During the Great Depression Boyd was able to delve into real estate, buying ranch lands in the area of Deep Canyon.

[4] In 1953 Boyd, who was on the board of trustees for the Palm Springs Art Museum, leased property for a nature reserve now part of the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens.

Clark Kerr (then the President of the University) and Herman Spieth (the chancellor of the Riverside campus) commented that the reservation would allow ongoing research to continue in ecosystems threatened by urban sprawl.

As a member of California's State Public Works Boards Boyd participated in the logistical process of establishing the UCR campus.

[4] Boyd resigned his position as regent April 1, 1970 after new laws changed the financial disclosure requirements for state officials.