Vernal Pool/ Watershed Workshops

2nd Annual Live Green Festival Strawberry Hill

- Saturday, April 24th

National Trails Day Celebration Strawberry Hill
- Saturday, June 5th

Session 1 - 10:45-12
Lunch - 12-1:15)
Session 2 1:15-2:30

South Mountain Conservation Landscape Initiative Grant

This project was designed to promote and protect two of South Mountain's most valuable natural resources - vernal pools and coldwater streams.

The grant was awarded to provide five workshops on vernal pools and watersheds. The purpose of the workshops are to educate the public and get them involved in protecting these essential habitats.

Three workshops have been scheduled with local high schools to provide hands on education. The two workshops above are designed for the general public and local Municipal Officials.

Vernal pools, also known as vernal ponds, are temporary pools of water which during certain times of the year are bursting with life. These rare habitats are dry for at least part of the year and are filled by fall and winter rains.

vernal_pool1 vernal_pool_2 vernal_pool_3

Due to the dry periods, these pools are commonly overlooked and destroyed along South Mountain. Wildlife such as Wood Frogs, Fairy Shrimp, Red Spotted Newts, and multiple Mole Salamanders require this habitat for at least part of their life cycle.

Streams are also a very important part of our South Mountain heritage. There are multiple streams along South Mountain that contain wild Brook Trout populations. It is necessary that we learn more and provide protection for these special resources before they are lost.