"Big Night" is a big deal in the environmental world and if kids know what to look for, they can easily become a witness to this annual amphibian journey.
Vernal pools are key to the survival of certain species of amphibians. These 'spring pools’ are basically depressions in the ground that fill will water in the early spring. They do not stay wet all year; they usually dry up by mid-summer. Because the pool is not full year-round, it can not support fish. That makes these pools conducive to vernal species that would not survive if there was a fish population (a predator to vernal species).
The interesting thing about vernal pools is that they are identified, not by geological indicators (although there are some clear signs to identify the possibility of one), but by the species living in the pool of water.
Last April my family became involved a vernal pool research project with the University of Maine and Maine Audubon. We were among many volunteers - a lot of us with little to no experience in formal scientific research - in various communities across Maine that were trained to identify possible vernal pools.
At this time of year egg masses for both wood frogs (an indicator species) as well as spotted-salamander (another indicator) and a couple of other species can be found in vernal pools. These eggs might seem elusive to the untrained eye, but if you know what to look for - a jelly-like substance just below the surface of the water - you can find them easily in vernal pools across the state.
My family is going to continue with the vernal pool research project again this month to count egg masses in pools that were identified during last year’s research. And although this sort of experience is great for families with pre-teen/teens, it would be a challenge for parents of young children. But luckily there are lots of options for learning about the many creatures spring awakens for all ages this spring.
A "Big Night" Out
April 12, 7:30-9 p.m., Gilsland Farm Audubon Center, Falmouth
Most people think that a "big night" out involves getting dressed up and indulging in an elaborate dinner. But for the adventurous, donning rain gear and scanning the ground for migrating amphibians (salamanders and frogs) can be even more satisfying. If you think you might enjoy finding slimy, wiggling salamanders and hopping wood frogs as they lay their eggs in vernal pools, then this trip with Susan Gallo, Maine Audubon wildlife biologist, is for you. Weather date: April 20
* Family program, children 5 and up (Pre-registration required)
* $10/$15 - 781-2330 x209
Frog frenzy
April 19 at 10 a.m., Wells Reserve at Laudholm Farm, Wells
Search for frogs, learn frog songs, and make a froggie snack to take home.
* For ages 3-5 with caregiver. (Pre-registration required)
* $8/$10 - 646-1555 x117
Songs of Spring: More Than Just a Mud Puddle
April 22 at 11:30 a.m., Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine, Portland
Learn about vernal pools and the singing frogs that lay their eggs in these fleeting wetlands. Then we’ll create a fabulous frog chorus. Program also offered May 13 and June 24.
* Geared for preschoolers, all ages welcome
* Free with Museum admission - 828-1234
Special Family Presentation: Live Reptiles and Amphibians
April 23 at 10 a.m., Gilsland Farm Audubon Center, Falmouth
Do not miss out on this fantastic vacation-week family program. A variety of frogs, toads, turtles, salamanders and more will be up close and personal. Children will learn all about the fascinating lives these animals lead as well their adaptations, habitat associations, and what they can do to help protect them.
* Family program, all ages (Pre-registration required)
* $5/child and $10/adult for members; $10/child and $15/adult for nonmembers - 781-2330 x209
Amphibian Action!
April 24, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., Fields Pond Audubon Center, Holden
We’ll practice frog serenades, leap like frogs, and try to catch amphibian prey-then go outside to look for amphibian habitats.
* $8/$10 - 989-2591
Visiting a Vernal Pool
May 2, 1-3 p.m., Wells Reserve at Laudholm Farm, Wells
Venture to a vernal pool to hunt for salamander and frog eggs, plus elusive invertebrates, while learning about the ecology of temporary wetlands.
* Ages 6 and older. (Pre-registration required)
* $5/$7 - 646-1555
The Maine Vernal Pools Project
This citizen science initiative is already underway but the website has some great slide shows to help the lay person understand what a vernal pool is and how to identify the species that live in them.
www.umaine.edu/vernalpools
Maine Amphibian Monitoring Program
MAMP volunteers are assigned a road route with ten survey stops identified at or near wetlands. The routes are run three times a year, once in early spring, once in late spring and once in early summer. Volunteers are needed for northern and western Maine routes this spring.
www.maineaudubon.org
The Frog Call Quiz
This website provides a resource for learning breeding calls of frogs and toads. To test your ability to identify frog calls in your state, use the Public Quiz option.
www.pwrc.usgs.gov/frogquiz
Join the Wildlife Watch
Wildlife Watch is a citizen science initiative to encourage people of all ages to report information about the wildlife and plants in the area where they live. This is a national nature watching program sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation.
www.nwf.org/wildlifewatch
Get Outside to Explore
Lowell Preserve in Windham (on Falmouth Road at fire barn, www.windhamparksandrec.
com) and Libby Hill Trails in Gray (behind G-NG Middle School - www.LibbyHill.org) have well-marked woodland trails along permanent and ephemeral water features that may support indicator species. The drainage pond at the Windham Fire Barn is not a vernal pool, but it does generally have wood frog and spotted salamander eggs, as well as bullfrogs. It’s an easy "park & peek" location.
When looking for vernal pools remember to respect the environment and the creatures that live there. And remind kids that collecting living creatures (or eggs) to take home will not help these creatures survive. Take a peek - with a picture to remember the adventure - and then leave things as you found them.
Originally published in Raising Maine Magazine, April 2010 edition
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