The Faces of Science

Carol Witham, Botanist

Carol W. Witham is a recognized expert in vernal pools. She is self-educated in botany and vernal pool ecology. Her personal studies began with a general curiosity about the plants found in vernal pools. Eventually, through reading, exploring, and working with other experts, she learned a little about nearly every field of study related to vernal pools.

Christopher Rogers, Invertebrate Zoologist

Christopher Rogers is an Invertebrate Zoologist, which is a scientist who studies animals without backbones. Specifically, he studies the invertebrates that live in vernal pools. Mostly, he studies the fairy shrimp, tadpole shrimp and clam shrimp.

Bill Corbett, Master Falconer

Bill Corbett is a master falconer who occasionally visits the Splash Center with a variety of raptor species from huge eagles to cute, little owls.
Sacramento Splash - Helping children understand and value their natural world picture
What's in a name?

For Splash students, a "Tadpole Shrimp" is an endangered species that lives in vernal pools. For rice farmers, a "Tadpole Shrimp" is a common pest that destroys their rice fields. A rice farmer would think you were crazy wanting to save "Tadpole Shrimp" from extinction!

With scientific names, there's no room for confusion: the rice pest is Triops longicaudatus and the endangered species is Lepidurus packardi. Even a scientists who speak different languages can understand one another when they all use the Latin name!

Learn more about tadpole shrimp!
What is this Insect?

Find out!