PIXLEY VERNAL POOLS

Physical Description: Pixley Vernal Pools is a 40-acre preserve located approximately 4 miles east of the town of Pixley, Tulare County, California.  The preserve varies less than 10 feet in elevation, although it has considerable micro-topography in the form of mounds, depressions and swales.  The preserve is bordered by farmland on all sides and it represents one of the last vestiges of vernal pool habitat in the area. 

Conservation Purpose: In the early 1960's, Jack Zaninovich (a local grape grower and botanist) was so impressed with the beauty of the pools and wildflowers that he purchased the property and later transfered ownership to The Nature Conservancy.  The vernal pool fairy shrimp (a federally threatened species) has been found in some of the pools on site.  Burrowing owls have been seen on the preserve using ground squirrel burrows for shelter.  Ground squirrels are especially abundant on the preserve, providing a food source for coyotes, hawks and other raptors.  During wet years, ducks and shorebirds are found along some of the larger pools.  In 1973, the U.S. Department of Interior declared Pixley Vernal Pools a National Natural Landmark in recognition of its unique botanical values.  In 1997, the land was transferred to the Center for Natural Lands Management. 

Habitat Types: The plant community is classified as northern hardpan vernal pools.  During the spring, the pools are bordered by concentric rings of colorful wildflowers as the water begins to evaporate.  Goldfields, Downingia, flowering quiltwork, and popcorn flower are among the numerous plants contributing to the floral displays in the spring.  Most grasses are non-native, although saltgrass and alkali sacaton are found in some areas of the preserve. 

Management: The management objective at Pixley Vernal Pools Preserve is to maintain a functioning ecosystem that supports the native wildflowers and animals of this remnant vernal pool community.  As in most other preserves in the San Joaquin Valley, non-native grasses pose a threat because they can compete for space, moisture and nutrients with native plants.  Every 3-5 years, the Center conducts prescribed burns to suppress non-native grasses at this preserve.    

Public Access: The preserve is open all year to the public with permission from the preserve manager.

Manager: Pixley Preserve is managed by Greg Warrick

For information and inquiries please contact:

Greg Warrick
Preserve Manager
(661) 387-9453 Phone/fax
e-mail: gwarrick@cnlm.org