HILLTOWNS- A ‘vernal pool plunge’ is underway this spring, led by 16 volunteers throughout the hilltowns.
The “plunge” is the brainchild of Meredyth Babcock of Becket who serves as a volunteer for the Wild & Scenic Westfield River Committee. The committee has teamed up with volunteers of the Hilltown Land Trust to take on the challenge.
Volunteers from 16 hilltowns are currently available to identify and certify vernal pools. (Submitted photo)
“If you think that you have an ephemeral pool that has eggs, spermatophore or bright orange fairy shrimp, let us come and see, learn about your special pool and protect it for generations of frogs and newts,” said Babcock.
Landowners who suspect they may have a vernal pool on their property can contact Babcock at (413) 623-2070 to make an appointment to meet their town representative who is certified in identifying and collecting data.
Towns that have volunteers in the endeavor include Worthington, Huntington, Chester, Middlefield, Ashfield, Becket, Chesterfield, Conway, Cummington, Goshen, Plainfield, Savoy, Washington, Westhampton, Williamsburg and Windsor.
Babcock noted there is a “short window” for active vernal pools.
“A true vernal pool doesn’t have a stream feeding it,” said Babcock, adding it is merely a pond of water that appears in the spring due to a depression in the land and then dries up.
For the “short window,” a wide variety of species hatch – from wood frogs and spotted salamanders to fairy shrimp.
Fairy shrimp are found only in vernal pools. (Submitted photo)
“A vernal pool is a beautiful nursery for a host of little critters,” she said, adding that “benefits” of having a vernal pool include frogs eating mosquitoes and then frogs and newts become food sources for foxes.
Last week Babcock met with Jim Dodge of Worthington who owns land that is adjacent to the Peru State Forest to check out two pools.
“We did confirm two vernal pools with wood frogs and large black and yellow and orange and yellow spotted salamanders,” said Babcock. “When we certify a vernal pool we also encourage the landowner to name the pool which is exciting.”
Dodge chose Briko, in honor of his dog who has passed that found the pond on one of their woodland explorations, and Taiko, who walked with Dodge and Babcock during the identification process.
“Jim Dodge served on the Wild & Scenic Westfield River Committee as Worthington’s rep for many years,” said Babcock, adding, “he is passionate about conservation and cultivating an admiration of the natural world.”
Two spotted salamander egg masses were found last week in the Taiko Vernal Pool in Worthington. (Submitted photo)
Once vernal pools are identified, the committee representative uploads data to the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife or submits information by mail to the NHESP – Vernal Pool Certification, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife in Westborough.
Mayer Kirkpatrick, L.Ac., is Worthington’s representative and said his involvement is important for the preservation of wild habitat for amphibians.
“Not only is this work fascinating but it is a joy,” said Kirkpatrick. “As a energy healer, my work includes frog and toad medicines so with vernal pool certification I already have a connection.”
Brian Schick, also representing Worthington, echoed those sentiments.
“I am an avid canoeist and tent camper, love the outdoors and am interested in protecting forest land,” said Schick. “I had thought of endangered species in terms of buffalos, carrier pigeons and whales, plus other species, being hunted to extinction. I never thought much about amphibians. Learning about identifying vernal pools which amphibians require in order to propagate struck me as a worthwhile endeavor especially since you will find vernal pools in just about any forested area in Western Massachusetts.”
Babcock concurred.
“Spring is the perfect time to wander your forest in the evening and if you hear wood frogs, go explore and find it,” said Babcock, adding, “then take the next step and have someone from your town verify and certify your pool.”
Babcock noted the committee is sponsoring a host of trainings and events now through October and encourages area residents to consider getting involved and to learn more about the region’s natural world. Visit wildscenicwestfieldriver.org for more details on programs to attend as well as volunteer opportunities.
Also, a wild and scenic river internship program is underway and individuals interested in gaining on-the-ground survey and research skills are asked to contact Babcock. For complete details on qualifications and responsibilities, visit the organization’s website.
Babcock also encourages area residents to attend the Wild & Scenic Film Festival, sponsored by the Westfield River Watershed Association, on May 31 at 6:30 p.m., at the Gateway Regional High School in Huntington. Short films to be screened include “Too Precious to Mine,” “Flipping the Switch,” “Blue Carbon,” “Tracking Snow,” “Meet the Real Wolf,” “The Last Green Thread,” “Clay Bolt,” “Climbing out of Disaster,” “Defending the Deep,” “Hear the Call: Salmon Nation,” and “Think Like A Scientist: Renewal.”
