vernal pool

American toad photographed in Ohio. Credit: Kathy Bodall

Vernal Pools Make Your Garden Sing

If you’re trying to find a vernal pool in spring, you’re best off closing your eyes and listening. As sunset approaches, the pond begins to sing. Tree frogs make a … Read more

Jefferson salamander

Why Salamanders Love Vernal Pools

On a rainy spring night in a New Jersey forest, a Jefferson salamander stirs under the rotting log that hides her. At last, it’s time. She wriggles slowly through the … Read more

Frogs that Thrive and Dive in Vernal Pools

In honor of Save the Frogs Day, April 30th, we’re celebrating species of frogs that depend on a very unique habitat – vernal pools. Vernal pools are shallow depressional wetlands that appear … Read more

Big Night: Teaching Kids About Vernal Pools

Guest post by Heather Stephenson. In late March or early April, a warm rain will fall and spotted salamanders will emerge from underground in the evening to return to vernal … Read more

Buy California Wine, Kill an Endangered Species

This is part 2 of a blog about the recent farm bill debacle.  See part 1 here. And now, the story of a wealthy specialty crop lobby who publicly promote … Read more

GUEST POST: An Amphibian Filled Field Trip

Liam McGranaghan teaches Environmental Science at Loudoun Valley High School in Purcellville, Virginia. He also teaches natural history field study classes on Birds of Prey and Reptiles/Amphibians for Audubon Naturalist Society … Read more