Grasslands and Vernal Pools

San Joaquin Valley. Credit Jennifer Buck

Mapping and monitoring delicate habitat

CNPS is engaged in a multi-year effort to study and document California’s precious grasslands and vernal pool alliances. Since the initiative began, the team has collected more than 300 new field samples, defined seven new herbaceous alliances, and 37 new herbaceous associations not previously published in the Manual of California Vegetation. Today, vegetation program staff are finalizing 15 years of vernal pool classification work that will represent a significant contribution to our understanding of these fragile systems. Read on to see project updates and related information.

Grassland and vernal pool resources

Collaborating partners

California Native Grassland Association:
The Mission of the California Native Grasslands Association is to promote, preserve, and restore the diversity of California’s native grasses and grassland ecosystems through education, advocacy, research, and stewardship.

California Rangeland Conservation Coalition:
Ranchers, environmentalists, and agencies working together to benefit all.

Natural Resources Conservation Service:
With the mission of “Helping People Help the Land,” the Natural Resources Conservation Service provides products and services that enable people to be good stewards of the Nation’s soil, water, and related natural resources on non-Federal lands.

Field updates

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