Vernal Pools

According to the EPA, “Vernal pools are seasonal depressional wetlands that occur under the Mediterranean climate conditions of the west coast and in glaciated areas of northeastern and midwestern states.”

The word “Vernal” refers to the spring. Vernal pools are caused by snowmelt and spring rain. They reach their maximum water depth in the spring, thus the name "Vernal Pools".

Since vernal pools dry up by winter, they do not have the ability to support fish. They provide a safe habitat for many species that would normally be eaten by fish. Therefore, vernal pools are used as a nursery for amphibians, reptiles, and insects. If you look closely, you may be able to spot eggs in the water. Common species that reside in Vernal Pools are

Click one of the links below to learn about more about the kinds of animals you might spot in a vernal pool.

Facts about the spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum)

20 year life span.
They spend their entire lives within 100 feet of the pool in which they were born.
They return to the vernal pool to breed every spring..
They leave their hiding spots at night to hunt.
They eat just about anything they can catch and swallow, which includes, worms, insects, slugs, and spiders.
They release a sticky toxin from their backs and tails to chase off predators.

Facts about the Wood Frog (Lithobates sylvaticus)

Unlike the spotted salamander, the wood frog does not live its life near the vernal pool for its lifetime it only returns to the pool to breed.
They can easily be identified by their "robber mask," a black band that goes across their eyes.
They freeze in the winter and thaw back out in warm weather.