Free Vernal Pool-based Field Trip for K-12 Students
Yolo Basin Foundation is excited to partner with Yolo County to offer this no-cost program supported by a California Department of Parks and Recreation grant. These field trips showcase a rare type of wetlands, vernal pools, at Grasslands Regional Park which is located just south of Davis.
Reservations for the 2022-23 school year are open
Click here to register your class for a
2022-23 Discover the Flyway Vernal Pool-based Field Trip
Discover the Flyway Vernal Pool-based Field Trips
This free Discover the Flyway Vernal Pool-based Field Trip starts at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Headquarters Demonstration Wetlands. Teachers may select a Social Studies Unit or Science-based field trip. All activities are hands-on, interactive, and inquiry based.
The morning activities are followed by a 20 – 30 minute break for lunch (not provided) at the Demonstration Area. After lunch, the students load up in their bus or chaperoned cars and caravan to the nearby vernal pools of Grasslands Regional Park for a time of discovery before returning to school.
Science-based Learning Activity Options
Students participate in Critter Caper, a vernal pool specific activity, as well as two or three additional wetland themed science activities (see options below).
If you have 15 to 30 students, in addition to the vernal pool-based activity, Critter Caper, select 2 or 3 more activities:
- Minimum time required for 3 activities: 3.5 hours
- Minimum time required for 4 activities: 4 hours
- Maximum field trip time: 4.5 hours
If you have 30 to 40 students, in addition to the vernal pool-based activity, Critter Caper, Select 3 more activities:
- Minimum time required for 4 activities: 4 hours
- Maximum field trip time: 4.5 hours
Science Activity Options and Suggested Grade Levels
Animals
Critter Caper (1st – 12th) – all vernal pool-based field trips will include this activity!
Salmon Senses (2nd – 6th)
Tracks, Scat and Signs (1st – 6th)
Birds
Feathered Friends (K – 2nd)
How do I Compare to an Egret? (K – 1st)
Migration Madness (3rd – 6th)
Owl Pellets (4th – 12th)
What Can I Eat with this Beak? (3rd – 6th)
Plants
Leaf Identification (K – 2nd)
Wetland Plant ID (3rd – 12th)
Soil
Sinking into Soil (K – 1st)
The Great Percolation Race (2nd – 12th)
Water
Water Quality Testing (6th – 12th)
Wetland Pond Study (K – 12th)
Land Stewardship
Un-Nature Trail (K – 2nd)
Social Studies Unit Options
- Minimum time required for a social science unit: 4.5 hours
- Maximum time required for a social science unit: 5 hours
Patwin Life (3rd and 4th Grade)
Autumn: Acorn Season
Spring: Salmon Run!
Summer: Tule Cordage
Winter: Valley Villages
Feeding the People (4th Grade)
Changing Swampland to Farmland
Irrigation: Moving Water to the Farm
Seeds and Grains of the Yolo Basin
Transportation: Food on the Move
Field Trips Details
- Vernal Pool-based Field Trips are offered on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from March 1 to April 28, 2023.
- Number of students: minimum 15; maximum of 40.
- Chaperones: minimum of one adult chaperone for each station selected.
- Cost: Free! Supported through a partnership with Yolo County and funded by a California Department of Parks and Recreation grant.
Transportation Funding Assistance
Transportation funding assistance is available to Title I schools through the Transportation Mini-Grant Program. Contact Heidi Satter, hsatter@yolobasin.org, for more information.
Photos courtesy of Heidi Satter, Charlie Russell and Chris Alford
Wild About Wetland Kits
Wild About Wetlands Kits are available to teachers to prepare students for their Discover the Flyway program or to supplement wetland education. Kits include activities and lessons with all materials provided. Teachers or other youth leaders can check out kits FOR TWO WEEKS.
We are also revising some of the activities to a virtual platform. Here is an example https://www.yolobasin.org/whoseskullisit/
Teachers must pick up and return kits at the Yolo Basin Foundation office. To reserve a kit, email Corky Quirk at cquirk@yolobasin.org.
