At our last meeting, Jim D'Angelo of Sterling Nature Center discussed vernal ponds.

What are vernal ponds? They're shallow ponds subject to large seasonal water fluctuations. During the winter and spring, they fill with snow, rain, and seasonally high groundwater, but they typically are dry during most of the summer and fall. These areas are important for wildlife including amphibians, invertebrates, and turtles. They are devoid of fish.

The guide pictured above is an excellent resource if you're interested in creating a much-needed vernal pond on your own land, on school property as an outdoor classroom, or other places.

To learn more:
Vernal Pool Association
Vernal Pools in NYS

 (By the way, NYS isn't doing a very good job protecting our vernal pools!)

Great conference on native plants and sustainability in general! For more info...