By Sally Wagoner, NCEC April is Vernal Pools Month in Newaygo County! Katie Clark, the Vernal Pool Patrol Coordinator for the Newaygo County region, will be offering a series of free presentations and monitoring training throughout the month. What are Vernal Pools, and why are they so important to our ecosystems? “Vernal Pools are like our Coral Reefs of the Forest,” states Katie, Vice Chair and Program Manager of the Newaygo County Environmental Coalition (NCEC). “They are small, important wetlands that appear in spring and dry up during the fall. They are ideal breeding grounds for a variety of amphibians and invertebrates that would be vulnerable to lake or stream fish; the fairy shrimp, wood frogs, spotted and blue spotted salamanders can only breed in Vernal pools. They even travel back to their birth Vernal pool to spawn.” The Vernal Pool Patrol, organized by the Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI), is one of the pioneering statewide vernal pool monitoring programs in the country. This program owes its success to the dedicated community “citizen scientists” who are passionate about nature and committed to preserving Michigan’s unique ecosystems. As part of the larger Michigan Vernal Pools Partnership, the Vernal Pool Patrol aims to advance vernal pool research and conservation across the state. “Newaygo County’s vernal pools are waiting to be discovered and protected,” states Katie. “Many people have vernal pools on their property, or near where they live, and don't even know it. But by joining the Vernal Pool Patrol, you will become a guardian of these unique habitats.” The following Vernal Pool Drop-In Presentations are family friendly and do not require registration:
Vernal Pool Field Part 2 Trainings are for those interested in learning how to identify Vernal Pools, collect samples and enter information into the MNFI database. Upcoming Field Trainings are:
On Saturday, April 27, 1pm-3pm, NCEC will partner with the Land Conservancy of West Michigan for a Vernal Pools Foray at McDuffee Creek Nature Preserve near Bitely, Michigan. Katie Clark will lead this family-friendly introduction to vernal pools. Participants will learn how to identify the natural features of a vernal pool, the unique critters that can only breed in them, and how one can get involved with the Newaygo County Vernal Pool Patrol. Space is limited and registration is required. For more information and to reserve tickets, go to Vernal Pools at McDuffee Creek Preserves, or contact Katie Clark: katie.c@nc-ec.org. The Newaygo County Environmental Coalition invites community members to become “Citizen Scientists” to help identify and monitor these elusive, short-lived ponds that are vital to the health of our diverse forest ecosystem. Attendees of the monitor trainings will be prepared to become an official member of the new Newaygo County Vernal Pool Patrol! “Monitoring vernal pools is a great activity for families, even with young children. What kid doesn’t like putting on their boots and walking in the water?” added Katie. “Together, we can support the beauty and sustainability of our environment and ensure that future generations can enjoy the wonders of Newaygo County.”More information about NCEC’s Vernal Pools and the event dates can be found at the www.nc-ec.org Calendar Page, or scan the QR code. Follow NCEC on Facebook to keep up with more events (www.facebook.com/NCEC2), or request to join the monthly Enews: buzz@nc-ec.org. You can learn more about Vernal Pools by visiting the Michigan Vernal Pools website: www.mivernalpools.com.
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