University of California-Merced

permits to facilitate future expansion beyond the original golf course site.
The passage of Proposition 203 represented a pivotal moment, marking the first time bond money could be used to construct new buildings in both the UC and California State University systems. In March 2001, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation pledged more than $11 million to help the University of California acquire the full 7,030 acres of land held by the Virginia Smith Trust. This agreement led to the creation of a 5,030-acre protected reserve consisting of critical vernal pool ecosystems, while the remaining 2,000 acres were designated for university use. Of that, 750 acres were immediately set aside for inclusion in the UC Natural Reserve System. The Virginia Smith Trust used the sale proceeds to strengthen its scholarship fund, retire outstanding debt from the Merced Hills Golf Course project, and reinvest in the surrounding community's long-term development goals.
Although the university initially planned to conserve around …