Vernal Pools
|
Vernal means spring. Vernal pools are shallow, seasonal pools that are found on top of the Plateau’s remnant lava flows. Called “mesas,” these elevated, flat topped areas support some of the rarest plant and animal species in the region - California Orcutt grass, San Diego button-celery, thread-leaf brodiaea, and fairy shrimp. During the winter and spring months, these seasonal pools harbor green-winged teals, Canadian geese, grebes, gulls, greater yellowlegs, whimbrels, least sandpipers, and long-billed dowitchers, among many others. As the water recedes in spring, brightly-colored wildflowers such as yellow goldfields and purple downingia circle the banks of the receding pools with bright color. |