When Meghan, Splash’s Program Director, talks about the Investigating Vernal Pools program, her face lights up. “There’s something magical about witnessing their curiosity spark,” she says. “When students dip into what looks like a puddle and discover fairy shrimp or tadpoles, it’s transformative.“
This year’s sign-ups were proof of that magic.
More than 100 classes from across the region have signed up to participate, spanning Sacramento County, the City of Sacramento, Elk Grove, Folsom, and Rancho Cordova. The waitlist filled up almost immediately.
“It really highlights how valuable this program has become to both educators and students,” Meghan reflects. “We’re seeing a strong return rate from schools and a growing interest from new teachers, too. It tells us the program is not just a supplement—it’s essential.”
Why Students Keep Coming Back
So what makes Investigating Vernal Pools different from a typical field trip? “It immerses students in a real natural habitat,” Meghan explains. “It’s one thing to read about ecosystems in a textbook. But to feel the mud under your boots, to scoop water from a seasonal pool and find something alive, that kind of learning sticks.”
And it does stick.
Every season, students leave changed. Meghan remembers one student in particular:
“After a day of tromping through the field, discovering aquatic invertebrates, he looked up and said, ‘I didn’t know science could be this fun. I want to be a scientist when I grow up.’ That moment stayed with me not just because of what he said, but because you could see it in his eyes. He owned that discovery.“
Growing a Community of Nature-Lovers
This year’s excitement goes beyond student experiences. Meghan is especially thrilled about bringing new teachers and guides into the program. “That’s the beautiful thing about this work: we’re not just educating students. We’re building a community of educators, parents, and environmental stewards who deeply care about this land.”
The joy of the season, she says, is witnessing the transformation both in the vernal pools and the people who visit them. “You start with a quiet group of kids, maybe unsure of what to expect. Then the moment something wiggles in the water, it’s like a switch flips. They’re hooked.”
A Program That Works And Grows
With each season, the Investigating Vernal Pools program continues to scale. New partnerships with local municipalities and organizations, such as the Sacramento Valley Conservancy, have helped expand access to natural sites like the Kassis Vernal Pool Complex. The program’s popularity and momentum speak volumes.
“This is the kind of experience that becomes a core memory,” Meghan says. “It helps students build not just science knowledge, but a personal connection to the land, and that’s something they carry with them long after the bus ride home.“
Final Word from Meghan
“At the heart of it, this is why we do what we do at Splash. Nature has so much to teach us, and every student deserves the chance to learn outside. I’m just so grateful we get to help make that happen.“