Birding Access

Younger Lagoon Reserve is a birding hotspot. Birders may access the lagoon overlook shelter for birding and natural history observation provided they follow the guidelines below:

• Visits must be limited to the lagoon overlook shelter. Please do not explore beyond the shelter. Failure to follow this guideline may result in revocation of your permission to access the reserve.
• Recreation is not allowed. There are picnic tables and benches on the Coastal Science Campus trails that may be used for picnicking.
• All visitors must have a current waiver on file. Please return the waiver to Reserve Director, Elizabeth Howard as an email attachment (eahoward@ucsc.edu) or snail mail (please include your email address if you choose snail mail). Our address is 130 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.  
• Once we receive your signed waiver, you will be sent the gate access code. We do update the code from time to time. If you find yourself locked out, please email Director Howard and she will provide you with the new code. Please don't share the code with others. Failure to follow this guideline may result in revocation of your permission to access the reserve.
• Please access the shelter via the gate in the Ocean Health Building parking lot. Paid parking is available in the Seymour Center lot.
• The overlook shelter is shared space and you may encounter other users including Reserve staff, University researchers, classes, and public tours.
• The overlook shelter is open from dawn until dusk (note that the front entrance gate to the campus is currently open reduced hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic).
• Please lock the gate behind you and scramble the code - even if you're only planning a short visit and sign in at the sign-in box located next to the shelter.
• Please follow all county health precautions while on site.