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Full: The Magical, Vital Vernal Pool: Biodiversity in Our Backyards
March 16 @ 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm
This popular program is full
Mar 16 / 12:30 & 2:00 p.m. / FREE
Vernal pools are depressions in the forest landscape that hold water only part of the year and therefore do not support fish. Without fish, vernal pools support species that can breed nowhere else–specifically wood frogs, spotted and other mole salamanders, and fairy shrimp. Many other plants and animals, such as spotted turtles, also use vernal pools. These unique ecosystems provide biodiversity at the human scale–maybe in your own backyard. Join us for a fascinating presentation by Mark Southland, where you will learn about vernal pools, the threats they face, and actions governments and individuals can take to support local biodiversity. During the program, participants will visit our new vernal pool at our Mt.Pleasant location.
There is a session at 12:30pm and 2pm // REGISTER HERE!
Rain date is March 30th. If the program is full, email programs@howardnature.org to join the waitlist.
Mark Southerland PhD has spent the last 30 years working to monitor, assess, and restore ecosystems in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. A member of the Howard County Conservancy board, Mark spearheaded creation of the vernal pool at Mt Pleasant, and is working to add vernal pools to state wetlands regulations.
Vernal Pool Photo by David Hobby
The vernal pool was constructed by Ecotone and Howard EcoWorks filled the surrounding area with native plants. Big thank you to Chesapeake Bay Trust and Clean Water Howard for supporting the vernal pool project!
Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the event. If a program is canceled by the Conservancy, participants will be notified and offered a refund. All other program fees are non-refundable and support educational programs at the Conservancy. Organized groups may not be able to be accommodated at our free programs. Please contact the Conservancy about scheduling a separate program for your group.