The reserve includes an 80-acre underwater and shoreline reserve and a 46-acre aboveground knoll. The underwater reserve comprises coastal areas that are now part of the San Diego-Scripps Coastal Marine Conservation Area. The knoll includes a publicly accessible mesa, trails through Black's Canyon, and the privately owned but university-administered Sumner Canyon.
History
The underwater component of Scripps Coastal Reserve was purchased from the State in 1929. In 1967, the University of California purchased the William Black House and the adjacent knoll from William H. Black.[1]
Ecology
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The marsh is used by Scripps Institution of Oceanography students and scientists to study coastal flora, fauna and microbes, as well as determine appropriate and novel strategies for environmental preservation and conservation.[2] Its proximity to Black's Beach also makes it a moderately frequented route for tourists and surfers.[3]
References
^"Planning Context"(PDF). Long Range Development Plan, 2004. University of California, San Diego. September 2004. Archived from the original(PDF) on 2016-05-05. Retrieved 23 May 2016.
^"Publications". Natural Reserve System. University of California, San Diego. Retrieved 23 May 2016.