Document Actions
Vernal Pool Ecology
last modified
January 12, 2011
Vernal Pool Ecology
No
No
During the end of the last ice age, retreating glaciers carved some of New England's most unique habitats, vernal pools. These ephemeral bodies of water harbor an array of plants, invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, and other wildlife. We begin with an introduction to the geology and ecology of these pools. We discuss the natural history of the organisms inhabiting them, devoting particular attention to those that rely upon vernal pools for successful reproduction. Our afternoon session brings us into the field where we take a first hand look at the Garden’s Lost Pond, a classic woodland vernal pool. Bring a lunch and rubber boots.