Vernal Pool Pop-Up Field Trip: Frederick County

It’s challenging to predict when frogs and salamanders will migrate from their wintering spot in the forest to a vernal pool to reproduce. With the weather warming, the wood frogs should be active this week, and then the spotted salamanders should follow with the next rain. Sunday looks like the best chance right now for the amphibian march to begin, with potential thunderstorms in the evening.

Vernal pools are shallow depressions in the ground that usually fill with water for only part of the year. Melting snow and spring rains fill the holes with water, creating an essential breeding habitat for specific species of frogs and salamanders. These amphibians leave their winter hibernation in the woodlands, find a vernal pool, mate, and lay their eggs in the water, leaving their young to hatch and grow in the pool. As the seasonal rains dry up, so do the vernal pools, sending the new generation of amphibians into the forest until their next breeding cycle.

Amphibians such as wood frogs, spring peepers, toads, spotted salamanders, and other woodland salamanders are popular residents in our local vernal pools. Their egg masses suspended in the water may be visible, too, with the baby salamander efts or tiniest tadpoles writhing inside. With 700 species in the Northeast relying on vernal pools, the loss of pools due to development is of major concern, and preserving the few that remain is critical. With fewer pools, we see a decrease in biodiversity and a decline in the amount of food available for other animals that live in these areas, such as small carnivores.

• Our meeting location can be found in your registration confirmation email when payment is complete.
• Watch for additional details in a welcome email a few days before the date.
• Mandatory – Bring a headlamp or flashlight.
• Dress according to the weather. Layers of clothing work best.
• You may get wet and muddy. Wear sturdy closed-toe hiking or athletic shoes with non-slip soles that can safely handle slippery surfaces and can get muddy. No open-toed shoes.
• No pets, please.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made seven or more days in advance of the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within seven days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $10 or less are not refundable at any time unless canceled by NHSM. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.

For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.