Protected by the Santa Lucia Mountains and rocky cliffs, the Big Sur coast includes the largest and most pristine coastal wildlands in central and southern California. In the center of this area, the University of California Natural Reserve System and the University of California at Santa Cruz operate the Landels-Hill Big Creek Reserve. Directly adjacent to the terrestrial reserve are two state marine protected areas: the Big Creek State Marine Reserve and the Big Creek State Conservation Area, which are administered by the California Department of Fish and Game.

In addition to protecting these natural areas, the purpose of the reserve is to support university teaching, research, and public service (see mission statement). This combination of programs and protected habitats is unique, and the reserve continues to make important contributions to our knowledge of wild coastal ecosystems.

Big Creek Open House, May 10