Vernal Pool Guided Tours

Sacramento Splash offers four guided tours of the Mather Field Vernal Pools every spring.

Vernal pools have three distinct phases: the wet phase (November through March), the flowering phase (April through May), and the dry phase (June through October).

"Critter Walk" Wet Phase Tours - March 8 & 22

During the wet phase, the Mather Field Vernal Pools host dozens of species of aquatic invertebrates: frogs, snakes, shore birds, wading birds, shrimp, and more.

"Flower Walk" Flowering Phase Tours - April 12 & May 3

As the Spring sun warms the earth and the pools evaporate, 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.

Important Tour Guidelines

• Tours last about two hours and are led mostly by volunteer docents.
• Tickets are required and can be purchased through Ticket Tailor.
• If you are making reservations for a group, you are responsible for ensuring all participants have the information they need and for updating Splash if anyone is dropping from the group.
• All tours run rain or shine. You will be walking over uneven ground in direct sun or possibly rain. Please come prepared with sturdy walking shoes, long pants, rain gear, and/or sunscreen & sun hats.
• We will invite people from the waiting list as we receive cancellations.
• If any member of your party requires special accommodations, please contact us.
• We always welcome donations in support of our environmental science programs for local school children

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