Vernal Pool Workshop at The Rocks

The Rocks invites budding naturalists of all ages to participate in a free educational program about vernal pools April 25. What are vernal pools? How – and when – do they form? Who lives in them?  And why are these seasonal wetlands an important part of the New Hampshire landscape?

Ecologist Sarah Turtle will introduce participants to the fascinating science of vernal pools. The program will begin at 7 p.m. with a discussion of the natural history of the amphibians and invertebrates that live in these unique wetlands. Participants will then pull on muck boots and head outside to look for vernal pools around The Rocks.

Boots and headlamps are suggested gear for this program.

An instructor of biology, ecology, and environmental science at Plymouth State University, Turtle became fascinated with amphibians and reptiles 30 years ago as a college biology student.

During graduate school, she conducted research on environmental impacts on vernal pool amphibians and rare turtle species. In the years since then she has worked on various research, conservation and education projects focused on these unique creatures.

Turtle has a Ph.D. in zoology and is also involved in education programs run by White Mountain Science Inc. in Bethlehem.

The Rocks is the North Country Conservation and Education Center of the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests (www.forestsociety.org). The Forest Society is a non-profit membership organization founded in 1901 to protect the state’s most important landscapes and promote wise use of its natural resources.

The landmark 1,400-acre Rocks property includes numerous buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places and offers Agri- and Eco-tourism opportunities throughout the year. For more information and a calendar of events, please visit www.therocks.org, e-mail [email protected], or call 603-444-6228.