One of the most exciting signs of spring in my house is the hunt for tadpoles and the woodland jewels known as vernal pools. Vernal pools are ephemeral woodland ponds that only appear in the spring. They are usually full in the early spring as snow and ice melt, and dry completely (or at least mostly) by late summer or early fall. These pools serve a critical role in the lives of wildlife- frogs and salamanders lay their eggs in vernal ponds because they are free of fish who would eat them. (Fish can’t live in a body of water that isn’t constant) Many organisms with an aquatic stage in their life cycle have evolved to require the temporary but fish-free water of vernal pools. In the Northeast United States where I live, the easily recognizable are fairy shrimp, the salamanders and wood frogs. Vernal pools tend to be remarkably productive habitats. They are also an important feeding ground for many reptiles, birds and mammals who rely on the early spring food source. A staggering number of invertebrates and insects rely on them for shelter and breeding as well.
Visit a nature center or consult a field guide for your area to determine which species you are likely to come across. This is a great free guide to identifying egg masses. Frogs start to sing loud and proud in the spring and their calls can be an easy way to identify them as well. In the video below, you’ll hear wood frogs and spring peepers.
Vernal Pool Exploration
If you aren’t able to find a vernal pool try and pond or small stream. It will be fun regardless, but if the water is fast moving you’ll find less eggs. You don’t really need anything except your eagle eyes, but the following can be helpful. Make sure that if you have sprayed any DEET products on yourself or your clothes that you just look and don’t touch the water, the chemical is lethal to most pond life.
Supplies:
- small clear containers (we like to use these to temporally look at eggs or tadpoles, we of course put them back when we are done)
- nets and scoopers
- a nature journal to record findings
- a measuring tape & checklist if participating in a citizen science vernal pool project
To learn more about vernal pools, their inhabitants, and nature focused ways to celebrate the Spring Equinox check out my Spring Equinox Guide.
[…] can feel it! Spring fever has us longing to breathe fresh air and be in nature. So garden, hike, splash in vernal ponds, look for spring ephemerals, forage for tasty spring greens, craft with eggs (or eat them..) and […]