Aside from robins being the so-called harbingers of spring, another natural phenomenon that ushers in the turning of the seasons takes place in unique wetlands called vernal pools. On cold and rainy spring nights, specialized amphibians, such as wood frogs and seldom-seen spotted salamanders, undertake their migration to these small and ephemeral woodland pools where they will breed. Because of their critical importance to many species of amphibians, vernal pools are of high conservation importance and a major focus in forest management and land use planning. Join our naturalist, John Foley, on Saturday, March 30th for the first part of our 3-part series on the ecology of vernal pools and the critters that call them home. We’ll begin the series with an indoor presentation about the characteristics of vernal pools, how to identify them, and the natural history of the unique species that depend on them. We’ll also discuss the conservation challenges facing these special habitats and how to adequately protect them from development and other threats. Free for members; a suggested donation of $5 per person for non-members is greatly appreciated.

Click here and here for information about Parts 2 and 3 of the series.