and in the information packet on the application website.
- Invoices will be emailed to the indicated person on the application after your visit. Let us know if you used different facilities than were on your RAMS reservation.
- Make sure to include the Valentine Reserve DOI: 10.21973/N3JQ0H for all publications
- Mention The Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratories in your manuscripts and send us your research! We keep records of published work Zotero
- Tag, follow, and like us on all our social media platforms. Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
- Inform SNARL staff when projects are soon to be completed at vesr@nrs.ucsb.edu