South Coast Research and Extension Center

Facilities and Reservations

Scroll to the bottom to learn about reserving facilities and facilities use costs.

Research Facilities

Located on 200 acres in Orange County, South Coast Research and Extension Center (South Coast REC), one of nine Research and Extension Centers in the UC Ag and Natural Resources REC System, was established by the University of California in 1956 as a representative site for agricultural and horticultural research in California's south coastal plain-temperate climatic zone.

 

a drone being flown over a strawberry research plot with open field and trees in the background

Greenhouse bench space is maintained for research in six on-site greenhouses, including a large glasshouse equipped with a computerized environment control system. Also available is a lathhouse for acclimation of most plant species and growing of tender stock. The Center also operates three demonstration landscapes for use by urban environment and water use research. Further, the Center maintains germplasms for several subtropical plants, including cherimoya and avocados. A CIMIS station, maintained by the California Department of Water Resources, is also on-site.

 

the front of the greenhouse at South Coast REC


Research requests for land, labor and facilities are screened by a research advisory committee. For more information about conducting research at SCREC, visit our website, contact Center Director Lindsey Pedroncelli at Lrpedroncelli@ucanr.edu, or call (949) 653-1810.

 

Facilities available to general public and researchers

 

A sunset view of the outdoor annex area set up with round table and chairs and buffet, with string lights and flowers, for an event
The outdoor annex patio area can be set up in several different ways to host events.

The Center’s main building consists of a 45-seat conference room. This facility is available to UC researchers and the general public for extension events and activities that align with our mission. It has full audio-visual capabilities and high-speed internet access.

 

 

the barn set up with chairs and the projector screen for presentations, with tables around the perimeter for food and beverages
The barn can be set up in several different ways to accommodate 75-100 people. Without tables, chairs can be set up for presentations as seen above, with tables around the perimeter to serve food and drinks or hold supplies and materials. Round and rectangular tables are available if you would like to have people sit in a different arrangement. A projector screen and AV equipment is available as well.

 

Additionally, the Center maintains:

  • Two outdoor demonstration landscape classrooms with seating for up to 25 people each, along with a covered demonstration area which will accommodate an additional ~20 people
  • Barn space available for large events up to 100 people
  • Partially covered “breezeway” space with a capacity of 75 people with full kitchen
  • Outdoor event spaces

 

 

students seated in a classroom learning from 3 instructors
Classrooms B and C have whiteboards, a projector screen or TV, and tables and chairs that can be set up in different arrangements.
tables and chairs set up in the outdoor annex space with buffet style food set up near the building for a lunch event
The Annex patio area can be set up to accommodate groups of around 50 people.
GROW program students seated in the large conference room learning about the 'Rethink Your Drink
The main conference room has a projector and audio equipment and, depending on how the tables and chairs are set up, can accommodate around 40 people.
outdoor annex area set up with round tables and chairs, and buffet style food set up, with string lights and flowers for an event
The Annex patio area can be set up for outdoor events with banquet-style dining.
breezeway set up with tables and chairs for an event
The breezeway can be set up in different configurations to seat around 20-40 people.
a gravel parking lot with blue tents set up for an event
For larger events, we have a gravel area where tents can be set up. Please contact us for more information.

Reserving Facilities

There are costs associated with utilizing facilities at South Coast REC. Please refer to the table below for more information, and reach out to Center Director, Lindsey Pedroncelli, if you have any questions Lrpedroncelli@ucanr.edu.

Facility

Capacity

UC-Affiliate Rate

Non-UC Rate

Large Conference Room

40

$200.00

$267.40

Small Conference Room

16

$75.00

$100.28

Breezeway

20*

$40.00

$53.48

Annex Patio Area

50*

$40.00

$53.48

Classroom B

25*

$100.00

$133.70

Classroom C

25*

$100.00

$133.70

Kitchen

15*

$35.00

$46.80

Barn

75*

$40.00

$53.48

*Capacity may vary depending on how the space is set up.

 

Additionally, if Center staff labor is required to set-up and take down for the event, that will be included in your invoice.

UC-Affiliate

Staff Hourly w/ Benefits

Non-UC

Staff Hourly w/ Benefits

$48.87

$66.46

If you are interested in hosting an event with us, please check our calendar for availability and fill out our Facilities Reservation Request form. Please reach out to our Center Director, Lindsey Pedroncelli, if you have any questions Lrpedroncelli@ucanr.edu.