This weekend, I took a biogeography tour around UCLA as part of my Environment and Sustainability class. The tour was very informational; we walked around campus (mostly the north-side) and were given brief information on what type of biomes and organisms resided in that particular habitat. Surprisingly, UCLA encompasses many different types of species such as: hummingbirds, monarch butterflies, small rodents, oak trees, rainbow eucalpytus and a range of other amazing plants and animals. Furthermore, on the topic of biomes, UCLA houses a multitude of biomes which include: Chaparral, temperate forests and a few more. Learning this, I was surprised that UCLA was so diverse in its habitats. Because of these biomes, different species are able to thrive here whereas they may not in other places. In addition to learning about biomes and species, we were shown the famous UCLA creek. Going under the trees to where the creek was hidden provided a refreshing cool air because of the abundant shade and the evaporation of water coming off from the trees. Lastly, near the end of the tour, our guide informed us that the area behind the residential building Hitch was going to become an Olympic archery range from a UCLA donor who wanted it to happen. However, the with efforts of our guide and his local non-profit organization, the area was preserved because it was evident that the donor did not follow all the protocols and his reason for the archery range was never clear. In total, the biogeography tour was very informational and productive.
Impact of Humans on the Earth 
The picture looks so beautiful! I want to go there, but I have no idea where it is. I do know where the area behind Hitch is at. I went there recently and I thought it was a very cool place that is very natural in contrast to all the developments on UCLA. I heard about the archery range plan too. I’m so glad that it was preserved.
Haha yeah, the picture is very nice! It’s from google by the way haha. I’m glad the UCLA preserved it as well.
I went on the tour too, and I was shocked that UCLA would even consider destroying such a natural habitat for an archery range, especially when our guide explained that a lot of classes use that area for research. I’m excited to see the area once it rains and things become a little more green and less dusty, I think it will be a really pretty and serene spot on campus!
Where’s the creek? UCLA is quite the diverse campus in its habitats, you’re right. It’s always interesting to walk around campus and discover new things, I just wish I had more time to explore…
Uhm, If i remember correctly, it’s in the north campus near the Anderson school of management.