Wondrous Wildflowers & Amazing Aquatic Critters at Jepson Prairie
Courtesy of Solano Land Trust
Thanks to recent rains, Jepson Prairie’s wildflowers and aquatic invertebrates are emerging. Come explore this preserve – one of California’s best remaining examples of a vernal pool ecosystem and native grassland prairie. Docents are leading guided tours on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to noon through the month of April, and likely until Mother’s Day on May 13, 2012. If you can't make the Solano Land Trust tours, enjoy a self-guided nature hike of Jepson Prairie.
The very low rainfall through February presented serious challenges to the aquatic invertebrates and tiny plants of Jepson Prairie, but the recent rain has much improved their prospects. Docent Kate Mawdsley explains, “We're excited to see how the invertebrates and plants do with this unusual pattern. They now seem to be coming along”.
Explore how the tiny plants and aquatic invertebrate are responding to this year’s weather on an easy, meand ering walk in a portion of the Preserve only accessible with a Jepson Prairie docent. All docents are highly trained and many have been studying Jepson Prairie for decades, so they’ll have interesting insights to share about how this year compares to years past.
Visitors should bring protection from sun and wind – it is often windy at Jepson Prairie. They should also be prepared for the chance of fog, rain and wet trails. Water is a must since there is no drinking water onsite. The Jepson Prairie Preserve is located at the intersection of Highway 113 and Cook Lane, 13 miles south of Dixon. Go straight at flashing light onto Cook Lane, gravel road. Parking is along the road near the eucalyptus trees. Steady or medium to heavy rain cancels.
Since its founding in 1986, Solano Land Trust has permanently protected more than 20,000 acres of working farms and natural areas in Solano County. Learn more, see a full list of outdoor adventures, and become a member at www.SolanoLandTrust.org.
What: Docent-led tours of the Jepson Prairie Preserve
Who: Solano Land Trust & Jepson Prairie Docents
When: Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to noon, through the month of April and likely until Mother’s Day (May 13, 2012).
Where: Jepson Prairie Preserve, Intersection of Highway 113 and Cook Lane, 13 miles south of Dixon. Go straight at flashing light onto Cook Lane, gravel road.
Why: See the wondrous wildflowers and amazing aquatic invertebrates of Jepson Prairie.
Cost: Donation suggested but not required.
RSVP: None
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