The largest remaining wetland prairie in the San Joaquin Valley will open to the public on Saturday, an event that only comes around once or twice a year.

The James K. Herbert Wetland Prairie Preserve, which houses and protects rare and unique species in Tulare County, will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees can explore the preserve and catch a self-guided tour with staff.

The event is made possible by the  Alta Peak California Native Plant Society, Sequoia Riverlands Trust and the Tulare Kings Audubon Society.

The 725-acre preserve was sold to Sequoia Riverlands by James K. Herbert who passed away in 2023, and Carol Sellers Herbert. According to the trust’s website, the duo sold the property at a “generous bargain sale price.”

The sale set the tone for land conservation in the area.

Saturday’s event, named “Walk the Wetlands,” will allow visitors a peek into the home of various endangered species such as the California fairy shrimp, spadefoot toads and more than 120 bird species including burrowing owls and golden eagles. Plants such as the popcorn flower, goldfields and creeping wildrye can also be found in the preserve.

The Herbert Preserve sits between Tulare and Lindsay. The entrance is off Highway 137 and Road 168.

Though the event is free for the public, $20 donations to the trust are suggested.

Waterproof shoes are recommended.

About the Author

Monserrat Solis covers Kings County water issues for SJV Water through the California Local News Fellowship initiative. 

About SJV Water

SJV Water is an independent, nonprofit news site covering water in the San Joaquin Valley, www.sjvwater.org. Email us at sjvwater@sjvwater.org.