Our Vernal Pool Exploration is rescheduled to Saturday, April 29, at 10AM, due to current conditions.
”Vernal” means “in, of, or appropriate to spring.” “Pool” means “a small area of still water, typically one formed naturally.” But put them together and you have a magical temporary wetland without which many species would not be able to breed.
On Saturday, April 29 from 10AM-12:30PM, join Chocorua Lake Conservancy Stewardship Director Debra Marnich for a Vernal Pool Exploration at the Clark Reserve in Chocorua. Join us for a few hours of discovery in the woods, learning about vernal pools and the amazing creatures that breed and live there.
Vernal pools are small seasonal and temporary wetlands that ‘’spring” to life soon after snowmelt. Several forest amphibians depend on these seasonal wetlands for their breeding habitat and as nurseries for their offspring, while spending most of their adult life in the surrounding forest. Wood frogs, spotted salamanders and fairy shrimp rely on vernal pools while many other amphibians and invertebrates also take advantage of these small wetlands and their abundance of life.
Come along and help us discover who is living in our neighborhood vernal pools and learn about their unique adaptations. Wear comfortable walking shoes/boots for the walk in, dress in layers for warmth, and bring water and a snack, if you like. All ages are welcome—this is a great activity for the whole family. Kids, please bring an adult with you. We’ll have a few nets, tools, and buckets that we can use for careful exploration along the shore, and identification cards. Please leave your dog at home for this adventure! This program is free; donations welcome. Please register in advance below so that we can reach you if plans change or the weather changes plans! You will receive driving directions to the Clark Reserve in a reminder email two days before the program.
Debra Marnich. Photo courtesy of Debra Marnich
CLC Stewardship Director Debra Marnich holds a BS in Zoology and an MS in Forestry. Her major interests and professional focus areas include combining wildlife and forestry practices to manage for both sound silvicultural and optimum wildlife habitat, creating early successional and bird nesting habitat, pollinator habitat creation, promoting small diverse farms local food production/agriculture, promoting land conservation and protection, environmental education, and integrating all resources concerns to create a balanced conservation system.
Banner image: Exploring a vernal pool in springtime. Photo: Lynne Flaccus