UC Merced Vernal Pools and Grassland Reserve

Our Vernal Pools and Grassland Reserve host experts will lead us in a walking lecture and observation experience addressing the UC Nature Reserve System while highlighting the vernal pools, grasslands,  and endemic species located here.  There are no amenities on the reserve (i.e., no water, restroom, etc.). We will break for lunch mid-day, likely after walking back to the heart of the UC campus.  While still evolving, the afternoon expert facilitation is anticipated to focus on carbon, climate change, and the science based potential (if we can embrace and work it) that soil just might offer those of us willing to commit.  Updates as the agenda is finalized will be provided.

Invited for this field day are not only  participants in the Four Rivers Natural History Association Climate Stewards Certification Spring ‘25 course cohort, but other interested California Naturalists, Climate Stewards, or interested others! Updates coming soon include registration and any related fees.  Thanks for checking back!

 Image by Clayton Anderson 

Accessibility details and updates will be made available once the agenda for this field day is finalized.

In the interim, planned participants interested in this field experience should complete their own in-depth review of information available with regard to the nature and type of contexts in, on, and around both the UC Merced Vernal Pools and Grasslands Reserve, and the UC Merced Campus in general.

With regard to visiting the reserve and/or campus locations,  one should  expect to park a distance of up to one mile from the gates of the reserve and/or any campus location.  Overall, while parking areas are relatively level, there are definite, significant elevation changes (stairs and/or sloping walkways) on many paths from parking areas to the reserve and among nearly all locations on the campus. Participants should expect the same level of steeply sloping (stairs and/or sloping) pathway experiences when moving from one location to another, with almost always engaging in a considerable distance between actual locations. At least part of this field day may be spent outdoors.   Accessible restrooms are located on campus, and among buildings. We believe the indoor dining areas are accessible. There are no restrooms, amenities (including seating areas) in or near the reserve area. Participants must prepare to be on the reserve without amenities for up to 3.5 hours. 

•  Before traveling, please review, take a screenshot, and/or print directions.  Your GPS may not work when in the area.  
• Be certain you have reviewed the information provided for the day, researched and confirmed for yourself, including parking details, you are comfortable with the nature and extent of foot travel and conditions for this field experience. A positive field experience includes adequately preparing for travel time in getting to the parking location AND knowing/allowing for the time it will take you to travel from your vehicle to the actual location where the field experience will begin at 9:00 a.m.  
• No entrance fees apply, but details of parking – often fee-based will be provided approximately two weeks prior.
• Dress appropriately for a range of weather conditions.  Layered clothing is suggested.  Consider bringing sunscreen, a handkerchief, and a hat.
• You should bring water and snacks.  You may bring your own lunch, or plan to purchase lunch from a UC Merced food service location on campus.  You are advised to explore the food service options open on the UC Merced campus on this date before making your decision.
• Bring your field/nature journal, writing/journaling tools.
• Feel free to bring binoculars, spotting scopes, and cameras.
• Note:  WiFi and phone service on the reserve and campus may be limited.

UC Merced, 5200 N. Lake Road, Merced, CA

Directions from southbound Highway 99

1. Head southeast on CA-99 South.
2. Take Exit 187B toward Martin Luther King Jr. Way.
3. Turn left onto CA-59 North/Martin Luther King Jr. Way.
4. Take the third right onto West 16th Street.
5. Take the third left onto G Street.
6. Turn right onto East Bellevue Road.
7. Arrive at the entrance to the Bellevue parking lot.

Directions from northbound Highway 99

1. Head northwest on CA-99 North.
2. Take exit 187A for G Street.
3. Turn right onto G Street.
4. Turn right onto East Bellevue Road.
5. Arrive at the entrance to the Bellevue parking lot.