The vernal pools of California are a special type of seasonal wetland that
support unique floras found nowhere else in the world. These wetlands are defined by
the suites of native plant species that comprise the ecological communities, which vary
depending on the substrate – the water-restricting layers in the ground that prevent
percolation and the soil types – as well as on geographic location and local climate.
Our talk will explore how these factors interplay to result in the beauty, uniqueness,
and intricacies that make vernal pools so fascinating to see and study. We’ll also discuss
variations in our regional vernal pools, the plants and animals that inhabit them, and
how you can visit them, including our upcoming field trip tour lead by docent and ex-
cellent photographer Charlie Russell at Jepson Prairie Preserve on Tuesday, April 21st.
Virginia (Ginna) Meyer is our chapter Field Trip Coordinator and studied vernal pools
for her dissertation in the Ecology Graduate Program at UC Davis with Dr. Michael
Barbour.

In person program at Cameron Park Community Services District, 2502
Country Club Drive, Cameron Park, CA 95682.