Come late March, the seasons begin to change. Spring Equinox is March 20th, 2025. What does that mean for us and our environment? Spring brings more daylight and rain, which leads to rebirth and growth. Throughout this time, animals begin to migrate. Birds start flying back north, insects emerge from their burrows, and amphibians come out of brumation.

Read on for a sneak peek at NEPA’s awesome vernal pools. And don’t forget to join us  for our Amphibian Migration Watch on Saturday, March 29 at Pinchot State Forest.

During the winter season, amphibians brumate

Brumation is a type of hibernation for cold-blooded animals to survive the cold winter weather, by slowing down their metabolism, heart rate, and breathing. As spring comes, the temperatures begin to rise and rain falls, and amphibians begin their migration to wet grounds. A common wet ground in PA are vernal pools also known as vernal ponds, seasonal pools, or even ephemeral (temporary) pools. Vernal pools are temporary wetlands that are filled during spring from melting snow or rain and dry before summer. These areas are snow filled during winter, water filled during spring, and plant or grass filled during summer and fall. Since these locations are not connected to any rivers, creeks, or other bodies of water, they never house fish. This allows for no feeding competition between fish and animals seeking shelter/breeding grounds in these vernal pools. Vernal pools can vary in size from a few square meters to a couple of acres wide.

Vernal pools are an incredibly vital resource

Vernal pools have a very important job of providing shelter and creating breeding grounds for crustaceans, insects, and amphibians, making them a biodiverse body of water. Essex County’s Land Trust explains that wood frogs and spring peepers typically give these vernal pool locations away. From wood frogs’ loud cluck and spring peepers’ high-pitched peep, it is easy to follow their sounds to the vernal pool. These calls are led by male wood frogs and spring peepers to attract females. Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center states, “Frogs, however, aren’t the only amphibians that inhabit these vernal pools.” Jefferson Salamanders, Spotted Salamanders, Marled Salamanders, Blue-spotted Salamanders use them as habitats. Towards the end of spring, after amphibians have begun breeding, vernal pools fill up with egg sacks, that look like jelly, but in small round ball clusters.

Amphibians don’t just stay in vernal pools during spring, they move around to keep warm

Unfortunately, some of these locations are wet roads during rainy and humid nights, so it can be very tricky for amphibians to migrate and live safely. Some organizations block certain roads off to drivers that have vernal pools on opposing sides, so amphibians can migrate safely. There are precautions that we can take to prevent any tragedies, as explained by the Schuylkill Center. If you are driving during rainy nights, watch frogs and salamanders crossing or sitting on the road. If you are in a safe spot, you can pull over and guide these critters to the side of the road they were facing. These animals should never be held directly. Make sure your hands are clean of any chemicals (soaps, hand-sanitizer, perfumes, etc.) and are wet, because amphibians’ skin is susceptible to absorbing harmful substances. The best way to handle any amphibian is by using nitrile rubber gloves, but you should never handle an amphibian unless necessary.

Practice caution when viewing vernal pools

This shouldn’t stop anyone from exploring vernal pools or going herping. If you are interested in observing these amphibians or vernal pools here are a few things you can do:

• Attend an amphibian migration walk
• Wear a reflective vest to keep yourself safe
• If you go by yourself, use a strong flashlight to spot any amphibians
• Use a field guide to help identify
• Wear nitrile gloves or have wet hands if you are helping move a migrating amphibian

Observe vernal pools on your own (with utmost respect and no physical contact) at many North Branch Land Trust lands, PA state parks and PA state forests.

Spring brings many amazing new lives to different areas

Vernal pools are an integral part of amphibian habitats. Having the chance to witness vernal pools and their diverse locations of plant and wildlife, all the greatness our environment has created, is an amazing sight to experience.

Connect with Us!

North Branch Land Trust is a conservation nonprofit that partners with landowners, communities, and stakeholders to conserve and care for Northeastern Pennsylvania’s lands and waters. Learn about events, the Land Trust’s Mission and more at nblt.org and follow us @northbranchlandtrust on all social media.

Featured image (top) courtesy of Leah Malarkey, Environmental Education Coordinator, North Branch Land Trust.