Logo courtesy of the Sacramento Valley Conservancy

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - The Sacramento Valley Conservancy (SVC) is proud to announce the launch of its Vernal Pool Stewardship Program, a community-driven effort to protect some of the region’s most rare and ecologically important landscapes through hands-on stewardship, education and volunteer engagement.

Sacramento Valley Conservancy is entrusted with the protection and stewardship of more than 8,000 acres of vernal pool preserves in Sacramento County, including 3,300 acres of rare vernal pool wetlands in Rancho Cordova and the surrounding area. These seasonal wetlands support unique plants and wildlife found nowhere else, and play a critical role in water quality, flood management and regional biodiversity.

As part of the Vernal Pool Stewardship Program, Sacramento Valley Conservancy will host a series of “Trash Dash + Vernal Pool Education” outings at Sacramento Valley Conservancy-managed preserves. These events invite community members to help remove trash and invasive plants to support these delicate and unique habitats while learning about the importance of vernal pools and how pollution affects nearby creeks and waterways.

Vernal pools are one of California’s most threatened ecosystems, with over 90 percent of vernal pool habitats destroyed.

“This new program aims to increase interest and understanding of these incredibly special and vulnerable ecosystems that many Sacramentians are unaware of,” said Kelly Hopkins, executive director. “We’re excited to build upon our existing education and recreation programs by continuing to expand our partnership with Splash.”

“Vernal pool ecosystems may be small, but these beautiful, diverse resources provide a wide array of important ecosystem functions. Bringing the community together to steward these sensitive ecosystems will hopefully foster an appreciation for our local natural resources that will help them endure for future generations,” said Eric Kellegrew, Sacramento Valley Conservancy Stewardship Director.

“Stewardship starts close to home. When volunteers come together to care for the vernal pools in their own neighborhoods, they build a shared sense of responsibility for the places that connect our communities,” said Danny Whitaker, Sacramento Valley Conservancy Stewardship Specialist.

“By joining the Vernal Pool Stewardship Program, we can protect Sacramento’s rare wetlands through hands-on cleanup and education. Together, neighbors restore fragile ecosystems, safeguard water quality, support wildlife, inspire awareness, and build lasting community stewardship for these irreplaceable landscapes locally,” said Mark Baker, Sacramento Valley Conservancy Stewardship Specialist.

The Vernal Pool Stewardship Program received seed funding for three events in early 2026 through a combination of private donations, a grant from the Sacramento County Stormwater Quality Program, and in-kind partnerships, which will be leveraged to recruit volunteers, support educational programming, and kick-start the new program. Business sponsorships are available for a single service day or for program sustainability, with opportunities for employee engagement and collaboration.

Community members, volunteers, and organizations interested in participating or sponsoring are encouraged to learn more at: https://sacramentovalleyconservancy.org/vpsponsor/

The first Trash Dash + Vernal Pool Education event is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 17 at the Kiefer Landfill Preserve. RSVP at: https://sacramentovalleyconservancy.org/event/vpsd-20260117/

Additional dates are tentatively scheduled for Feb. 21 and March 14, locations to be announced.

Founded in 1990, the Sacramento Valley Conservancy’s mission is to preserve the beauty, character, and biodiversity of the Sacramento Valley landscape by protecting and stewarding natural and working lands, and scenic open spaces for the benefit of current and future generations. From oak woodlands to vernal pools and river corridors, Sacramento Valley Conservancy collaborates with willing landowners and community partners to preserve the lands that sustain wildlife, provide local food, and offer outdoor recreation and education. Sacramento Valley Conservancy is a nationally accredited land trust and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.