Trained volunteer: forms, procedures, etc.
How to become a vernal pool volunteer
Latest vernal pool training workshop
South Jersey Land and Water Trust is currently working with NJ DEP Endangered and Nongame Species Program "Vernal Pool Project." SJLWT holds trainings every March to learn how to identify, survey then certify vernal pools. Please check back with this website for training dates. If you have any questions or would like to sign up for a Vernal Pool trainings please contact Christine Nolan at 856-881-2269.
What Are Vernal Pools?
Vernal pools are confined wetland depressions, either natural or man-made, that hold water for at least two consecutive months out of the year and are devoid of breeding fish populations. Here in New Jersey, rural portions of the Skylands, Piedmont, and Coastal Plain landscapes are home to the majority of our vernal pools. These unique ecosystems provide habitat to many species of amphibians, insects, reptiles, plants, and other wildlife.
| Vernal pools come in an array of forms: isolated depressions within upland forests, seasonally flooded meadows, floodplain swamps, abandoned gravel pits or quarries, and even derelict swimming pools. However, no matter what the structure or genesis of the pool is, all vernal pools either dry out completely or draw down to very shallow levels unsuitable for sustaining fish. Fish are highly predatory on amphibian eggs and larvae. Over the course of evolution, several species of salamanders and frogs exploited these fish-less water bodies. Today, these species exhibit "hard-wired" instincts and behaviors that are geared exclusively towards fish-free vernal habitats. |
Amphibians that are dependent upon vernal pools are known as "obligate vernal pool breeders." In New Jersey there are seven species - two frogs and five salamanders - that fit this category. Another 14 of New Jersey's amphibians also use vernal pools for breeding, but unlike the 'obligate' species, these species can successfully reproduce in habitats that contain fish. These species are known as "facultative vernal pool breeders."
Source: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
For more information on the NJ DEP Vernal Pool Program
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/ensp/vernalpool.htm
Dear Vernal Pool Volunteer,
We are so pleased that you are interested in surveying vernal pools in southern New Jersey and were able to attend a training. Here are links to some documents to get you started and to clarify what you learned at the training session.
Procedure -
The Procedure to follow in conducting a survey, with the data sheet as the final two pages
Protocol -
This is what you must document if a vernal pool you are surveying is to become certified. Part of the Protocol consists of the list of obligate and facultative species we can hope to find in southern New Jersey vernal pools
Landowners Permission -
A letter that you can give to landowners. You may fill in the letter information and copy it, or recast it on your own computer.
In order to survey the vernal pools on private property you must obtain permission from the landowners. We suggest that you knock on relevant doors and ask for permission directly, whenever possible. Giving the letter to the landowner at that time will then serve as a reinforcement of what you are saying. If a landowner is not at home, leave the letter in the door to alert them about the project. Do not put the letter into the mailbox - that's actually illegal. Only the Postal Service may use the mailbox. Also, you can attach a return postcard to the landowner letter with a paper clip, if no one is at home. Put a stamp on the postcard before leaving it. Keep count of stamps used - we will reimburse you.
Becoming a Vernal Pool Volunteer
Volunteer Registration -
Please note that the Endangered Nongame Species Program Vernal Pool Project requests that you register as a Wildlife Conservation Volunteer. This makes it easier for them to accept your data when we send it in. This is easily accomplished, simply print out the form and mail, fill it out, and mail it in. Don't be concerned about the commitment hours in question 2 of the form. Any amount of time you can give is welcome.
Vernal Pool Maps
The maps showing locations of vernal pools that need to be surveyed can be found at http://www.dbcrssa.rutgers.edu/ims/vernal/ . Click on "Graphics and Interactive Maps."
Vernal Pool Volunteer Training Presentation
If you would like to review the slide show that was presented at the training, go to http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/ensp/vernalpool.htm and click on "Vernal Pool Volunteer Training Presentation." All the images and information are there.
Other Information
Additional information about the project and about vernal pools can be found on the Vernal Pool website at http://www.dbcrssa.rutgers.edu/ims/vernal/ .
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