If the predictions of El Nino are correct this winter, Sacramento could see heavy rains and a lot of water in the Mather Field vernal pools. It has been a long time since the pools filled to overflowing and stayed full for weeks on end. Don’t miss your chance to experience the wet and wild phase of the Mather Field Vernal Pools.

During the wet phase, the pools host many dozens of species of aquatic invertebrates. Half of them have not even been named yet. Watching and wondering about them will draw you deeper into their ancient, mysterious world. Bigger critters who eat them come to the pools to dine: frogs, snakes, shore birds, wading birds, and more. If you want to meet them, along with their famous pool mates the Fairy Shrimp and Tadpole Shrimp, join Sacramento Splash for a Critter Walk.