Discover the Flyway
Vernal Pool-based Field Trips
Free Vernal Pool-based Field Trip for K-12 Students
Yolo Basin Foundation is excited to partner with Yolo County to offer this no-cost program supported by a California Department of Parks and Recreation grant. These field trips showcase a rare type of wetlands, vernal pools, at Grasslands Regional Park which is located just south of Davis.
All dates are currently booked. Dates will be added as they become available.
Logistics
This free Discover the Flyway Vernal Pool-based Field Trip starts at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Headquarters. Students participate in Critter Caper, a vernal pool specific activity, as well as two or three additional wetland themed science activities (see options below). All activities are hands-on, interactive, and inquiry based.
The morning activities are followed by a 20 – 30 minute break for lunch (not provided) at the Demonstration Area. After lunch, the students load up in their bus or chaperoned cars and caravan to the nearby vernal pools of Grasslands Regional Park for a time of discovery before returning to school.
- When: Vernal Pool-based Field Trips are offered on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from March through April.
- Chaperones: minimum of one adult chaperone for each station
- Time: Field trips require a minimum of three and a half hours (3 total activities) or four hours (4 total activities), and a maximum of 4.5 hours.
- Cost: Free! Supported through a partnership with Yolo County and funded by a California Department of Parks and Recreation grant.
- Number of studentss: minimum 15; maximum of 40.
Field Trip Options
15 to 30 students
In addition to the vernal pool-based activity, Critter Caper, select 2 or 3 more activities:
- Minimum time required for 3 activities: 3.5 hours
- Minimum time required for 4 activities: 4 hours
- Maximum field trip time: 4.5 hours
30 to 40 students
In addition to the vernal pool-based activity, Critter Caper, Select 3 more activities:
- Minimum time required for 4 activities: 4 hours
- Maximum field trip time: 4.5 hours
Activity Options and Suggested Grade Levels
Critter Caper (1st – 12th) – all vernal pool-based field trips will include this activity!
Fantastic Flying Mammals (3rd - 12th grade)
Salmon Senses (2nd – 6th)
Tracks, Scat and Signs (1st – 6th)
Feathered Friends (K – 2nd)
How do I Compare to an Egret? (K – 1st)
Migration Madness (3rd – 6th)
Owl Pellets (4th – 12th)
What Can I Eat with this Beak? (3rd – 6th)
Leaf I.D. (K – 2nd)
Wetland Plant I.D. (3rd – 12th)
Sinking into Soil (K – 1st)
The Great Percolation Race (2nd – 12th)
Water Quality Testing (5th – 12th)
Wetland Pond Study (K – 12th)
Critter Caper (K – 3rd)
Pollution Solutions (4th – 8th)
Un-Nature Trail (K – 2nd)
Perch Protectors (3rd - 12th grade)
Read before registering
Before making a reservation request for a Discover the Flyway school program, please read the Discover the Flyway Program Terms and Conditions.
Reservations are available online only. First come, first served.
Teachers are required to attend a one-time Teacher Workshop before bringing students to a Discover the Flyway Field Trip. If you have never attended a Teacher Workshop and would like to bring your class on a field trip, please register now.
Click here to learn more and to register for a Teacher Workshop.
Volunteer
If you have a passion for conservation, an enthusiasm for sharing this with kindergarten through 12th grade students, and a desire to learn more about local wetlands, then become a docent with Discover the Flyway!
Introduce your students to the wonders of local wetlands.
Sign up for a Discover the Flyway Vernal Pool-based Field Trips today!