When you go out to the Hundred Acre Woods you might want to borrow a guide book to help you identify the amphibians you could come across.  Think about taking out the book, Reptiles & Amphibians  by David S. Kirshner. This pocket guide book fits in your backpack and examines the characteristics and behavior of lizards, snakes, turtles, crocodiles, alligators, frogs, toads, and salamanders and discusses where to find them and what to look for such as size, color, behavior and other features.  Don’t worry there are no crocodiles or alligators in the Hundred Acre Wood!  Can you tell a frog from a toad? To help you tell the difference you can borrow, Frog or toad? : How Do You Know? by Melissa Stewart. After reading the book you will know!  When you’re walking in the woods, you can tell that winter is changing into spring by the riot of sound that fills the air. The quacking, piping, and creaking that you hear are the sounds of frogs singing their love songs. Follow those sounds and they may lead you to a vernal pool. A vernal pool is a special pond that’s just right for frogs, salamanders, and other animals. The ecology of the pool is special, too. That’s what makes it frog heaven. With fascinating facts and stunning photographs  The book Frog Heaven: Ecology of the Vernal Pool by Doug Wechsler is a great book to borrow.  The Secret Pool by Kim Ridley introduces young readers to the wonders right underfoot as the voice of a vernal pool shares its secrets through the seasons, and sidebars provide fun facts on its inhabitants and the crucial role these small, often overlooked wetlands play in maintaining a healthy environment. The artwork is by our very own Blue Hill resident artist, Rebekah Raye.

 

Some Tips for Approaching a Vernal Pool

 We’re rooting for the organisms that make the vernal pool their temporary home!

• Explore the area only on foot – no bicycles or motorized vehicles.
• Avoid walking into or along the edges of vernal pools. Avoid stepping on flowers.
• Keep dogs on leashes and out of restricted areas. Look for “No Dogs Allowed” signs.
• Leave all flowers for their pollinators and other visitors.