CNLM’s Pixley Vernal Pools Preserve celebrates 50 years as a National Natural Landmark
In 1973, the United States Department of Interior declared the Pixley Vernal Pools Preserve a National Natural Landmark (NNL) in recognition of its unique botanical values.
The Preserve was transferred by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to CNLM in 1997 as part of the TNC Jack Zaninovich Memorial Preserve System.
Bobby credits volunteers from Tulare County Audubon Society, California Native Plant Society-Alta Peak Chapter, Porterville’s Monache High School, and students at California State University, Bakersfield with helping to maintain the diversity of species that continue to flourish in this vernal pool oasis.
The National Park Service has recently recognized CNLM’s Pixley Vernal Pools Preserve as having served as an “exceptional illustration of America’s natural heritage for 50 years”. This 40-acre preserve in Tulare County, owned and managed by CNLM, is one of the last vestiges of vernal pool wetlands in the area. Species that can be found in this vernal pool-grasslands matrix include the Threatened vernal pool fairy shrimp, Swainson’s hawk, white-tailed kite, northern harrier, loggerhead shrike, California jewelflower, and burrowing owl.
The Preserve is managed by CNLM Preserve Manager, Bobby Kamansky, with support from CNLM’s Central California Regional Preserve Manager, Greg Warrick. Notes Bobby, “From fairy shrimp to flowers, coyotes to burrowing owls, Pixley Vernal Pools Preserve protects a microcosm of the Tulare Basin landscape.”