Vernal Pool Volunteer Monitoring Workshop

Blue-spotted x Jefferson Salamander is frequently observed breeding in White Memorial's vernal pools.

A total of 9 volunteers attended the Vernal Pool Monitoring workshop on Saturday, March 31, 2012.  We explored a nearby pool to observe the life found inhabiting it.  Amphipods, Isopods, and Fingernail Clams were quite abundant.  A few Spotted Salamander egg masses were also observed.  This work is important because several of these species are obligate most, if not all, of their breeding activity in vernal pools.  The long-term conservation of these species depends on the conservation of this habitat.  These habitats are difficult to classify because they can be ephemeral and isolated far away from other habitats used by these species.

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