What is a vernal pool, and why are they so important?

Join naturalist and Chocorua Lake Conservancy Stewardship Director Lynne Flaccus on Saturday, March 28 from 9-11:30AM for a vernal pool exploration in Chocorua. Vernal pools are small seasonal and temporary wetlands that ‘’spring” to life soon after snowmelt. After a long winter under snow in the forest, spotted salamanders and wood frogs make their way to vernal pools to mate and lay eggs. They don’t stay long before they head back to the woods for the rest of the year and leave their eggs to hatch on their own! Fairy shrimp rely on vernal pools, too, and many other amphibians and invertebrates also take advantage of these small wetlands and their abundance of life. We’ll carefully explore a pool and the habitat it creates, discover amphibians or their eggs, and see what else depends on these amazing “islands in a sea of forest.”

Participants should wear comfortable boots that can get a little wet as we explore the edges of the pool, pack a snack and water and dress in layers for the weather. Kids, please bring an adult with you. We’ll have a few nets and tools that we can use for careful exploration along the shore, and identification cards. Please leave your dog at home for this adventure!

Location TBD based on spring conditions—visit chocorualake.org or the CLC Facebook page for more info. Please call the office by March 27 and let us know you are coming, so we can be prepared and can contact you if there are last-minute weather or location changes: 603-323-6252.

Naturalist Lynne Flaccus has 30 years of experience in land conservation and stewardship, managing protected properties, studying wildlife, and educating adults and children.

Banner image: Spotted salamander. Photo: Lynne Flaccus