Located on the San Francisco Bay seven miles northwest of the central campus of University of California, Berkeley, the Richmond Field Station (RFS) is an off-site academic facility used primarily for large-scale engineering research since 1950. The 150-acre property consists of 100-acres of uplands with the remainder being marsh or bay lands.

The Richmond Field Station property currently accommodates a range of research and resource conservation activities. With more than 500,000 assignable square feet of research space, the site houses one of the world’s largest earthquake shaking tables and the 7.7 million volume Northern Regional Library Facility which serves as an archive for lesser used books the northern UC campuses.

The open areas of RFS are also prized for their research and habitat value. The site contains one of the largest and best preserved remaining areas of native coastal grasslands that were once prevalent throughout the Bay Area. The adjacent stands of eucalyptus provide a home for wintering monarch butterflies and nesting raptors. The bay marsh and mudflats provide additional habitat for a variety of flora and fauna as well as an opportunity for the Berkeley campus to use these areas for teaching and research.

Fast Facts:

• 380 Persons have activities at RFS
• Over 40 University Research Units, 16 Companies, 20 Student Organizations, UC Athletics
• UC-Wide Northern Regional Library Facility (NRLF https://www.lib.berkeley.edu/visit/nrlf)
• >10 student organizations
• 16 companies
• 40 research centers/institutes/programs

Please visit the RFS Environmental Website to find out more about future activities.