Jepson Prairie Tours Begin March 10

Come explore Solano Land Trust's Jepson Prairie Preserve – one of California’s best remaining examples of a vernal pool ecosystem and native grassland prairie.  Knowledgeable Jepson Prairie docents will lead guided tours on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to noon, starting Saturday, March 10.  In past years these tours have been offered throughout the spring, but this year the tour season may only last a few weeks given how dry the winter has been.

Usually the prairie is transformed by winter rains into fields of stunning wildflowers, and vernal pools hosting a rich diversity of rare aquatic life.

However, this year’s very low rainfall presents serious challenges to the aquatic invertebrates and tiny plants of Jepson Prairie.  How many aquatic invertebrates will mature and wildflowers will bloom remains to be seen.  Explore how they are responding to this challenge on an easy, meandering walk in a portion of the Preserve only accessible with a Jepson Prairie docent.  All docents are highly trained and many have been studying Jepson Prairie for decades, so they’ll have interesting insights to share about how this year compares to years past.

Visitors should bring protection from sun and wind – it is often windy at Jepson Prairie.  They should also be prepared for the chance of fog, rain and wet trails. Water is a must since there is no drinking water onsite. The Jepson Prairie Preserve is located at the intersection of Highway 113 and Cook Lane, 10 miles south of Dixon. Parking is along the road near the eucalyptus trees. 

Since its founding in 1986, Solano Land Trust has permanently protected over 20,000 acres of working farms and natural areas in Solano County.  Learn more, see a full list of outdoor adventures, and become a member at www.solanolandtrust.org.

What: Docent-led tours of the Jepson Prairie Preserve

Who: Solano Land Trust & Jepson Prairie Docents

When: Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to noon, beginning Saturday, March 10.  This year the tour season may only last a few weeks.

Where: Jepson Prairie Preserve, Intersection of Highway 113 and Cook Lane, ten miles south of Dixon

Why: Explore how the wildflowers and aquatic invertebrates of Jepson Prairie are responding to this year’s lack of rain

Cost: Donation suggested but not required: $5/adult

RSVP:  None