UC Merced Nature Opportunities
Explore, Learn, and Lead in the Field
UC Merced Nature supports a number of programs, courses, and fellowships designed to connect students with hands-on research, conservation, and leadership experiences.
¡Bobcat Nature! is a signature first-year experience for current undergraduate students. Get to know your closest National Park, Yosemite! Learn about the cultural and natural history of the park and all the ways you can continue to visit, learn, work, and study in Yosemite National Park. This is a overnight trip to Yosemite and is free to currently enrolled UC Merced students.
Join the waitlist here.
Join a supportive community of students discovering field-based research. This weekend long field research immersion experience is open to all currently enrolled UC Merced undergraduate students. These trips to our reserves are the entry point to the ¿field curious? community. Participants explore environmental science, environmental scholarship, careers in the outdoors, data collection, and field safety while connecting with peers and mentors.
Join our waitlist here.
Take your ¿field curious? experience further by conducting a group based micro-research project. This program is open to students who have completed a ¿field curious? weekend immersion and have learned basic field safety. In Field 2 Lab students learn how to collect, process, and analyze ecological data. Field 2 Lab students engage in the full scientific process and have the option to present the results of the project at a conference and may be eligible for Field 2 Lab Exclusive research scholarships.
Student Naturalist Training (EH 180)
Earn Environmental Humanities (EH 180) credit while training to become a certified Student Naturalist.
Learn field observation, data collection, and interpretation techniques across UC Merced’s reserves. Offered every spring, currently open for registration.
Fellowships and Research Opportunities
Swarth-Fogel Fellowship
The Swarth-Fogel Fellowship provides UC Merced undergraduates with the opportunity to conduct field-based research at any UC Natural Reserve.
Students receive funding, mentorship, and professional development to pursue independent or faculty-guided projects related to ecology, environmental science, or conservation.
Learn more here.
Deadline to apply : Early December
Opportunities Beyond UC Merced Nature
California Ecology and Conservation (CEC)
This full-time semester-long field course spends 7 weeks exploring UC Nature reserves across the state. Students conduct 3 field research projects culminating in a research publication. Students gain hands-on experience in experimental design, data collection, and field research. Work with your UC Merced academic advisor to ensure the course best meets your major requirements. Explore the course more here.
Yosemite Leadership Program (YLP)
This program is exclusive to UC Merced undergraduate students and is operated by the Student Leadership Center. This transformative two-year leadership program is centered around environmental stewardship, social change, and community engagement. Students who complete the program earn exclusive hiring privileges with the Department of the Interior. Learn more here.
Yosemite Leadership Program Summer Internship (YLPSI)
Spend your summer working in Yosemite National Park applying your leadership, education, and conservation skills in real-world settings. Learn more here.
Outdoor Experience Program (OEP)
UC Merced’s go-to hub for outdoor recreation. Based in the Outdoor Center at the Student Activities and Athletics Center, OEP offers a variety of activities, rental gear, and trip-planning services designed to spark adventure, connection, and environmental stewardship. Learn more here.
Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS)
YARTS provides free round-trip transportation to Yosemite for college and university students through its voucher program.
UC Merced students can apply for a round-trip pass by submitting an application and proof of enrollment. Students residing within Mariposa or Merced Counties may also apply for a 31-day commuter pass.
For more information on how to apply for a voucher or 31-day pass, view schedules, or make a reservation, visit www.yarts.com.
Student Clubs and Organizations
Connect with UC Merced’s vibrant community of students passionate about the environment, research, and outdoor exploration. These clubs provide hands-on opportunities to get involved in nature, build leadership skills, and contribute to conservation and sustainability efforts.
Outdooor Clubs:
- ¿field curious? Club
- Birdsong Club
- Paleontology and Life Club
- Merced Outdoor Social Society
- SEEDS UC Merced Chapter