Woodlands teem with activity in spring, especially in vernal pools. These shallow, water-filled depressions filled by winter’s precipitation provide vital breeding habitat for amphibians (frogs and salamanders) and macroinvertebrates (insects and crustaceans), which are specially adapted to the conditions of these seasonal wetlands.

On Saturday, April 15, from 10 am to noon, join Kestrel Land Trust and Scott Jackson, UMass Amherst Extension Professor in the Dept. of Environmental Conservation, to explore the science and mystery behind these unique spring features of our forests. Scott is wetlands scientist who makes ecology understandable and exciting for all ages. We will bring equipment for gathering and viewing fairy shrimp, salamander eggs, tadpoles, and other creatures up close.

We’ll visit a vernal pool in the Whately Center Woods, a neighborhood nature retreat owned and managed by Kestrel located a half mile from Whately’s historic town center. The conservation of this land is supported in part by the Monica and Bob Leverett Forever-Wild Fund, which encourages the preservation of our mature forests into the future.

This event will include a ½ mile walk to reach the pool and back, so be prepared for walking. A great family event to learn about the creatures that depend on the vernal pool.

Space is limited and registration is required with a sliding-scale donation.