Category Archives: California

California’s Ancient Vernal Pools Remain a Vital Ecological Resource

Vernal pools are important natural resources, especially in California. Vernal pools are flooded depressions in areas of ancient volcanic mudflows, hardpan, and claypan, all of which retain water longer than their surrounding uplands (though they generally dry up as warm weather approaches). It’s not unusual for vernal pools to go through several fill-and-dry up cycles during a rainy season, which means only plants and animals that are specifically adapted to such cycles can survive in them.