Vernal Pool Hikes

Our Vernal Pool hikes were absolutely delicious. Sometimes, I wish I could explore these places in stead of going to work inside a classroom without windows. On most days, it's easier for me to check the weather at my computer than to look outside!
Nonetheless, over the weekend we got to see the birth of a new growing season in the wonderful wild at the Babcock farm with the treasure of spring ephemerals in Happy Valley.
The woodfrog (thanks to Alan Tomko) in this picture is a representative of the delicate ecology on this farm that is likely to survive for future generations. We have documented significant vernal pools on this property where they breed and extensive upland habitat where they exist for the other 51 weeks of the year. This is a notable example of an amphibian that depends not only on the vernal pool wetland that we love to explore but also the adjacent upland that supports it during the 99% of its life when it is not breeding. All too often, the limited wetland protection that does occur ignores the essential supportive contiguous habitat that surrounds the wetlands.
The next week we returned to the luscious backwoods and riparian wonders on the McConnell property. After many visits and surveys of the property, there are still mysteries and plants that defy the identification of local experts. This is a deeply diverse habitat that is worthy of our admiration. Thanks to the birding skills of Brad Phillips I was able to watch the foraging habits of the Grey Cheeked Thrush as it stopped by the Black River Valley during its northward migration.
Such visits include the enjoyment of both the ephemeral and the migratory. We hold these moments precious with our photos, memories and with our community.