| Wood Frog egg mass in a local vernal pool, late March |
| Wood Frogs gathered in a local vernal pool. Spring Peepers were also present, late March. |
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What
is a Vernal Pool?
Vernal pools are seasonal wetlands-sometimes just puddles of varying
sizes-that contain water in the winter and spring, but may be completely
dry for most of the summer and fall. They frequently contain no
aquatic vegetation.
Why
are Vernal Pools Important?
Vernal pools provide vital habitat for amphibians which migrate
to these areas to reproduce. In addition, birds such as herons and
hawks, use these pools as a seasonal source for water and food.
The permanent loss of a vernal pool contributes to the disappearance
of frog and salamander species which are dependent upon these pools
for survival. This loss in turn affects the beneficial control of
insects amphibians provide and the loss of food for other animals
higher on the food chain.
Please
Report the Location of any Vernal Pools
The
Washington Township Environmental commission is in the
process of identifying the location of several vernal
pools within the Township. These pools will be added to
the town’s Natural Resource Inventory for the purpose
of better protection these important habitats.
If
you think you might know the location of a vernal pool
please contact Paul at 908-832-9312 or e-mail him at:
pkrylowski@earthlink.net
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If you would like to become a member of the Washington
Township Environmental Commission contact the Township at 908-876-3315.
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