Quick Facts:
- 246 acres in Sheridan
- Annual grasslands with vernal pools and other wetlands
- Protected in 2022 by Conservation Easement as mitigation for landowner PG&E
- Home to the vernal pool fairy shrimp, a rare species listed as threatened by the US Endangered Species Act
- Named in honor of historic Nisenan village located nearby
Protecting Unique Vernal Pool Habitat
Bushamul Vernal Pool Preserve consists of approximately 211 acres of grasslands and 35 acres of wetlands, vernal pools, streams, and riparian habitat. This diverse landscape provides critical wildlife habitat and scenic open space in the unincorporated area of Sheridan north of the City of Lincoln.
Vernal pools are an integral part of the Central Valley ecosystem. Migratory waterfowl feed on the fairy shrimp and the other aquatic life in the vernal pools as they move up and down the Pacific Flyway. The grasslands surrounding vernal pools teem with other bird life. The Northern Harrier (a State species of special concern) is frequently seen here, and the preserve also provides suitable habitat for other rare birds such as Swainson’s Hawk, Western Burrowing Owl, Song Sparrow, and Tricolored Blackbird.
Photo: Jaymee Marty
The most unusual animal that lives, feeds, and breeds on this preserve is the Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp (Branchinecta lynchi), a tiny freshwater crustacean endemic to California that is Federally listed as a threatened species. Over 90% of California’s vernal pools have been destroyed by development and other land conversion. This preserve and other Placer Land Trust vernal pool preserves provide some of the last protected habitat for the shrimp and other vernal pool species.
Honoring Historic Nisenan Site
Bushamul Vernal Pool Preserve got its name from the historic Nisenan village of Bushamul. According to the United Auburn Indian Community (UAIC), the Preserve is situated near the site of this historic village. UAIC gave their approval of the use of the Nisenan name for this purpose.
Partnering to Protect Land
A Conservation Easement covering the 246-acre preserve was donated to Placer Land Trust by PG&E as required by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and other public resource agencies to mitigate for impacts to vernal pool species and wetland, riparian and grassland habitat. The Preserve contains similar habitat to some of the lands impacted by the operation and maintenance of PG&E’s electricity and natural gas infrastructure in Northern California.
PG&E owns the land and will continue to manage it for wildlife benefit consistent with the terms of the easement, including livestock grazing and beekeeping, which are beneficial not only to our local agricultural industry but also to the vernal pool grassland habitat. Placer Land Trust’s role will be to monitor the Preserve on an annual basis, ensuring the terms of the easement are being upheld, and that the conservation values of the land are protected for future generations.
Bushamul Vernal Pool Preserve is not open to the public. For a list of our properties that offer public access, visit our Trails page.
