June 4, 2026By Steven Mayer
Can we detect as many as 3,000 different species in a single tablespoon of soil? Yes, according to leaders and scientists connected to efforts to examine eDNA (environmental DNA) soil samples collected from more than a dozen other restoration sites up and down the San Joaquin Valley.
River Partners is learning more about life within these restoration sites thanks to collaborations with eDNA Explorer and CALeDNA. The research began with River Partners scientists collecting 1,200 soil samples in 2025. After these data-rich samples were examined and analyzed, we received a glimpse of the kinds of life that exist at our restoration sites, from soil and birds to mammals and fish. What we’ll learn from this analysis will help us formulate our future restoration plans, while augmenting the wildlife monitoring methods we already employ.
“We do point counts or we stick out cameras to look at the wildlife, but what we’re missing and what the eDNA is really helping us with is understanding the health of the soil — because the soil is the backbone of everything. Our plants are only going to do as well as the soil allows.”
~ River Partners Senior Restoration Scientist Sarah Gaffney
