Vernal pools are dynamic, seasonal wetlands that dot Ohio’s natural landscape. Vernal pools fill up annually but typically dry out during some part of the year. 

These small wetlands fill with spring rain and snow melt, blossom with life, and host a cacophony of sounds and a plethora of life forms every spring, only to disappear into the forest floor every autumn. 

Vernal pools are vital to Ohio’s environment. They:

• improve water quality;
• serve as a bellwether wetland;
• hold flood waters;
• provide habitat to hundreds of species, including migratory birds; and
• are an excellent educational tool. 

Read and download our Vernal Pool Fact Sheet.

OEC's Vernal Pool Program

The OEC coordinates a Vernal Pool Conservation & Education Program to help protect these special places. You can help Ohio's vernal pools by becoming part of the programs and utilizing OEC’s vernal pool field guide, monitoring forms, fact sheets, and other tools. The OEC is also a founding partner of the Ohio Vernal Pool Partnership.

Support local efforts to find and monitor vernal pools:

• Educate your community about vernal pools and their importance by raising awareness and talking with your neighbors.
• Join the Ohio Vernal Pools Partnership listserv to keep up-to-date with the vernal pool community in Ohio. Contact David R. Celebrezze, Director of Air and Water Special Projects, at David@theOEC.org or (614) 487-7506 to be added to the list.
• Attend an OEC Vernal Pool Workshop. View our calendar of events.
• Review OEC's vernal pool publications and monitoring forms and database.

On Twitter

• Follow our water team on Twitter: @OECAgWater and at @VernalPoolGuy

Vernal Pool Mobile App

The Ohio Environmental Council has developed a variety of materials to educate citizen-scientists of all ages about vernal pools including a field guide, DVD, online database, and printed monitoring forms. The next step is to take these monintoring forms and other information from paper and into the palm of your hand! We will begin by developing an app for iPhone and after launch, then plan to develop one for Android.

We need your help to raise funds to produce this essential mobile app! Learn More.