Vernal Pool Update
So far this season, we’ve been out surveying and submitting vernal pools for certification.
23 Vernal pools submitted for certification (only 2 away from the low end of our goal for the season).
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- Pittsfield = 1
- Monterey = 1
- Florida = 1
- Richmond = 2
- Williamstown = 2
- Hancock = 3
- Rowe = 4
- North Adams = 9
wood frog egg mass
Interestingly, the drought conditions are sneaking in to the woods and overall these pools seem to be quite dry compared with previous years.
Are you interested in learning how to do this important work and helping us out? Connect with our Stewardship Manager, Noah Henkenius, at stewardship@thebeatnews.org.
Why are vernal pools important?
Globally, amphibian populations have been taking a hard hit from threats such as climate change, loss of preferred breeding habitats, Rana virus, and more! Vernal pools are often seasonally saturated wetlands that may dry completely in the late summer. Because they are often ephemeral they cannot support fish populations which is great for species such as wood frogs and spotted salamanders whose eggs are very susceptible to fish predation! This does mean, however, that these amphibian’s breeding habitats can often be easily overlooked and disturbed when building new establishments or homes, during logging operations, and other various activities. By certifying vernal pools through the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) we can have a better understanding of where these amphibians’ fragile homes are and attempt to keep others responsible for protecting them as well.
