Saturdays, April 16 & 23 @ 10:00 AM — 1:00 PM

Hilltown Land Trust is partnering with the Wild & Scenic Westfield River Committee to offer their annual Vernal Pool Plunge! This two-day, in-person training event is open to anyone interested in learning about the ecology of and becoming advocates for vernal pools in Western Massachusetts, including how to certify vernal pools.

Participants should commit to attending both sessions (04/16 and 04/23). This training is aimed at individuals and families (appropriate for anyone 13 and older) looking to understand these small wetlands that may be on their land or in their towns.

After the two in-person field days, participants will have the opportunity to attend weekly online sessions after April 23rd that delve into the technical side of vernal pool certification. These trainings will guide participants through the process of certifying vernal pools that are not yet certified through the state of Massachusetts. We will go over online resources such as using MassMapper and uploading vernal pool data to the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) site.

Day 1: We will be seated inside (masks required) for a 1-hour recorded presentation followed by a Q&A with local Naturalist Charley Eiseman. After a short break, we will move outside to a guided tour by Charley of the vernal pools on the property. We will provide clipboards, handouts, and reference materials. Bring waterproof knee-high boots, comfortable hiking clothing, bug spray, water, snacks, and any field notebooks you want to use. Be sure to check the weather ahead of time, as this event will be held rain or shine!

Day 2: Field day for participants to practice gathering the information required for vernal pool certification. Charley will be there to answer questions, but attendees will be more independent on this day. Precise location and details will be given at the first day of the event on April 16th. We will provide clipboards, handouts, and reference materials. Bring waterproof knee-high boots, comfortable hiking clothing, bug spray, water, snacks, and any field notebooks you want to use. Be sure to check the weather ahead of time, as this event will be held rain or shine!

Registration is required. Click here to sign up and learn more.