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Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve
Where Education Meets the Land.
The Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve is under the direction of the CSUC Research Foundation. Our mission is to work to preserve critical habitat and to provide a natural area for environmental research and education.
3,950 Acres of Diverse Habitats
The Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve contains 3,950 acres of diverse canyon and ridge habitats, including 4.5 miles of Big Chico Creek, and is home to many species of plants and animals. BCCER was created with the purchase of the Simmons Ranch in 1999 and the Henning Ranch in 2001. It is owned by the California State University, Chico, Research Foundation.
Goals of the Reserve
- Support the educational mission of CSU, Chico by providing a site with natural resources to support research and teaching
- Develop, upgrade and maintain databases to support research and instruction
- Protect and monitor on-site natural resources
- Provide public outreach and education
Visitors Welcome!
The Reserve is open from dawn to dusk every day with the exception of hunt days.
2016-17 Year in Review
Wondering what we have been up to? Check out our 2016-17 Year in Review.
The outdoor classroom is a fun place for kids to learn about science in the best classroom anywhere - nature!
For more information - getting your class to the Reserves, becoming an intern or volunteer - contact Education Coordinator Jon Aull at jaull@csuchico.edu.
The Reserves In The News
The Fires of 2018: What Happens Now
CSU System article on response to this year's fires and learning opportunities.
Fire Mitigation at the BCCER
An article from Chico State Today on our use of goats and prescribed burns.
Local and Government Agencies Partner with BCCER in Prescribed Burn
An article from Chico State Today on a partnership for training and forest health.