Jepson Prairie Preserve

The Jepson Prairie Preserve is home to a vernal pool habitat. Vernal pools form in places where an impermeable layer of clay prevents rainwater from percolating into the ground. Water collects in low areas and forms shallow seasonal pools which are completely dry during the summer. There are a variety of plants and animals which have evolved to thrive under these unique conditions. Although these habitats were once widespread in California's central valley, they have now become scarce. As a result a number of the species found in this habitat are listed under the Federal or state Endangered Species Act.

*Water sample containing aquatic invertebrates endemic to vernal pool habitats*

*Water sample containing aquatic invertebrates endemic to vernal pool habitats (close-up)*

Yellow Carpet, Blennosperma nanum — *Yellow Carpet, Blennosperma nanum*

Yarrow, Achillia millefolium — *Yarrow, Achillia millefolium*

Blow Wives, Achyrachaena mollis — *Blow Wives, Achyrachaena mollis*

Vernal Pool Popcornflower, Plagiobothrys stipitatus var. micranthus — *Vernal Pool Popcornflower, Plagiobothrys stipitatus var. micranthus*

Vernal Pool Goldfields, Lasthenia fremontii — *Vernal Pool Goldfields, Lasthenia fremontii*

Meadowfoam, Limnanthes douglasii ssp. rosea — *Meadowfoam, Limnanthes douglasii ssp. rosea*

Purple Needlegrass, Stipa (Nassella) pulchra — *Purple Needlegrass, Stipa (Nassella) pulchra*

Pacific Chorus Frog, Pseudacris regilla — *Pacific Chorus Frog, Pseudacris regilla*

Brass Buttons, Cotula coronopifolia — *Brass Buttons, Cotula coronopifolia*

Butter and Eggs, Triphysaria eriantha — *Butter and Eggs, Triphysaria eriantha*

California Golden Violets, Viola pedunculata — *California Golden Violets, Viola pedunculata*

Open Spaces, Plants, Places, Editor's PicksStephanie PennMarch 24, 2016Comment