Visitor Info for Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve (SMER)
What is SMER?
Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve (SMER), established in 1962, provides protected sites for research and education of southern California ecosystems. The reserve lies on the Riverside/San Diego county line between Temecula and Fallbrook. Read more »
How do I visit SMER?
Individuals interested in conducting orginial research or educational activity at SMER must submit an application through OAFS. The general community is also invited to experience SMER through docent-lead tours. Groups must consist of at least five people, and they must also submit an application through OAFS. All visitors are subject to Reserve Use Fees, Reserve Regulations and Data Policy.
All visitors to the reserve must print out and complete this vehicle permit and display it on the vehicle dashboard at all times.
All visitors must also contact Pablo Bryant 619-507-0944 pbryant@sciences.sdsu.edu at least 2 days prior to arriving at the reserve.
What research data is available?
- Project Registry
- Lists research projects that took place at SMER, its enclosing watershed, and nearby areas.
- Species List
- Lists of organisms that have been observed at SMER
- Realtime Data
- Realtime data and images from SMER
- Ecological Monitoring Data
- Longterm Weather, hydrological, vegetation, and bird survey data area available upon request.
- GIS & Maps
- Interactive Vegetation Maps, Downloadable GIS Maps and Layers
- Real-Time Ecological Monitoring Observatory
- Information about the sensor and communication infrastructure at SMER
How do I get there?
There are two entrances to SMER: the northside and the southside. Here are directions to both.
All visitors to the reserve must print out and complete this vehicle permit and display it on the vehicle dashboard at all times.
All visitors must also contact Pablo Bryant 619-507-0944 pbryant@sciences.sdsu.edu at least 2 days prior to arriving at the reserve.
What is it like to visit or stay at SMER? What should I bring?
Extreme weather conditions are possible at SMER, and conditions can vary greatly within a single day. Please check the current weather conditions prior to arrival. Our overnight facilities offer simple, dormitory-style housing with a kitchen and shared bathrooms. A stove, refrigerator and basic kitchen utensils are provided. Visitors must bring their own linens, blankets, and pillows. The cities of Fallbrook and Temecula are 15 minutes away, and offer shops and restaurants. Class & lab space, computer & Internet access, and field equipment may be available. Please consult with the Reserve Administrator regarding their availability.
All visitors to the reserve must print out and complete this vehicle permit and display it on the vehicle dashboard at all times.
All visitors must also contact Pablo Bryant 619-507-0944 pbryant@sciences.sdsu.edu at least 2 days prior to arriving at the reserve.
How can I be reached while I'm at SMER?
Cellphone reception is very limited on SMER. The overnight facilities have telephones. The main reserve number is 760-728-9446.
What if I get hurt, see a trespasser, or witness a theft?
Please download this form, fill it out, and return it to Field Stations Program.
