Stebbins (Robert C.) papers, 1942-2003

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Summary

Title:
Robert C. Stebbins papers
Dates:
1942-2003
Creators:
Stebbins, Robert C. (Robert Cyril), 1915-
Abstract:
Extent:
14 cubic feet
Language:
Preferred citation:

Robert C. Stebbins papers. UC Berkeley, Museum of Vertebrate Zoology

Background

Scope and content:

The extensive Robert C. Stebbins papers collection consists of field notes, field books, correspondence, photographs, theses and doctoral dissertation papers, study data and reports, valuable research notes, original maps, publication manuscripts, the manuscript and papers for the Peterson Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians, unpublished papers, conference papers, as well as grant and contract records. The collection also contains many bound volumes of field notes from Stebbins' long career, spanning the second half of the 20th century and locations all over the globe. However, a large body of the field notes focuses on work done in California. The Stebbins papers also contain extensive alphabetized correspondence from throughout his career, some of which includes photographs. Additionally the collection also contains Stebbins' EBMUD papers and documentation concerning work done in the East Bay Regional Parks of California from the 1980s-1990s, including: correspondence with EBRP, biological survey maps, Management Programs, Master Plans, and study proposals. Notably, this collection also contains a large amount of artwork (mainly prints and paintings) from Stebbins' career as an accomplished artist; many of his notes and papers contain original sketches. The majority of the Stebbins collection concerns work done in the Western United States with reptiles and amphibians and this collection contains the original papers and manuscripts for Stebbins' most well-known work, the Peterson Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians, now in its Third Edition, including the color swatches for the artwork he did for the guide from 2003. The collection ranges between the dates 1942 and 2003, with some of his data dating back to 1898. The collection is 14 cubic feet.

Biographical / historical:

Stebbins came to the MVZ in 1945, and became Curator of Herpetology in 1948; he retired as Emeritus Professor in 1978. He is the author of more than a dozen books on herps, the best known being the Peterson Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians, now in its Third Edition. He is currently working on a book on teaching science and ecology in grade schools. His extensive work on reptiles in the southern California desert led to his working with state and federal officials for the creation of the Mojave Scenic Preserve, which in 1994 became the Mojave National Preserve. In an effort to protect the desert tortoise, he has worked hard to limit the destructive impacts of off-road vehicles in the desert. Stebbins is an accomplished artist, having drawn and painted all of the illustrations for his Field Guide. After retirement he expanded his subject to include landscapes; his paintings and prints are prized by collectors. References "MVZ Biographies." Museum of Vertebrate Zoology at Berkeley. 17 July 2013. http://mvz.berkeley.edu/Biographies.html.

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid created by UC Berkeley, Museum of Vertebrate Zoology staff.
Date Prepared:
1942-2003
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on April 17, 2025, 11:28 a.m.

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

Copyright restrictions may apply. All requests to publish, quote, or reproduce must be submitted to the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology Archives in writing for approval. Please contact the Museum Archivist for further information.

Preferred citation:

Robert C. Stebbins papers. UC Berkeley, Museum of Vertebrate Zoology

Location of this collection:
3101 Valley Life Sciences Bldg, #3160
University of California Berkeley
Berkeley, CA 94720-3160, US
Contact:
(510) 642-3567
mvzarchives@berkeley.EDU
Website