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Did you know that February 2nd is World Wetland Day? Yes! This day is celebrated around the world as a United Nations International Day of Importance. The day is selected to honor the anniversary of the Ramsar Convention where there was an international conference on the many benefits of wetlands. The overall goal is to raise awareness of the significance of wetlands.
Speaking of wetlands, did you know that vernal pools are one form of wetland and are found in various locations on the Randall Preserve? With the heavy rains we had in January, the vernal pools are again present on the Preserve—one of my favorite features of the landscape. Below is a 2011 photo of a vernal pool on the property.
If you want to see a vernal pool, I would encourage you to visit nearby Fairview Park in Costa Mesa, where a slightly smaller, but equally important vernal pool complex exists. Thanks to the important conservation work of the Fairview Park Alliance (FVPA) and others, these vernal pools are in the process of being restored and protected.
Please protect these special wetlands by giving them plenty of space. They can be hard to detect, and often look like muddy depressions in the grass and/or dirt. In a few weeks, the fairy shrimp will hatch, and go through a reproductive cycle which will result in eggs that settle in the mud of the drying pool. There, the eggs will sit, for years, until the next rainy winter.
Vernal pools are just one of the special features of the Randall Preserve. As always, thank you for your ongoing support!
Sincerely,
Terry Welsh, M.D.
President
P.S. A big thank you to all the volunteers joined us at our first monthly Beach & Santa Ana River Mouth Cleanup! We are building our volunteer base so that when the time is right, our volunteers are ready to assist where needed on the Randall Preserve. More info for volunteer opportunities in the articles below.
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