The REEF has given Santa Barbara's undergraduates, local schools and residents so much. Now it needs our support.

The Research Experience and Education Facility (REEF), located at UCSB's beautiful Campus Point, has been a community builder throughout its existence. It bridges the gap for many to be a part of the underwater world and introduces undergraduates to the marine science / education fields. It also is an inspiring resource to the approximately 20,000 people it served annually (pre-pandemic), providing free of charge programming tailored to the interests of each group. With its touch tanks and proximity to a lively kelp forest ecosystem, it is an incredible gateway to the Santa Barbara coast and its underwater residents. You can feel The REEF's charm as soon as you walk through the doors.

Due to recent changes within the university and the crazy world of outdoor education post-pandemic, the REEF has been running at a minimum capacity of educators for quite some time. With this limited staffing comes limited ability to serve the community. A donation to this GoFundMe will go directly to supporting the people that are the heart of the REEF: the undergrads who inspire the next generation of ocean stewards.

We are seeking support of any kind, big or small, to show our friends at UCSB just how important The REEF is to the Santa Barbara community. We view it as a vital part of the ecosystem of Campus Point and UCSB. Please share widely if The REEF has impacted you in any sort of way.