James K. Herbert Wetland Prairie Preserve
Wetland protection and vernal pools
Vernal pool in Bloom
This 725-acre preserve southeast of Visalia protects one of the largest remaining wetland prairie habitats in the San Joaquin Valley. The James K. Herbert Wetland Prairie Preserve is just a small piece of a once extensive wetland prairie. It provides a refuge for owls that live underground, toads that estivate (like hibernation) in the soil, whimbrels flocks that visit as they migrate between Argentina and Alaska, and flowers that bloom in bright displays of magenta, yellow, gold, violet, white and pink.
SRT purchased this property in 2000, from James K. Herbert and his wife Carol Sellers Herbert at a generous bargain sale price. To learn more about the James K. Herbert Wetland Prairie Preserve, read the Herbert “success story.”
Stewardship Plan
Sequoia Riverlands Trust manages the preserve with a rigorous scientific research program using livestock grazing and prescribed fire to improve native plant forage for cattle and wildlife. As is true on most grazing land in California, agriculture and wildlife coexist.
Additionally, we’ve created an 83-acre seasonal wetland with meandering stream channels and native vegetation, enhancing the area for wildlife. Over 125 bird species seek food or shelter here, including burrowing owl, Swainson's hawk, red-winged blackbird, mallard and golden eagle.
Why it's Unique
Vernal pool in summer
Conservation Values: rare habitats, wetland prairie, vernal pools, wildlife travel corridors, traditional agricultural use, high water quality, outdoor laboratory
Key Plants: Alkali sacaton, saltgrass, creeping wildrye, goldfields, calicoflower, rare annual Atriplex (saltbush) species
Key Animals: Western spadefoot, long-tailed weasel, coyote, diverse freshwater invertebrates and over 120 bird species, including burrowing owl, Swainson’s hawk, golden eagle, ferruginous hawk, killdeer, mallard, ruddy duck, black-necked stilt, pied-billed grebe
What to do
This nature preserve is not yet regularly open to the public. Check our online calendar or sign up for our e-newsletter to learn about public programs and special events at James K. Herbert Wetland Prairie Preserve.
How to get to the James K. Herbert Preserve
Located at the junction of Road 168 and Highway 137, between the towns of Tulare and Lindsay, on the south side of the road. From Visalia, take Highway 198 east four-and-a-half miles to the Farmersville exit. Turn south on Farmersville Boulevard (also Road 164). This road becomes Road 168 and ends in eight miles at the preserve.
View James K. Herbert Preserve in a larger map and get turn-by-turn directions with google maps
Get Involved: Your memberships, donations and volunteer efforts help Sequoia Riverlands Trust steward special places like James k. Herbert Wetlands Prairie PreserveGet involved today!
For more info on Things to Do in/around Visalia, visit the Visalia Convention & Visitor's Bureau.