Vernal Pools What? How? Where? Why?

What is a vernal pool? Vernal is derived from the Latin word for spring A vernal pool is a seasonal pool that is present in the spring and dries up in late spring or summer FebruaryMarchJuneNovember

How and where? Remnants of lava plateau along Hwy 15 corridor Surrounding softer geology erodes leaving mesas –Dense; less porous Examples: –Mira Mesa –Miramar –Santa Rosa Plateau

Why are vernal pools important? Sustainability of an unique ecosystem Fairy Shrimp –Within days, dormant embryos (that can be up to many centuries old) develop into adults Copepods, Daphnia, other crustaceans, and flatworms Insects & insect larvae Aquatic snails Tadpoles, Frogs, toads Snakes Birds

Why don’t we see more of these? Most vernal pools are gone –Less than 10% remain in Southern California Human impact –Development –Pollution …but with a bit of education, protection, and restoration

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