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.

 Registration for the 2025-26 School Year Opens Soon 

Discover the Flyway Vernal Pool-based Field Trips

This free Discover the Flyway Vernal Pool-based Field Trip starts at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Headquarters Demonstration Wetlands. Students participate in Critter Caper or Pollution Solutions, vernal pool specific activities, 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 25 minute break for lunch (not provided) in 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.

Activities

If you have 15 to 30 students, in addition to a vernal pool-based activity, Critter Caper or Pollution Solutions, 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

If you have 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

Vernal Pool-based Activity – all vernal pool-based field trips will include one of these!
Critter Caper (1st – 3rd)
Pollution Solutions (4th – 12)

Animals
Fantastic Flying Mammals (2nd – 6th)
Perch Protectors (3rd – 12th)
Salmon Senses (2nd – 12th)
Tracks, Scat and Signs (1st – 12th)

Birds
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)

Plants
Leaf Identification (K – 2nd)
Wetland Plant ID (3rd – 12th)

Soil
Sinking into Soil (K – 1st)
The Great Percolation Race (2nd – 12th)

Water
Water Quality Testing (6th – 12th)
Wetland Pond Study (K – 12th)

Land Stewardship
Un-Nature Trail (K – 2nd)

Field Trips Details

• Vernal Pool-based Field Trips are offered on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from April 1 to April 30.
• 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.
• Number of students: minimum 15; maximum of 40.
• Chaperones: minimum of one adult chaperone for each station selected.
• Cost: Free! Supported through a partnership with Yolo County and funded by a California Department of Parks and Recreation grant.
• All participants are required to wear a well fitted mask that covers their nose and mouth during Discover the Flyway Vernal Pool-based Field Trips.

Terms and Conditions

Click Here to read the program Terms and Conditions before reserving a program date.

Photos courtesy of Heidi Satter, Charlie Russell and Chris Alford