Loch Lomond Vernal Pool Ecological Reserve

The Loch Lomond Vernal Pool Ecological Reserve is a protected natural area in the Mayacmas Mountains at approximately 2,800 feet elevation. It features seasonal wetland pools that form a specialized ecosystem supporting distinctive plant communities.

The land was acquired in 1988 by California's Department of Fish and Game to protect endangered plant species. Before this conservation effort, the site had been used for recreational purposes for decades.

This land served as a gathering place for outdoor recreation before mid-century, with residents regularly using it for baseball games and horseback riding. These activities shaped how the area was valued by the local community for generations.

This is an unfacilitated reserve with minimal infrastructure, so visitors should come prepared for basic conditions. Special permits are required for drone use and other activities, with all Department regulations needing to be followed during your visit.

The reserve protects a rare plant species called Loch Lomond button celery, which was first collected in 1941 and later studied in depth. This specialized flora makes the location scientifically important for botanical research.