Vernal Pool Critter Walks in Mather 2024

During the wet phase, the Mather Field Vernal Pools in the Illa M. Collin Preserve host dozens of species of aquatic invertebrates. Half of them have not even been named yet! Watching and wondering about them draws us deeper into their ancient, mysterious world. Bigger critters who eat them come to the pools to dine: frogs, snakes, shore birds, wading birds, and more. If you want to meet them, along with their famous pool mates the Fairy Shrimp and Tadpole Shrimp, join us for a Critter Walk on:

• Sunday, March 3, 10:00 AM
• Sunday, March 3, 1:00 PM
• Sunday, March 24, 10:00 AM
• Sunday, March 24, 1:00 PM

*General Admission (age 16+) $12.50 / Youth (age 6-15) $6.50 / No fee for children ages 5 & under.

NOTE: Vernal Pool Walks do sell out quickly. If your desired tour selection is sold out, please join the waitlist through Ticket Tailor. We will fill cancellations on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, we have "Flower Walks" in April and sometimes early May that may have openings. Signups for those begin in late February or early March.

ABOUT OUR WALKS:

• You will meet first at the Splash Education Center. 4426 Excelsior Road, Mather, CA.
• Tours last about two hours and are led by either volunteer docents or Splash staff.
• You will have time to visit the Splash Center before/after the walking part of your tour. Restrooms & water will be available inside the center. Note, there are no facilities available once you are out in the field.
• These tours are intended for individuals and families. These tours are NOT SUITED FOR ORGANIZED GROUPS. If you are a scout troop, photography club, Nature Bowl team, etc., please inquire about setting up an extracurricular program.
• All tours run rain or shine.
• You will be walking over uneven ground in direct sun or possibly rain. Please come prepared with sturdy walking shoes, long pants, rain gear, and/or sunscreen & sun hats.
• If any member of your party requires special accommodations, please contact us.
• If you cannot attend after buying tickets, please free up your space for someone on the waitlist by canceling your reservation through Ticket Tailor. Refunds will be issued up to 7 days prior to the event.

If you have any question, please contact us using the "Contact the event organizer" button provided or by calling us at 916-364-2437 and select option 4 for Public Tours.