Flower Phase Walk

  • Flower Phase Walk
  • Flower Phase Walk
  • Flower Phase Walk
  • Flower Phase Walk

When a class visits towards the end of March or in April, the students will go on the flower phase walk and see Mather’s vernal pools in their colorful glory! On the walk, the students try to find their flowers, as well as other items on a scavenger hunt card.

Each student is given a 10x magnifying loupe so they can more closely investigate the tiny parts of a flower and understand how flowers enable a plant to make seeds and reproduce. Students discover a multitude of insects visiting the flowers and learn more about the important relationships between vernal pool plants and the special insect species that pollinate them.

Since it’s usually warmer during the flower phase, students often see a snake or some frogs as they walk around the vernal pools! The flower phase walk is a fun and exciting way for students to appreciate and understand the complexities of this unique ecosystem.

Sacramento Splash - Helping children understand and value their natural world picture
Meet 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. He has travelled all over the world looking for new species in new places.

Find out more about Christopher's fascinating job...
Sacramento Splash - Helping children understand and value their natural world picture
Patient, little bees

Solitary Bees generally only collect pollen and nectar from a single species of plant (or from a few closely-related plants). Researchers have discovered that vernal pool Solitary Bees can hibernate underground for up to four years, waiting for the 2-3 weeks when their host plant is in bloom.

Learn more about these native California bees...