Physical Description: The Highway 59 Preserve is a vernal pool Preserve located approximately five miles north of the town of Merced on Highway 59 (San Joaquin County). The Preserve is owned by the County of Merced is adjacent to the Highway 59 landfill. The Center holds a conservation easement to approximately 168 acres.

Habitat Types: The Preserve is comprised of low sloping to flat grassland with scattered vernal pools.

Conservation Purpose: The Preserve was established to protect vernal pools and associated uplands. Forty five vernal pools were constructed by the Fall of 2001. The vernal pools provide habitat for the Federally Endangered vernal pool tadpole shrimp (Lepidurus packardi) and the Federally Threatened vernal pool fairy shrimp (Branchinecta lynchi). Cattle grazing is used as a tool to maintain and enhance the habitat.

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