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 Kenneth S. Norris Rancho Marino Reserve. This reserve was established to provide access, assistance, and facilities to researchers and classes for the studies of ecology and monitoring of sea otter populations, marine intertidal and offshore kelp beds, the effects of global warming and grazing on coastal grasslands and scrub, changes over time in the demography of Monterey Pines, and the anthropology of indigenous peoples.