Instead of Biology Recitation today, we had an optional field trip to Bernard Field Station. The Bernard Field Station is a large open area with various habitats open to the Claremont Colleges for various types of research. The field station is completely fenced which enables students to leave experimental apparatuses set up without the worry that they will be tampered with.
The field station has a number of different habitats, both local and introduced.
 |
| The spiky green pods are mandroot. |
 |
| A path through the field station. |
 |
| California Sagebrush |
Since the purpose of the field station is to include an area to study different types of plants and animals, there are some portions that are man-made for specific purposes. One of these things are the pools meant to mimic vernal pools. These temporary pools are being used as a breading ground for toads, and as such, a large amount of tadpoles have been introduced.
 |
| Vernal pools |
 |
| A group of tadpoles introduced into the vernal pools. |
The Bernard Field Station also has a small man-made lake which was created to contain a typical aquatic environment. While the species in it are not necessarily local, they are meant to form an aquatic environment which can be studied in the safety of the station.
 |
| Man-made lake |
 |
| Man-made lake |
It was definitely fun to see the field station, particularly because I will be taking a Choice Lab next year studying the lizards in the area, which means that the class will certainly spend some time in the field station. It was a generally nice day, and a great tour.
