Oxford Facility

Background image: RCNR Oxford Facility banner image greenhouse beyond field of lavender

Research/Growing Facilities

Interior shot of grasses growing in a greenhouseThe North Greenhouse

The GPB (North) greenhouse offers 10,000 sq. ft. of climate-controlled greenhouse space, shared head house and laboratory work space, and walk-in cold room. This space is available for all varieties of plants, and has rooms especially equipped to accommodate plants with short-day photoperiods requirements such as Arabidopsis. The minimum temperature variation is a 4.5 C/ 8F differential between high and low setpoints. The greenhouses can have localized high temperatures beneath the HID lights, when the sun hits directly on the plants, or on unusually hot days.Each room is 1,000 sq. ft.

Interior shot of corn growing in a greenhouse with lights overheadThe South Greenhouse

The Oxford Research Unit (South Greenhouse) has 23,100 total sq. ft. of greenhouses, four lath houses, head house space, laboratory, office and storage space, and five growth chambers. Additional resources include a drying room and industrial pot washer. Mist bench space and dedicated mist rooms are also available as needed. Room sizes range from 110 to 1,300 sq. ft.

Exterior shot of a greenhouse at dusk with plants growing inside The Insectary Greenhouse

The Insectary greenhouse contains 4400 sq. ft. of greenhouse space, 2200 sq. ft. of lath house space, as well as shared headhouse facilities. This space was built especially to support insect biology research, however it is able to accommodate a variety of different needs. Each room is approximately 360 sq. ft.

Picture of rows of plants on a farm with houses in the background

The Oxford Field

Aproximately 1.25 acres of field space is available for planting. This lot is located adjacent to the North Greenhouse, just north of the main campus. In addition to working field space, the acreage is shared with the Urban Bee Garden and the Student Organic Garden (SOGA).

Shot of a section of a brown building with the words '1050 Ohlone' on itThe Gill Tract Research Field and Community Farm

Gill Tract is located at the intersection of Marin and San Pablo Avenues in Albany. As of December 2023, the field includes a brand new multi-use building (Agricultural Operations) that offers work and meeting space. Planting rows are available each season for UC affiliated research and education. Additionally, the lot is shared with the Gill Tract Community Farm, which provides community outreach and agricultural education.