Vernal Pools

That dark and obscure pool of water off in the woods that shows up during the winter, which we usually pass by with nary a thought, may be a forest biological hot spot.  Vernal pools, as they are known, develop in depressions where water collects only during the wet weather of winter and spring.  In these quiet, seasonal waters a variety of animal species find a hospitable habitat, primarily insects, crustaceans and amphibians.  Water-dwelling insects as well as the smaller microbes pass through their brief life-cycles, providing food for the hatchlings of frogs, toads and salamanders who lay their eggs here.  These larger predators are in turn part of the food web in the forest, so the vernal pools are an important component of forest ecology.

Pools which do not serve as a breeding ground for frogs and salamanders are not included in the “vernal pool” category, although they may still benefit the forest ecosystem.  The Pocahontas Master Naturalists are developing a monitoring program for vernal pools in the park.  So far, 28 vernal pools have been identified.  There are probably many more yet to be discovered.  Spring is the critical time of year to view them because frog and salamander egg masses are easily identified now.

--Ben


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