Vernal Pool Tours

  • Vernal Pool Tours
  • Vernal Pool Tours
  • Sacramento Splash - Helping children understand and value their natural world picture
  • Sacramento Splash - Helping children understand and value their natural world picture

Vernal Pool Tours

Each year trained docents provide tours of the Mather Field Vernal Pools during the peak flowering phase.  In 2012, tours will be offered on the following days and times:

Sunday, April 8th, 10:00 AM

Sunday, April 8th, 1:00 PM

Sunday, April 15th, 10:00 AM

Sunday, April 15th, 1:00 PM

Sunday, April 22th, 10:00 AM

Sunday, April 22th, 1:00 PM

Sunday, April 29, 10:00 AM

Sunday, April 29, 1:00 PM

All tours leave from the Splash Education Center and last two hours. (Visitors may leave early, if necessary.)  Sorry, dogs are not allowed in the areas we visit.

The suggested donation for adults is $5. For children (ages 6 -18) it is $2. Children under the age of 6 are free. 

We can accommodate individuals, families and groups of less than 18 people (adults + children).  Our typical tour format and fees are not designed to host large groups of children such as scouts, clubs and classes.  To make special arrangements for such groups, please contact us by phone or using the on-line reservation system.

Please make your reservation at least 48 hours in advance to allow us time to confirm it. Space in tours is not guaranteed unless you have a confirmed reservation. If there is space available when the tour is ready to leave, it may be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

You can make a reservation online or by calling (916) 364-2437.

After completing their first tour, most visitors understand why we recommend going out with a docent on your first visit to Mather Field. While the flowers will delight your eyes whether you visit alone or with a tour, the real magic of this landscape is best revealed by those who study its secrets and share its stories.

Many people return year after year to enjoy Mather Field, to take another tour or simply to enjoy the beauty and solitude offered by this natural open space. The pleasure of making these introductions is what keeps the Mather Field docents coming back each spring - to lead tours, to share this special place and to witness its impact on both new and returning visitors.

Make a Reservation for a Vernal Pool Tour

You can make a reservation for a public tour of the Mather Field Vernal Pools by filling out this simple form. The fee for adults is $5 and children (ages 6 - 18) are $2. Children under 6 are free.

Please make your reservation at least 48 hours in advance to allow us time to confirm it. Space in tours is not guaranteed until you receive confirmation.

Cancel/Modify a Vernal Pool Tour Reservation

There is often a waiting list for tours, so it is greatly appreciated when you can notify us of a change in your plans.  To cancel or modify an existing reservation for a vernal pool tour, please fill out and submit this form.

Directions to the Splash Education Center

4426 Excelsior Road
Mather, CA 95655

Phone: (916) 364-2437
Fax: (916) 364-1367

Please be advised: Splash does not maintain regular business hours.  If you'd like to visit, please join us for an upcoming event .

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Sacramento Splash - Helping children understand and value their natural world picture
Best field trip I've found

Most field trips are either fun or educational. Rarely do you find a field trip where it is both. This is truly the best field trip I’ve found since teaching 5th grade for the past 8 years.

– DeAnn Edwards, 5th grade teacher, Barbara Comstock Morse Elementary