Vernal pools
Our citizen scientist volunteers monitor important wetland areas that provide breeding habitat for specialized species of frogs, toads, salamanders, turtles, insects, mollusks, and crustaceans and contribute that data to the Vernal Pools Cooperative of Virginia.
Our citizen scientist volunteers monitor important wetland areas that provide breeding habitat for specialized species of frogs, toads, salamanders, turtles, insects, mollusks, and crustaceans and contribute that data to the Vernal Pools Cooperative of Virginia.
Learn about vernal pools
Learn about vernal pools
New River Valley Virginia Master Naturalist Judy McCord talks about vernal pools and the important species that depend on them.
NRV master naturalists monitor vernal pools on private and public lands, including at Claytor Lake State Park and Fenwick Mines Day Use Area. This citizen science project occurs from late winter through late spring. Our chapter provides training for interested volunteers. For information on training opportunities and pools needing to be adopted, contact us.
Vernal pools across the New River Valley provide habitat for a range of important species. Photo by Matt Gentry for The Roanoke Times.
Meet the obligate species
Meet the obligate species
Learn about the animals that breed in vernal pools and how they are monitored by volunteers.