Adventures in Conservation:

2018 Vernal Pool Tour

Wednesday, March 7 at 8:00 PM

It’s that time again when we head out into the night to see if we can find migrating salamanders and other ’phibs on the move!

Offered every spring since 2005 and led by ClearWater volunteer Jim Julian, Ph.D., a lecturer in biology at PSU's Altoona Campus, the event will be an opportunity for a few small groups to see examples of vernal pools - temporary ponds - and the diversity of rarely seen amphibian species they support, such as dozens, if not hundreds, of migrating spotted salamanders.

Vernal pools are required breeding habitat for many amphibians, including spotted and Jefferson salamanders and wood frogs. They are also home to uncommon invertebrates such as fairy shrimp. These seasonal pools offer a reproductive safe haven as they are free of predatory species such as fish.

Please Read the Following Important Instructions

1) Registration is free, online only, first-come, first-served and open to all. When registration is full, this system will no longer accept registrations.

2) Each successful registrant may also register up to 3 guests.

3) Only successful registrants will be notified by email with further instructions for participation.

4) The success of these events in dependent on conditions. Be prepared for cancellation and rescheduling if conditions are not right. Notification of cancellation will be by email and on ClearWater's Facebook page. Possible "rain" dates are the following Wednesdays, 14th and 21st, in March.

5) Please be prepared and able to walk at night in wet, cold conditions over uneven ground for 1/2 mile and along the edges of pools and ponds.

Thousands of migrating amphibians are lost each year to road kill. People interested in observing spring amphibian migrations on their own should be careful not to drive on roads in the Scotia Barrens or any wooded area on rainy spring nights in search of animals. If you intend to visit the Scotia Barrens to visit vernal pools, please park your vehicle as near your entrance as possible and proceed on foot with a flashlight to help prevent unnecessary road mortalities.

Thank You!