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Vernal pools are wetlands that fill up annually but typically dry out during some part of the year. These usually small, but very dynamic, wetlands fill with water, 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.
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Vernal Pool, New Albany
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| Vernal Pool Monitoring Program |
The OEC has worked with scientists, agencies and environmental groups around Ohio to develop a Vernal Pool Monitoring Program. By providing the resources for watershed residents to document the vernal pools in their area, the OEC hopes to raise local awareness of these wetlands, provide opportunities for local groups to build membership by organizing volunteers around fun events in the field, gather information for better natural resource protection, and build a forum for exchanging ideas and experiences on vernal pools around Ohio.
Several forms are available to use when monitoring:
- The Ohio Vernal Pool Partnership (OVPP) Vernal Pool Instruction Form (PDF) gives background information and instructions on how to fill out the monitoring form.
- The OVPP Vernal Pool Monitoring Form (PDF) gives the users data fields on important indicators of vernal pool health. There is also an abbreviated form [hyperlink to: Monitoring form abbreviated]
- Before visiting a pool on private property call or write the property owner and ask for permission. Sample permission letter. (PDF)
- Salamanders and frogs are plentiful in most vernal pools. In order to document these special creatures, please fill out the Salamander Survey Form (PDF) and the Chorusing Survey Form. (PDF)
- For answers to questions please visit our frequently asked questions.(PDF)
- Vernal pool fact sheet.
- Helpful vernal pool and amphibian websites.
Spring Peeper
(photo:drcphotos.com)
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In 2005 the Ohio Environmental Council and the Nature Conservancy began the Ohio Vernal Pool Partnership (OVPP). This Partnership is devoted to preserving, protecting, and documenting vernal pools in Ohio. For more information please visit www.ovpp.org. |
The OEC has developed the first, state-wide, on line vernal pool database. To see if vernal pools have been monitored in your county or to enter monitoring information click here.
| 2008 Vernal Pool Workshop a Success! |
 OEC’s annual vernal pool training and monitoring workshop was held at New Albany High School-the site of several mitigated vernal pools.
The workshop was attended by scientists, educators, water enthusiasts, government officials, and the public. Participants were treated to a food at their arrival with many items to help them monitor vernal pools in their area.
Mick Micacchion and John Katko presented on vernal pool ecology and the repatriation of the wood frog to Franklin County. Elayna Grody described the shape, size, and state of our remaining urban vernal pools. Participants also heard from New Albany High School’s Bill Somerlot and Lana Matheson on their nationally recognized environmental science program. The day ended with a trip to the New Albany vernal pools.
This one-day event was funded by the Dr. Thelma I. Shoonover Fund of the Columbus Foundation.
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