Visiting SNARL

Operations

SNARL is staffed and open for year-round use. 

Eligibility

SNARL and associated facilities are available to all academic, non-profit, government agencies and community groups that fall within the constraints of our education, research, and public service mission.

Applications and Reservations

Applications for use (Research, Classes, Meetings and Conferences) must be made using the UC Natural Reserve System’s Reserve Application Management System. Applications and reservations all need to be reviewed and should be submitted at least three weeks prior to the intended visit.  All reservations must be associated with a particular application, so submit your application first.

Applications are the place to describe what you plan to do on the reserve, such as teach a class or conduct a research project. Applications are used to determine whether your proposed activities are suitable for the site. 

Reservations are the place to specify

• Dates – when would you like to visit

• People – who will visit

• Purpose – what you plan to do during that particular visit

• Reserve Resources – facility related needs of your visit such as housing (cabins or camping spaces) and other facilities (laboratories, classrooms, and office space)

How to Submit Applications and Reservations

  • Log into RAMS and follow the instructions to complete an application (Research, Class or Meeting/Conference).
  • A new application must be submitted for each project, however multiple reservations may be appended to a single application.
  • Applications and reservations all need to be reviewed and should be submitted at least three weeks prior to the intended visit.

Research Use

Researchers may apply for use through RAMS by creating an application under the ‘Research’ application type.  If you have more than one research project, a separate application must be filed for each project. It is important to indicate on the application the approximate duration of the proposed research project. Approved applications are valid for one year only but may be renewed annually via the web for the duration estimated on the application. You need a minimum of one application and one reservation for your project.  Please describe your project sufficiently such that the research question and methods are clear. If you are a researcher conducting your research project outside the reserve boundaries, but still using reserve facilities (housing, lab or office space) you need to fill out a research application.

Class Use

University classes may apply for use through RAMS by creating an application under the ‘University or College Class’ application type.  Instructors and course leaders are fully responsible for the safety and behavior of their students. All users must agree to our Code of Conduct to submit an application in RAMS. It is the responsibility of the instructor to relay this information to the students and take full responsibility for their actions and behavior. We require that class instructors and trip leaders stay onsite and in the dorm or living space accommodations with their students. Our staff do not have the time, resources, or training to supervise students.

Meeting or Conference Use

The facilities at SNARL may be used for academic meetings or conferences including research conferences, research symposia, academic meetings or lab retreats.  Users may apply for use through RAMS by creating an application under the ‘Meeting or Conference’ application type. If you are unsure of whether your proposed activity fits within the scope of eligibility, please contact the Reserve Director to discuss your proposal.

Housing Assignments

We are a small field station that supports a wide array of research and teaching activities. During our peak periods we need every available bed.  Our university-approved rate policy is based on a per person per night rate. We have the same rate for all of our housing/ types of lodging (with the exception of the SNARL Dorm and SNARL Cottonwood House, which may be booked as ‘sole use’).  We seek to group people into spaces by classes and research teams, and try not to mix unless we really need to do so. We will do our best to accommodate any special requests. While we understand that everyone would love to have their own space, that is often not possible here. Thank you for your understanding.

Payment Information

  • See the Rates and Payment Page for cost details.
  • Users will be charged for the dates and the number of people they book at the time of reservation, unless they bring more people or stay longer.
  • Payment may be made by UC recharge, by invoicing your college or university department, or by personal check or credit card.
  • Please do not bring cash; we will send you an invoice following your visit.
  • Invoices for payment will be sent to the group leader.
  • The group leader is responsible for making sure each participant signs the waiver, and is aware of reserve policies and guidelines listed on the application and in the information packet on the application website. 
Collecting fish

Research

With a fully equipped modern laboratory and computing facilities, the reserve serves as a major research center for the eastern Sierra Nevada and Owens Valley.

Students SNARL

Class use

Classes visit the reserve to get immersed in the environment of the eastern Sierra. Students can obtain both field experience and laboratory skills at the reserve. 

Students

Public activities

The reserve hosts learning opportunities for the general public that range from elementary school field trips to courses on botanical illustration to scientific lecture series.

Code of Conduct

Expected Behavior

  • All participants, visitors, staff, students, faculty, and vendors are to be treated with respect and consideration, valuing a diversity of views and opinions.
  • Be considerate, respectful, and collaborative.
  • We are living in a small community, where respect for each other and the place is required.
  • Alert station or campus personnel if you notice a dangerous situation or someone in distress.

Unacceptable Behavior

  • Harassment, intimidation or discrimination in any form.
  • Physical or verbal abuse of any participants, visitors, staff, students, faculty, vendors, neighbors, or other field station guests.
  • Verbal comments related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, national origin.
  • Unwelcome physical contact.
  • Inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in field station spaces.
  • Excessive consumption of alcohol or other behavior-alterning substances
  • Threatening or stalking any participants, visitors, staff, students, faculty, vendors, neighbors, or other field station guests.