Ninth Annual Vernal Pools Day
Join the Bolton Conservation Commission (BCC) as they celebrate Vernal Pools Day in 2022. In recognition of these important inland wetlands, the BCC is leading a hike in the Nathan Hale Greenway to a very picturesque vernal pool.
The Commission publishes annually the Town of Bolton calendar “A Town for All Seasons” and for March of 2021 and March of 2022 featured a winning photo by Jim Adams of a beautiful vernal pool in the Nathan Hale Greenway.
Joining us this year will be our special guest Ed Pawlak, a registered Soil Scientist, Certified Professional Wetland Scientist, and former President of the CT Connecticut Association of Wetland Scientists. Ed will search for and identify obligate species in the vernal pool adjacent to the Nathan Hale Greenway trail. The BCC has been monitoring the stream temperature of a nearby stream unassociated with the vernal pool for a year now. This citizen science effort will track changes year-to-year due to climate change.
According to the Vernal Pool Association, Vernal pools are important seasonal forest ponds that usually dry out at some point in the year. They are at their fullest level in the early spring as snow and ice melt. These temporary and sometimes small pocket wetlands have no inlet or outlet and therefore cannot sustain a fish population. They are a host to a wide variety of aquatic organisms that would not successfully reproduce when subjected to fish predation. These organisms with an aquatic stage in their life cycle are sometimes known as "obligate" vernal pool species.
Spring amphibian migrations begin in mid-March. Obligate species such as spring peepers, yellow-spotted salamanders, blue-spotted salamanders, and wood frogs are now heading towards vernal pools in Bolton.
Participants should meet at 10:00 AM at the town parking area between Munson’s and Bolton Collision Repair at end of dirt road. The one-mile round-trip hike is somewhat steep and sturdy footwear is recommended. No dogs, please. Heavy precipitation cancels. Trail conditions determine the route. Registration is required by emailing TOBCC@aol.com with the name, address, and phone number of participants.
For more information contact Rod Parlee, BCC Chair at Town Hall, 860-649-8066 extension 6110 and leave a message or e-mail TOBCC@aol.com
