When students take a class field trip to Splash during the wet phase of the vernal pools at Mather Field, one of the highlights of their trip is to investigate the life in the vernal pools firsthand by scooping up some of the tiny aquatic invertebrates that live there!
To keep the kids dry and protect the fragile edge of the vernal pool habitat, Splash places several 4-foot by 8-foot wooden platforms in select locations where the students will be guided on their field trip. The students hike out to the vernal pools, kneel on the wooden platforms, and use cups to dip in the water and scoop out the unique critters that live in the pool. The students learn how to identify the critters and why they’re important.
Over time, as the platforms are exposed to the environment here in the Sacramento Valley, the wood weathers and occasionally the boards on top break through. Splash staff do minor repairs on platforms each year before the field trip season begins. However, every few years, some of the platforms just need to be replaced entirely. This year’s students will be able to enjoy nine
brand new platforms!
On Sunday, January 28, a few Splash staff, some Splash volunteers, and several members of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Sacramento constructed nine beautiful, incredibly sturdy platforms that will replace the ones we’re retiring this season. Each platform requires five 8-foot 2”x6” boards and 18 5/8”x5.5” cedar fence boards. After the wood is cut to the desired lengths, it’s all held together with lots of screws!
As you might expect, all that lumber and hardware is expensive and Splash is so grateful to the Kiwanis Club of Greater Sacramento for their generous contribution to help with the cost of the materials! Thank you, Kiwanis Club and Splash volunteers for spending a chunk of your Sunday helping us with this important project! These platforms will bring smiles to the faces of hundreds of students during this field trip season and help foster future scientists and environmental advocates!
It’s important to mention that because some vernal pools are home to threatened and endangered species of aquatic invertebrates, both federal and state permits are required to legally scoop up vernal pool critters. Splash holds these permits for educational activities and closely monitors the students’ scooping activities in the field to ensure the welfare of the habitat and the critters.