Belly Botany and Vernal Pools

It is a fine morning in early May. The endless sky, the rustle of windblown grasses, and the sharp, clean scent of spring all serve to greet our senses as we begin our exploration of Jepson Prairie Reserve. Great Blue Herons stalk the shoreline while multitudes of ducks and other waterfowl patrol the greater expanse of open water. We observe and reflect, and yet we keep moving: we have a purpose.

The landscape- undulating patches of gold, white, green and brown- continues for as far as the eye can see. We break into groups. Some test the soil. Some identify and survey the flowers and native flora (“belly botany” for the subjects are very small!). Others study and document the invertebrate and vertebrate fauna that find refuge in both pools and plants. We are careful, thoughtful and observant. We need to remember that this is a fragile environment, seasonally ephemeral and surrounded by land that has been cultivated for over a hundred years. Yet no plow has ever touched the soil in the reserve. We ask, “What is our impact on this pristine environment?” “How can we best protect and preserve places such as Jepson Prairie for future generations, both human and non-human?” And so we come back to the questions that brought us here in the first place and we recognize that the answers are up to us.

Explore the Belly Botany and Vernal Pools Unit

Learning Objectives and Unit Map Diagram

Detailed Timeline and Credits

Description of Classroom Activities

Description of Field Activities

Field Site Information and Additional Resources

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