DIXON, CA: Vernal pool season is back! Join Solano Land Trust and the docents of Jepson Prairie Preserve for the celebrated Wildflower and Critter Walks. Every Saturday and Sunday, March 14th through May 10th, certified “dipper” docents will display the crustaceans and salamanders that inhabit the vast temporary pools that form above the claypan. Docents will then tour visitors through the millions of colorful wildflowers that grow over the uplands of the property. Located at 4845 Cook Lane in Dixon, Jepson Prairie Preserve and its adjacent properties compose one of California’s best and largest remaining protections of vernal pool and native bunchgrass prairie ecosystems. More than ten endangered species live on the land, and the Delta green ground beetle, Conservancy fairy shrimp, and Solano grass are rarely found outside the property. The pools also attract migratory birds such as stilts, avocets, and snow geese.
One docent-led tour per day goes out, beginning at 10:00 a.m. and ending around noon. The property is also open for self-guided tours from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. but docents give much more depth and can access parts of the property closed to the public. Trails are very wet and waterproof footwear is encouraged. It’s also often windy, so layering is recommended. For more information visit solanolandtrust.org/events-news. For groups of five or more, please RSVP to info@jepsonprairiedocents.org. A minimum $5 donation is encouraged to attend this tour. The Jepson Prairie Preserve Handbook is available for purchase onsite.
