Learn about nature’s most fascinating phenomena!
Photo by Beth Savidge
Explore these seasonal wetland habitats with Yolo Basin Foundation staff and volunteers safely through a small group experience. Learn about the natural history of vernal pools, how they are restored, and get a close up view of the creatures and colorful wildflowers that are unique to vernal pool ecosystems. These limited and restricted access areas of the park are protected due to the multiple plant and animal species present that have endangered or threatened status.
The vernal pool tours at Grasslands Regional Park are made possible through a partnership with Yolo County and funded by California State Parks and Recreation Habitat Conservation Fund.
Tours are limited to 35 people.
Register for your free tour to save your spot today!
Vernal Pools Public Tour Dates
Saturday, April 6
10 AM – 11:30 AM
Saturday, April 13
10 AM – 11:30 AM
Saturday, May 4
10 AM – 11:30 AM
Sunday, May 5
10 AM – 11:30 AM
Interested in volunteering?
Are you passionate about nature and eager to share your enthusiasm with others? Do you want to become a knowledgeable ambassador for this natural phenomena? If so, we invite you to join our vernal pools tour volunteer team! Learn more about these seasonal wetland habitats with Yolo Basin Foundation staff and volunteers. These limited and restricted access areas of the park are protected due to the multiple plant and animal species present that have endangered or threatened status. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to become a vernal pools tour guide and inspire others to appreciate and protect these unique ecosystems! Join us in making a positive impact on our environment and community.
If you have any questions about volunteering or would like to sign up for our training, you can send an email to volunteer@yolobasin.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my pet?
Although we love furry friends, dogs, cats, and other pets are not allowed on the Grasslands Regional Park Vernal Pools Tour.
What should I wear/bring?
For warm weather, bring a hat and sunscreen. For cold weather, dress in layers. For all trips bring water, jackets (it can get windy), binoculars for spotting birds, and comfortable walking shoes or boots.
Where do we meet?
From Davis:
Take F Street to Richards Blvd. Take Hwy. 80 West and Exit 71 to Old Davis Rd. Travel South. Slight right to stay on Old Davis Rd. Left onto Tremont Rd. Enter the parking lot at Tremont and Mace Blvd.
From Woodland:
Take Hwy. 113 South to Hwy. 80 West. Exit 69 for Kidwell Rd. Turn Left onto Kidwell Rd. Kidwell turns right and becomes Sparling Ln. Turn left onto Tremont. Enter the parking lot at Tremont and Mace Blvd.
From Sacramento:
Take Hwy. 80 West to Exit 75 Mace Blvd. Turn left onto Mace Blvd. Turn left onto Tremont. Enter the parking lot at Tremont and Mace.
Cancellations
Our tours run rain or shine with the exception of inclement weather, poor road conditions, and flooding. Typically, if on the day of the tour temperatures exceed 100°F, sustained wind speed is greater than 35 mph, or during periods of heavy rains and flooding, the tour will be canceled. Please monitor your email address that you used to sign up if inclement weather is forecasted for the weekend. We will email you of cancellation notice no later than 24 hours prior to your tour.