Every spring I take students in my General Ecology class to California’s vernal pools.  Vernal pools are one of California’s most unique ecosystems and they also put on of its most spectacular flower displays.

The vernal pools at Mather Field are a favorite and offer a chance for students to explore this beautiful yet threatened ecosystem and learn about its ecology.

This year, despite the drought, the pools still showed off their vibrant rings of flowers.  We saw meadowfoam, tidy-tips , Downingia, Navarretia, and more.  These and other species flower in rings around the pools as they dry.

We also got a chance to see some wildlife as well, including native pollinators, several Pacific chorus frogs and a garter snake.  Though none of the native shrimp species endemic to vernal pools were showing themselves that day, we did see several other invertebrates that occupy the pools.

All in all, a great day!

Tuesday morning lab

Tuesday afternoon lab

One photogenic snake!

A garter snake, with tongue!

Share!

• 
•