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Kaleidoscopes were a favorite holiday gift for children many decades ago. They displayed a quickly and constantly changing series of brilliantly colored patterns. The metaphor describes California’s vernal pool landscapes.
Carol Witham will help us to explore the short-lived, weird-looking, fascinating fauna that evolved millions of years ago, and dazzling swaths of tens of thousands of tiny flowers that change from week to week through a two- to- three month “season”.
This tour of California vernal pools will answer questions such as “what makes a vernal pool” and “why are they found almost nowhere but California” plus explore vernal pools from throughout the state.
Carol Witham is a self-taught vernal pool ecologist and has been studying that ecosystem for over three decades. She is a private consultant specializing rare plants and animals of vernal pools plus their management. Carol is author of Field Guide to the Vernal Pools of Mather Field, Sacramento County and co-editor of Jepson Prairie Preserve Handbook, 3rd Edition. She is also very active in vernal pool conservation advocacy and education.
Carol is currently the treasurer for the Sacramento Valley Chapter and treasurer for the state board of directors of CNPS.
Photos courtesy of Carol Witham
Title of Talk: California’s Biodiversity from a Tribal Perspective- The Importance of Reciprocity and Stewardship September 9, 2026 at 7:00 PM The September Chapter Meeting will be in-person ONLY on Wednesday, September 9th beginning at 7 pm at the Shepard Garden and Arts Center at 3330 McKinley Blvd., Sacramento. Additional info about chapter meetings can
Wildflower Wonders 2026 Saturday, Sept 19th, 9:00-12:00. Wildlife Wonders, a celebration of biodiversity in our region. SacValley CNPS Nursery & Gardens 2140 Chase Drive, Rancho Cordova, 95670 on the American River Parkway at Soil Born Farms. Wildlife Wonders is a free, family-friendly event celebrating the biodiversity of our region. This event offers the community an opportunity
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