Wild New Jersey Exclusive: Vernal pools with biologist Melanie Worob
Amphibian eggs found in a vernal pool.
Photo courtesy: Melanie Worob, Edison Wetlands Association.
Environmental education leader - and Wild New Jersey correspondent - Melanie Worob shares a look into the fascinating world of vernal pools:
"Early April is the best time of year to explore the vernal pools in New Jersey. Vernal Pools are found all over New Jersey and are temporary bodies of water that amphibians, such as frogs and salamanders, use to lay their eggs. Since the pools dry up mid-summer, there are fewer predators, such as fish, that would consume the young. Vernal pools can be found in low-lying areas and most often identified by the sounds of wood frogs and spring peepers.
"After you recognize the vernal pool, look around it to see if you can see eggs attached to sticks and leaves (click here to see photos). These are the eggs layed by the amphibians and range in different colors. If you have a net and can lift some leaf-litter and watch for salamanders (size ranging up to a half a foot long), newts, and frogs scurrying about. Just make sure to replace what you move, removing habitat takes away their natural hiding places!"
Posted by WILDNEWJERSEY at 4/1/2009 11:37 AM 
Categories: WNJ Exclusives, Amphibians
Tags: amphibian eggs vernal pools
Categories: WNJ Exclusives, Amphibians
Tags: amphibian eggs vernal pools
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