Identify and document vernal pools with the Harris Center for Conservation Education. Vernal pools are small, temporary woodland ponds that serve both as critical breeding habitat for a suite of amphibian species and as important feeding grounds and shelter for many reptiles, birds, and mammals. In efforts to protect these vital (yet often overlooked) ecosystems, the Harris Center coordinates efforts to identify and document vernal pools, with special focus on lands where information is needed for conservation planning. You could find salamander eggs, frog eggs (photo),  freshwater shrimp, and more!

Project Goal?
The goal of this project is to identify and document the locations of vernal pools, as a first step towards protection of these small, but important ecosystems.

Where does the project take place? 
On public and conserved lands throughout the Monadnock Region of southwest New Hampshire.

When can volunteers participate?
This is a springtime project, with fieldwork taking place in April and May.

Is training needed to participate?
Yes - Self-guided training materials are available at harriscenter.org/vernal-pool-project.

Who is this project ideal for?
Adults, and families with children elementary-school-age and up.

How to get started?
We recommend starting with reading our Volunteer Handbook, which is available at harriscenter.org/vernal-pool-project. Additional resources for learning about vernal pools are available at https://harriscenter.org/vernal-pool-resources.

Vernal Pool ID Project Website

Questions? Contact: 
Brett Amy Thelen; thelen@harriscenter.org; (603) 525-3394