Project Goal
The Vernal Pool Reserve (VPR) Engineering Service Learning team aims to raise awareness about the new Merced Vernal Pools and Grassland Reserve by promoting informational and academic activities. The VPR team will develop and implement management and operational plans, and address access and nature interpretation for the needs of the new Reserves.
Currently, the team is working on restoring the windmill by the barn to run on wind power rather than the current gas-powered generator.
You can learn more about the Merced Vernal Pool and Grasslands Reserve and its plants, animals and pools; the UC Natural Reserve System, or the Vernal Pools Reserve Team online.
You are also welcome to email us with your comments or questions by clicking on Contact Us.
Current Status
During the Fall 2015 Semester, the VPR team was able to contact some potential windmill contractors, (i.e. Angel Perez and Kevin Moore). They got to see the windmill, and they suggested that some of the parts were still reusable, but for instance the sails of the windmill would need some hammering to straighten the bent parts. While at the same time, the VPR team was also trying to get approval from the UC for construction when the time came. The team approached Design and Planning Department on campus, and they were able to schedule a meeting with Phil Woods. At first, there might have been some complications because the Windmill would be classified as a historical artifact. After that was resolved, the VPR team started looking at all possible options for a windmill. The team considered both a 10’ and 12’ windmill and their pros and cons. Although the VPR team was unable to get the exact dimensions, they hope the team of Spring 2016 would be able to get that information.
