UCSC Forest Ecology Research Plot (FERP)

Join a team of FERP interns to help measure the growth, mortality, and recruitment of more than 31,000 trees, shrubs, and lianas as part of the 4th census of the 16-ha UCSC Forest Ecology Research Plot. Established in 2007 on the UCSC Campus Natural Reserve, the FERP is just a short walk from the UCSC laboratories, classrooms, and residential colleges. At the same time, the FERP is an important part of the global ForestGEO network of mapped forest plots, dedicated to understanding the impacts of global change on forest ecosystems. Interns will spend 6 h per week in the forest, learning and applying methods in forest ecology research and becoming familiar with the natural history of the UCSC campus.

We have internships available every academic quarter, most days of the week, in 6-hour shifts. If you are interested in joining the FERP team please fill out this Google form with your availability for the upcoming quarter. The FERP is a resource for teaching and research on the campus, and senior theses/projects are encouraged after first completing a 2-unit internship.