Ecol-1 Presentation – Vernal Pools of California – Their Ecology and Conservation
By: M.T. Westfield
Introduction:
What are vernal pools and how are they different from marshes
Where do they occur?
Geology and Soils and soil chemistry of vernal pool habitats
Vernal Pools in various conditions: Great Central Valley, volcanic areas,
Terrace pools and the mysterious mima mounds
The Ecology of Vernal Pools in California
Special adaptations of vernal pool residents
The concept of Ecological Islands - Endemic species of vernal pools
Unique Plant Species
Animal Species
Vernal Pool Conservation Issues
Vernal Pools and Biodiversity
Loss of Vernal Pools in California
Grazing – both as a management tool and its negative impacts on vernal pools
Impacts of fire
Preservation Efforts
Federal Law: endangered species act and its importance to preservation of
vernal pools
State Jurisdiction:
Agencies involved – state agencies, private and volunteer agencies and
jurisdictions
Preliminary References:
Web Sites accessed:
http://www.vernalpools.org/. information and links on basic to advanced information.
Accessed 2/21/10
http://www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov/features/projects/cwap/wetlands.html. USDA, map.
Accessed 2/15/10
http://www.cnps.org/links/wetland_links.htm CNPS. – series of links, other information.
Accessed 2/17/10
Journals and Books:
Silveria, Joseph G. Pages 92-106. ‘Avian Uses of Vernal Pools and Implications
for Conservation Practice’ in: C.W. Witham, E.T. Bauder, D. Belk, W.R.
Ferren Jr., and R. Ornduff (Editors). Ecology, Conservation, and
Management of Vernal Pool Ecosystems – Proceedings from a 1996
Conference. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, CA. 1998.
Fremontia Vol 27 no 4 and Vol 28 no 1 January 2000
Zedler PH.2003. Vernal pools and the concept of ‘Isolated Wetlands’. Wetlands:
23:597–607
Ebert, TA; Balko, ML. 1987. Temporary pools as islands in space and in time:
The biota of vernal pools in San Diego, Southern California, USA. Archiv
fur Hydrobiologie. 110:101-123.