California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
OP-T2-20: Wildlife Habitat

Cal Poly is situated in the middle of the San José Hills and is part of a wildlife corridor that connects the San Gabriel and Santa Ana mountains. The natural areas of Cal Poly and the adjacent Buzzard Peak natural area constitute one of the largest remaining undeveloped lands in the region. This area has been designated a Significant Ecological Area (SEA) by Los Angeles County, and portions are regarded as significant by the California Department of Fish and Game. The Voorhis Ecological Reserve in the northwest part of campus contains approximately 77 acres of coastal sage scrub and oak woodland. The Reserve contains at least four amphibian species, 12 reptiles, 100 birds, 38 mammals, 167 vascular plants, and unnumbered insects. As part of the master plan CEQA process in 2000, the university identified an area of land on the northwestern side of campus as protected habitat for the federally threatened coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica). The biodiversity of campus provides a natural laboratory for teaching and research. A number of Master's theses have been based on studies of the Voorhis Ecological Reserve and other undeveloped areas, and a number of courses in several departments routinely use the areas. Biodiversity is part of the continuing heritage of the university, and of its modern stewardship. The campus commitment to sustainability includes biodiversity at its foundation.