Earthplace naturalist Jim Hunter talked about nature and importance of vernal pools, the temporary wetlands created by winter and spring rains that are home to many interesting creatures.  These creatures are called "obligate" species, because they must use the vernal pools are part of their reproductive life cycle.  Two obligate species that are very common and noisy in New England in the spring are peepers and wood frogs.  Other species include salamanders and fairy shrimp, freshwater shrimp that only live in vernal pools. 

Jim showed visitors some wood frog tadpoles that had hatched a few days before, as well as an adult wood frog found in the pond at Earthplace.  Two fairy shrimp were examined that were over 1 1/2 inches long, the largest ones Jim had ever found.  Jabba the America toad was brought out to demonstrate how toads use their eyes to push food down their throat, and a tiger salamander was displayed to discuss the different types of salamanders found locally.  Everyone enjoyed the night trail walk down to the swamp and pond, where the high-pitched noises of the peepers and duck-like sounds of the wood frogs were very loud. 

Jim drew up several bullfrog tadpoles out of the pond, and noted that bullfrog tadpoles can take up to two years to mature.  Bullfrogs are not native to the United States and are not found in vernal pools, but they are a common sight and sound in area ponds.

Looking at the tadpoles

Recently-hatched wood frog tadpoles

Wood frog

Wood frog hiding under a leaf

Naturalist Jim Hunter discusses the creatures found in vernal pools

Looking at the tadpoles

Waiting for Jabba the American toad to eat some bugs

Jabba enjoys eating mealworms

After eating the mealworms

Examining the toad's eyes

Feeding the tiger salamander, which is found in the western United States

Tiger salamander

Watching the tiger salamander eat grubs

Viewing fairy shrimp

 
Fairy shrimp, freshwater shrimp found only in vernal pools

Fairy shrimp, freshwater shrimp found only in vernal pools

At the pond at night

Examining bullfrog tadpoles

Information about vernal pools