Hopland REC calls for research proposals

April 28, 2026
By John T Bailey

Large group of people wearing jackets walk along a path beside a pond toward setting sun — Hopland REC encompasses 5,358 acres of diverse Coastal Range landscape available for research.

The UC ANR Hopland Research and Extension Center is inviting proposals to host and support new and continuing research on ecology, wildlife biology, animal production and management, fire science, viticulture and related agricultural and natural resource themes important to California. Hopland REC’s 5,358 acres of diverse Coastal Range landscape are located in southern Mendocino County, roughly two hours from both UC Berkeley and UC Davis, and 45 minutes from the Santa Rosa Airport.

A line of flames form along the edge of a blackened patch of grass, next to an oak tree — Prescribed burning can be studied at Hopland REC.

HREC offers a supportive research partnership

Hopland REC’s capabilities allow scientists to focus on research outcomes rather than running the day-to-day logistics in the field. Here is how Hopland REC’s environment and infrastructure translate into direct benefits for your lab:

Diverse, Representative Landscapes: Access over 5,300 acres of oak woodland, rangeland and chaparral that represent many parts of California’s Coast Range. Our range of elevations (600–3,000 ft) and soil types ensure your findings are relevant and scalable. Robust cell reception and easy road access is available throughout most of the site.
Operational Peace of Mind: Hopland REC’s dedicated, experienced and trained staff can fabricate and repair equipment, install and maintain research equipment, handle livestock and wildlife and collect samples, ensuring your project stays on track even when you aren't on-site.
Modern Lab Capabilities: Hopland REC’s multi-purpose lab with specialized equipment including a gas chromatograph, drying ovens, a fume hood, a biosafety cabinet, water distillation, lab storage down to -80°C, ample benchtop workspace and high-speed fiber optic internet allows for "campus-level" lab work in a working land and wildlife refugia location.
Research-focused Land Management: Hopland REC can manipulate the environment with its fleet of agricultural implements and heavy equipment, grazing animals and prescribed burn capabilities. Unlike private or public lands, Hopland REC tailors land management around your research needs.
Turnkey Livestock Research: Hopland REC’s established 350-head breeding-ewe sheep flock, cattle herd and cutting-edge virtual fencing technology is available for use without the overhead of managing an animal care program.
Deep Historical Context: Strengthen your publications by referencing Hopland REC’s long-term datasets including weather, pasture productivity, burn and grazing histories and research-project specific records.
Economical Field Stays: Maximize your grant budget with Hopland REC’s on-site housing, ranging from private homes to bunkhouses, designed to make short or extended field visits both comfortable and affordable.
Extension Support: Hopland REC’s 200-person capacity conference hall with an upgraded A/V system, an onsite Community Education Specialist, and diverse community contacts are ready to support and enhance your extension programs.

A small boy holds a bottle of milk for a lamb on Hannah's lap. Hannah is sitting on a hay bale — Hopland REC maintains a 350-head breeding-ewe sheep flock.

Let Hopland REC help move your research forward

Proposals may be submitted through the HREC website. For any questions about the research proposal process or research opportunities at Hopland REC, please contact Director John Bailey at jtbailey@ucanr.edu or staff research assistant Lucie Cahierre at lcahierre@ucanr.edu.

For full consideration for the 2026/2027 year, please submit your proposal by May 22, 2026. The Hopland REC team looks forward to helping you turn your research ideas into practical field studies.