Frog Friday Returns! Time To Explore Those Vernal Pools

People of all ages are invited to join Everyone Outside this spring as we observe the amazing transformations that occur in vernal pools. Over several outings we will see frogs (hopefully "quacking" loudly and looking for a mate), frog and salamander eggs, tadpoles, salamander and insect larvae, etc.

The March 16 Frog Friday will be in the nearby Field Forest, Durham (directions below). 

Additional vernal pool explorations are scheduled for April 6 & 22, May 4, 25 & June 8. Registration is required for Frog Friday. To register or for questions contact us at Lucy@everyoneoutside.org or call 860-395-7771 (email preferred).

What is a vernal pool, you ask? Here's a definition from the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection:

"Vernal pools are small bodies of standing fresh water found in the spring of the year. Usually temporary, they derive their name from vernalis, the Latin word for spring because they result from various combinations of snowmelt, precipitation, and high water tables associated with the spring season. For a vernal pool to exist, there must be a source of water and an enclosed basin that traps the water for some period of time. The depressions may be natural or of human origin, and they dry out most years. Because of its periodic drying, vernal pools do not support breeding populations of fish.

To meet the definition of a vernal pool, four criteria must be met:

• It contains water for approximately two months during the growing season;
• It occurs within a confined depression or basin that lacks a permanent outlet stream;
• It lacks any fish population;
• It dries out most years, usually by late summer."

Want to know more? Check out the DEEP website entry on vernal pools.

Directions to Field Forest:

Take Route 17 through Durham Center and turn left on Maiden Lane. At three-way stop, take a right on Bear Rock Road. Look for the parking area and map kiosk approximately half-mile on the right across from Naples Farm stand.