Vernal pools: What's the big deal?

Picture of Salamander November 2008 on upland of Wiggin Trail.

Did you know there are lots of vernal pools in the Holbrook Town Forest?

What is a vernal pool?

In Massachusetts, vernal pools are defined as confined basin depressions with no permanently flowing outlet, which DO NOT contain an established reproducing fish population and which DO provide habitat for certain vertebrate and/or invertebrate wildlife species. Vernal pools are (in almost all cases) temporarily flooded (hence the reason for no fish). They are filled with water in the spring (vernal means "spring") and early summer and are usually completely dry by late summer. Vernal pools typically hold water for more than 2 months of most years. Vernal pools occur in upland and wetland areas and range in size from a few yards to several acres. http://www.massnature.com/Wildlife/Vernalpoolcreatures/vpinfo.htm

Why are they important?
The Environmental Protection Agency's web site explains the importance of vernal pools:
The isolation and their periodic drying keep them free from populations of predatory fish. This reduced-predator environment is essential for the breeding success of many amphibian species, such as spotted salamanders and wood frogs, and the survival of unique invertebrates, such as fairy shrimp. Additionally, they support local and regional biodiversity by serving as important breeding, nursery, and feeding grounds for wildlife, including amphibians, invertebrates, turtles, snakes, mammals, and birds. http://www.epa.gov/bioiweb1/html/vernal_pools.html

What else should we know about vernal pools and surrounding forested landscapes?
In a publication of Forestry guidelines published by the University of Maine, the importance of conserving the Upland Forested areas around vernal pools is explained: The surrounding upland forest supports vernal pool amphibians during the 11.5 months in which they are not using breeding pools. These areas not just "buffer zones", but are actually "life zones".
http://www.maineaudubon.org/resource/documents/VernalPoolHMG-final.pdf

Another wonderful Massachusetts based web site with lots of great info about vernal pools is http://www.vernalpool.org/

Our Neighbors in Braintree

Here is a map submitted to us by the Braintree folks showing the continuation of the Cranberry Pond trails to the north of the Holbrook Town Forest. Recently the volunteers have been busy remarking the trails up there as well. Check out this area when you can, it offers another opportunity to hike close to home! Thank you for sharing this map with us, Braintree!

3rd Annual
Holbrook Town Forest Day
Saturday, May 31st , 2008 @ 1 pm

Come walk the trails and enjoy the day
As we Celebrate Holbrook’s Biodiversity
Events include
Blessing of the Forest by Rev. Ed Riley
Visit from Smokey the Bear
Dedication C. Leslie Mann Trail Head

Meet at Park Drive/ Sodergren-McKay Entrance
(Take Pine Street to Forest Road)

Sponsored by Holbrook Town Forest Committee, Cub Scouts Pack 56,
Boy Scout Troops 56 and 153, Holbrook Girl Scouts,
South School Ecology Club and the Friends of the Holbrook Town Forest

For information and details
Web site: http://holbrooktownforest.blogspot.com/
Email: forest@holbrookmassachusetts.us 781-767-4312
Rain date June 1st @ 1pm

3rd Annual Town Forest Day--May 31st!

Smokey is expected to visit the town forest on Saturday May 31st! Join us for a hike and meet the great hero http://www.smokeybear.com/

The Town Forest is a little safer today;Article 19 is approved!

Thank you Town Meeting Members!

On Tuesday May 20th, Town Meeting voted to correct the deeds of 3 parcels, totalling about 29 acres to read "Public Domain/ Town Forest". This means a 2/3 vote at Town Meeting is required to change the use of these parcels from Town Forest.
The Holbrook Town Forest has 115 acres, and is 12 parcels.Five parcels were already deeded "Conservation" which means they are the most protected, and require both a vote at town meeting and the state legislature. With the three added last night that leaves 4 parcels to go. Our thanks go to all those who helped make this happen, and continue to support and work for this local treasure.

Mocassin Valley

The Lady Slippers are beginning to bloom! This picture was taken on Monday in the heart of the Town Forest. Pretty soon the entire area known as Moccasin Valley (named after the Indian name for the lady slipper, the moccasin flower ) will be flushed out with blossoms. We hope you can check it out! It is truly one of the finest sights in Holbrook! According to the Conservation Planning Botanist at the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program (Mass Div of Fisheries and Wildlife ):"The orchid in the photo is pink lady’s slipper (Cypripedium acaule), a very common native wildflower in our area, found in a variety of well-drained wooded sites, including white pine, hemlock, and hardwood forests. They will be in bloom for the next few weeks."

Enjoy!

Making a DIfference- The Friends of the Forest

"Never doubt that a group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead, American Cultrual Anthropologist, 1901-1978

The Friends of the Holbrook Town Forest is dedicated to preserving and enjoying the beautiful Holbrook Town Forest.

Join us, and help make a difference. You can email this site, or sign up at Town Forest Day, May 31st.

Massachusetts Park Serve Day--Act Locally

Massachusetts Park Serve Day is Saturday May 17th http://parkserv.env.state.ma.us/.

"Last year, volunteers planted a total of 580 trees and flowers, removed 48.6 tons of trash, and provided invaluable assistance on building maintenance and trail projects."

While officially this event is for Massachusetts State Parks, why not help out here at home. A cleanup is planned the following day. Together we can make a difference!