What is a Vernal Pool?

Mail Tribune Photo / Jamie Lusch

Vernal pools are temporary bodies of water that offer habitat for various wildlife species. “Vernal” means spring and the term describes the ecosystem perfectly because many of the pools consist of spring rains and snow melt. Vernal pools are dependent on the resources that spring offers because small bodies of water dry during the hot months of summer. The fact that this ecosystem is not an annual habitat means that it cannot support a dominant species for very long. Certain species like the fairy shrimp, the wood frog and the mole salamander benefit from an ecosystem such as the vernal pool for two major reasons; one reason is that the temperature change promotes the development of the spawn and the other being that temperature change does not support the presence of large predators. The ability to have a healthy habitat such as vernal pools that is free of predators is essential for the survival of emerging species.

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I originally picked this ecosystem because I knew of vernal pools near my home in Northern California. Through my research, I discovered that Massachusetts holds a greater amount of vernal pools where mostly every town in Massachusetts has a vernal pool ranging from 0-60+. I decided to study the vernal pools in Massachusetts when I noticed the great efforts the residents take to sustain the ecosystem. I found their actions commendable and I was intrigued to learn about the measures they take in order to protect the vernal pools and the wildlife that depends on the habitat of this ecosystem.