For many years, the Lytle Preserve was an operating ranch and farm, raising cattle as well as various crop plants ranging from stone fruits and apples to alfalfa and melons. Today, in keeping with the original nature of the preserve, limited amounts of fruits and alfalfa are still produced. However, in keeping with the Lytle’s mission statement the preserve is now home to several active, long term, externally funded research projects. In this section of the Lytle webpage you can learn about the projects now using the Lytle as a research base. The unique biological, topographical, and ecological attributes of the preserve combine to create an oasis in the desert ideally suited to asking important ecological questions. Take a look!