2012 Training Program - Segment 3
Vernal Pool Ecology and Monitoring
![Vernal pool in a shrub and forested landscape](/-/media/deep/water/wetlands/images/vernalpool.jpg?h=224&w=300&sc_lang=en&hash=51300886AE116C2F1E8A8CBC78BE7EBA)
Introduction
Vernal pools are considered watercourses under the Connecticut Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Act. Vernal pools provide important habitat for a high diversity of organisms including species with life cycles adapted exclusively to this specific watercourse. This Segment 3 program provided a brief review of the authority Connecticut's municipal inland wetlands agencies have in relation to these unique watercourses; presented an overview of the ecology of vernal pools, including vernal pool identification in the dry season; and discussed the Connecticut Association of Wetland Scientists Vernal Pool Monitoring Program.
![spotted salamander](/-/media/deep/water/wetlands/images/seg3_2012_vernalpool_salamander.jpg?h=237&w=301&sc_lang=en&hash=70AB8604D475676132DE28DC56E01857)
Background Materials
- Location: CT Forest and Park Association, Middletown
- Segment 3 Program Brochure
- Agenda and Instructors
Classroom Presentations
- Municipal Inland Wetlands Agency Authority Regarding Vernal and Other Temporary Watercourses
- Characteristics and Ecology of Vernal Pools
- CT Association of Wetland Scientists Vernal Pool Monitoring Program Presentation
Supplemental Training Materials
- Connecticut Wildlife Magazine article, "An Ecological Spring Awakening in Our Vernal Pools"
- List of useful vernal pool websites and references
- Vernal Pool Breeding Amphibian Egg Mass Identification
- Photos of vernal pool dry season indicators
- Vernal pool dry season indicator data sheet
- Potential vernal pool questions for consultants offered by Connecticut Ecosystems, LLC
- CT Association of Wetland Scientists Vernal Pool Monitoring webpage
Content Last Updated March 17, 2020