The mission of the Natural Reserve System is to contribute to the understanding and wise management of the Earth and its natural systems by supporting university-level teaching, research, and public service at protected natural areas throughout California. UC Santa Barbara manages seven diverse reserves including the Carpinteria Salt Marsh Reserve. The Carpinteria Salt Marsh Reserve contains a critically important Southern California estuary, supporting many sensitive plant and animal species, and an extensive wetland, sub-tidal channel and emergent upland habitats. Gifts to the Carpinteria Salt Marsh Reserve support a wide range of teaching, research, and public services.