What are Vernal Pools? Why Should We Care About Them?

March 2, 1-2 pm

Presented by: Amy Gillan PhD, Berrien County Coordinator, Michigan Vernal Pool Patrol & Pat Fisher, President Harbor Country Hikers

They may be in your neighborhood. Or along your favorite hiking trail. These small, shallow pools of water are called spring or “vernal”  pools and they typically dry up during the summer months. Take a closer look and you'll find that they are bustling with life, from tiny fairy shrimp, to newly hatched salamanders. In this program, Amy Gillan and Pat Fisher will explain how to identify vernal pools, how they provide critical habitat, why they are vulnerable, and what we can do to protect them. Join us to discover the amazing world of vernal pools!

Audience: All ages

Location: Flora Wing of the Sims Education Center

Cost: Free!

Full list of vernal pool programs in our region:

Tue Feb 6, 6 pm:  New Buffalo Public Library presentation (indoors)
Mon Feb 26, 6 pm: New Buffalo Public Library youth presentation
Sat Mar 2, 1 pm: Fernwood presentation (indoors)
Sat Mar 23, 1 pm: New Buffalo Nature Study Trails vernal pool monitoring
Sat Apr 6, 1 pm: Love Creek Nature Center presentation (indoors)
            2:30 pm: Vernal pool monitoring
Sat Apr 27, 1 pm: Warren Woods State Park vernal pool monitoring