According to CT.gov - "In 1995 the Connecticut General Assembly passed legislation that gives municipal inland wetlands agencies explicit regulatory authority over vernal and other intermittent watercourses as part of Connecticut’s Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Law. Further efforts to protect vernal pools will depend upon improving public awareness of these unique, fragile ecosystems." (vernal pool photograph courtesy of ctaudubon.org)Vernal Pools are small bodies of standing fresh water that can typically only be found in the Springtime. The pools form due to snow melt, precipitation, and high water tables in the Spring months. Because the pools are temporary they don't support populations of fish, which is actually crucial for the other species to thrive there. Vernal pools are also characterized by a lack of a permanent outlet stream, and they dry out by late Summer.
Vernal pools are a great place to see wildlife (but don't disturb them!). Amphibians flourish here because there are less predators than there are in permanent water bodies. Some of the species that can be found in the pools in Connecticut are Spotted Salamanders, Jefferson’s Salamaders, Marbled Salamanders, Wood Frogs, Eastern Spadefoot Toads, and Fairy Shrimp. To read more about the different species, or to learn how you can protect our Connecticut Vernal Pools visit CT.gov. If you hear frog calls all night long during the Springtime, or if you see frogs, toads and salamanders crossing the road near your house in the Spring, chances are you have a Vernal Pool in your neighborhood. Enjoy the wildlife and be lucky that you live in CT!!
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