Urban Ecology Center

Welcome to the Urban Ecology Center (UEC) at Cal State LA.  The UEC will bring together researchers, students, and members of educational and community organizations from Los Angeles and other global metropolitan cities to address the most critical environmental needs of our city. 

Mission

The UEC, housed within Cal State LA’s College of Natural and Social Sciences (NSS), has three interlinked missions:

  1. Academic Research in urban ecology and biodiversity, food security, and environmental justice
  2. Practical Demonstration of sustainability and food security projects on campus
  3. Education and Outreach to develop a green workforce and environmentally conscious citizenry for Los Angeles

This Summer at UEC

Summer Book Club Flyer

Summer 2025 Book Club

This summer, the Urban Ecology Center invites you to join our two-part Book Club exploring food systems, climate futures, and community resilience.

We’ll be reading Farm City by Novella Carpenter in June and What If We Get It Right? by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson in August, with sessions offered both in person and on Zoom.

The series runs June 10 to August 19. All Cal State LA students, faculty, and staff are welcome to join.

See meeting dates and details

Urban Ecology Center Goals

The UEC at Cal State LA is a university-wide initiative that harnesses the expertise of faculty and students to promote environmental equity and justice, ensuring a sustainable future for local communities. By bridging the gap between natural and social sciences, the UEC fosters collaboration with non-profits, schools, colleges, city governments, and neighborhood councils, aiming to strengthen community ties. Through education, research, and active engagement, it empowers individuals and communities to reimagine their role in the world, promoting collective and individual responsibility towards a sustainable future.

Give to the Urban Ecology Center

Campus

The UEC is reimaging our urban campus as a space that supports and promotes sustainability, food security, and biodiversity.

Campus
Two students working on a garden bed

Community

The UEC will create new links and strengthen old ties with our campus-adjacent communities through education, outreach, and community events​.

Community
aerial drone view of Cal State LA campus with overview of Los Angeles and view of 10 freeway

City/Global

The UEC will serve as the hub for research in Los Angeles. As the California State University of Los Angeles, we will leverage our city’s global brand to attract researchers for (1) summits, (2) workshops, and (3) conferences. ​

City/Global

Urban Ecology Events

More Events