Ever wonder what “big night “is? What makes a forest puddle a vernal pool? Who lives there (and depends on them) and what they do when the pool dries up?

On Wednesday, March 20 at 7PM at the Cook Memorial Library, the Chocorua Lake Conservancy, the Tamworth Conservation Commission, and the Cook Library present “Celebrate Spring and Get Ready for ‘Big Night.’” CLC Stewardship Director Lynne Flaccus and Lucy Gatchell from the TCC will guide us as we “dive in” to the world of vernal pools, exploring through images and sounds what a “big night” is. We’ll take a look at and discuss the incredible amphibians and invertebrates that are dependent on these seasonal wetlands.

Wood frogs and spotted salamanders migrate to vernal pools, often during a “big night” when the weather is just right, to breed and lay eggs before returning to the surrounding forests. These critters have adapted to life in and around a seasonal and temporary wetland for only part of their life cycle. Vernal pools are critical for many other reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates as well—they are food factories, provide shelter and are a safe place to raise young as long as the pool doesn’t dry up too early. Please join us to learn about and share your experiences with these unique wetlands and the animals that live there. Come with curiosity and questions—all ages welcome.

Later in April, site visits to vernal pools will be offered for those wishing to get a hands on view of who lives there. Saturday April 20th or Sunday 21st, a vernal pool exploration will be led by Chris Conrod from the TCC, location and time TBA. Another late April exploration will be led by Lynne Flaccus, date, location and time TBA. Pencil in the dates and we’ll provide more information once the ice begins to melt. More info, 603-323-6252.