Santa Susana Field Laboratory - Brandeis, California

Overview of Santa Susana Field Laboratory

Santa Susana Field Laboratory (SSFL), located at Bravo Rd, Brandeis, CA 93064, is a site of significant historical and environmental interest. Despite its transition from an active research facility to a site undergoing decommissioning, it continues to attract attention for its rich history and ongoing environmental management efforts. The laboratory's primary specialty lies in its historical role as a research foundation.

Location and Accessibility

SSFL is conveniently situated near Brandeis, offering wheelchair accessibility to both its entrance and parking lot. This inclusivity ensures that a wider audience can visit and learn about this critical piece of environmental science history. For those planning to visit, it's important to note that the site is secured with armed guards at the gatehouse, and entry is restricted unless you have pre-registration for an educational program. This adds an element of exclusivity and ensures that only interested and authorized individuals can participate in its restoration and educational activities.

Facilities and Interest Points

The site boasts a wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot, making it easier for visitors with mobility issues to engage with the facility. Among the points of interest, visitors can expect educational programs that focus on native flora and fauna, including guided hikes and talks led by knowledgeable staff. These programs offer a unique opportunity to explore a variety of native plants, encounter local wildlife such as dear, reptiles, insects, and birds, all while learning about the site's transformation and future.

Reviews and Opinions

The laboratory has garnered a decent number of reviews on Google My Business, totaling 100. However, the average opinion is slightly below average with a rating of 2.1 out of 5. This suggests that while the site has potential and educational value, there may be areas for improvement in terms of visitor experience or facility conditions. Despite this, the variety of experiences reported, from educational hikes to encounters with local wildlife, indicates that many visitors find the site engaging and informative, albeit with certain limitations.

Recommendation

For those interested in exploring the history and environmental significance of SSFL, or for those looking to contribute to its educational programs, it's highly recommended to visit through their official website: dtsc.ca.gov. Here, you can find detailed information on upcoming programs, application processes, and safety guidelines. The site's commitment to environmental restoration and education makes it a unique destination for science enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

👍 Reviews of Santa Susana Field Laboratory

Gary S.

4/5

Open for hikes with special permission as part of the educational program for the Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park education program. No longer an active research site the buildings are being gradually removed and it is being returned to the wild. Armed guards at the gate house will prevent you from entering unless you are pre registered for an educational program. I went on a native plant talk and walk where we saw a large variety of native plants, dear, reptiles, bugs and birds.

ARITINA

1/5

Went there 12/11, to Sage Park next door, but drove inside the SSFL a tiny bit coz gates were open and I needed to make a u turn, then spoke to a guy there who said they reopened the labs after covid and now Boeing and NASA are working on a project together! God help us all who live within a 7 mile area to that nuclear ☢️ mess coz they still haven’t cleaned shait after the 1959 meltdown!🥺

Jack S.

1/5

I got lost driving around Simi Valley when my phone died. I started going south and stumbled upon the gates to this lab. All of a sudden my phone charged up to 100%!

Thomas B.

1/5

Major contamination with decades of delays by the polluters.

Meyer 7.

5/5

A wonderful little area for a picnic and Saturday afternoon stroll.
Highly recommend

Nancy R. B.

1/5

In July 1959, while a reactor was being tested at the Santa Susan Field Laboratory, a partial nuclear meltdown occurred. Since then the contaminated runoff is feared to have been linked to cancers in the vicinity. Sixty-five years later, the site is still awaiting full clean-up.

Charlotte L.

1/5

Watch the movie, "In the Dark of the Valley." A disgrace that our govt has not forced the cleanup. The responsible corporations should be shut down if they are not going to abide by their agreement to clean up to "background."

Zoë J.

1/5

I’ve lost too many friends to cancer for it to be a coincidence. Also my dad, my sister has had two bouts with cancer, living in the valley from 1963 until 8 years ago has had many negative health effects. We lived and played in the exact areas of Rocketdyne on Canoga.
We need to file a class action suit against them.