Vernal pools are unique biological sanctuaries filled with diverse communities of vegetation, wildlife and microorganisms. While only a small proportion of California’s landscape, vernal pools play an imperative role in the conservation of natural landscapes. Visit Conservation of Vernal Pools website to explore the ecology, cultural history and management of vernal pools at the Sacramento River Bend in the Redding Field Office. (BLM CA Facebook)

Vernal pools are seasonal wetlands found within the grasslands, oak woodlands, and mixed conifer forests of California. These unique ecosystems fill with water during the winter and drastically transform into dried pond bottoms during the summer. 

Their unique cyclic hydrology creates habitat for a number of rare plant and wildlife species that have adapted to survive both wet and dry conditions. 

Additionally, the unique nature of vernal pools results in biological sanctuaries filled with diverse communities of vegetation, wildlife, and microorganisms. While only a small proportion of California’s landscape, vernal pools play an imperative role in the conservation of natural landscapes. 

Read more at Conservation of Vernal Pools website.