Exploring the Vibrant Life within Springtime Vernal Pools
Understanding the Formation and Importance of Vernal Pools
Spring is just around the corner, and soon enough trees will be sprouting their new leaves, and flowers will be blooming. At this time of year, you might also be able to find a vernal pool, sometimes referred to as an ephemeral pool. These are glacial depressions that can be as small as a puddle and as big as a small pond. The depressions fill with water from snow melt and/or the heavy rains typical of spring. These pools dry up by mid to late summer, and in years with little snow or light spring rains, the pools may not even form.
The Vital Role of Vernal Pools in Connecticut’s Ecosystem
Habitat for Amphibians and Microorganisms
Vernal pools play an important role in Connecticut’s ecology. These pools provide a place for amphibians such as salamanders and frogs to lay their eggs. When you hear the spring peepers, you are hearing male frogs trying to attract a female from vernal pools and other water sources. In addition to the eggs, microorganisms like Daphnia and fairy shrimp live in the pools. These organisms only live while the water temperature is below 50°F, so provide an important food source for both the baby salamanders and tadpoles that emerge, as well as waterfowl who stopover in the pools in the early season. There may even be wildflowers that grow as the pool recedes. These small pools have huge impacts on the greater ecosystem.
Protecting Our Precious Vernal Pools in Fairfield County, CT: What You Can Do
Simple Steps you can take to protect Vernal Pools
Unfortunately, many vernal pools are under threat. So, what can you do? If you have a vernal pool on your property, do not fill it in with soil or clear leaves or limbs from it. Maintain trees and shrubs for about ten feet around the pool to offer a place for the young amphibians to move into when they get big enough, keeping in mind they will eat a lot of insects throughout their lifetimes, and also are prey for larger animals such as foxes, turkeys, and raccoons. If you have a pool or come across one when out hiking, stay out of the pools and keep your pets out as well, so the organic matter at the bottom is not disturbed.
Ecosystem Diversity through Vernal Pools
By appreciating and saving vernal pools for the miracle of life they provide, you will also be meeting two conservation goals: saving wildlife and preserving ecosystem diversity.
Join us for a Spring Equinox Walk in Ridgefield, CT: Exploring the Beauty of the Season
Invitation to Experience the Magic of Spring in Ridgefield, Connecticut
And on a completely different note, #1: Please join me at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19th for a vernal (spring) equinox walk. We will be looking at changes that spring brings. We will meet outside Shields Hall.
Save the Date: Experience the Spectacle of a Total Solar Eclipse on April 8th in Ridgefield, Connecticut
Preparation and Excitement for the April 8th Eclipse Viewing in Ridgefield, CT.
On a different note, #2: You may have heard that we are in for some excitement on Monday, April 8th. That is the day of a total solar eclipse. You would have to go to upstate New York and northern New England to see it in totality, but around here we will have 90-95% totality, which is still very impressive. There will not be another total solar eclipse in our area for at least the next fifty years, so let’s hope for good weather that day!
