During the wet phase, the Mather Field Vernal Pools host dozens of species of aquatic invertebrates. Bigger critters who eat them come to the pools to dine: frogs, snakes, shore birds, wading birds, and more. If you want to meet them, along with their famous pool mates the Fairy Shrimp and Tadpole Shrimp, join us for a Critter Walk on:
Sunday, March 3, 10:00 AM – SOLD OUT
Sunday, March 3, 1:00 PM – SOLD OUT
Sunday, March 17, 10:00 AM – SOLD OUT
Sunday, March 17, 1:00 PM – SOLD OUT
Vernal Pool Flower Walks
As the spring sun warms the earth and the pools evaporate, the wet phase gives way to the flower phase. During the month of April, flowers bloom in an ever-changing abundance of colorful rings and patches. Each pool has its own assortment of flowers depending upon the soil, hydrology and many factors we don’t yet understand. Come explore the blooming vernal pools with us!
Sunday, April 14, 10:00 AM – SOLD OUT
Sunday, April 14, 1:00 PM – SOLD OUT
Sunday, April 28, 10:00 AM – SOLD OUT
Sunday, April 28, 1:00 PM – SOLD OUT
NOTE: Vernal Pool Walks sell out quickly. If you attempt to register on Eventbrite but there are no tickets left, please join the waiting list. We will fill cancellations on a first-come, first-served basis.
Splash is pulling together teams of scientists and students of the natural world (both young and old!) to help restore the vernal pool prairie at Mather. Teams will remove invasive weeds, monitor habitat, and identify the best means to restore and manage the vernal pool prairie over time. Volunteers will be guided by experienced scientists and mentors, so this is a great chance to learn more about this threatened ecosystem.
