Every spring, small depressions in the forest floor come alive, filling with rain, snowmelt, and, eventually, amphibian eggs. By summer’s end, many of these vernal pools will dry up, leaving little trace of the life they contained in April. Take advantage of peak vernal pool season by joining Harris Center ecologists Brett Amy Thelen and Nate Marchessault on this visit to a hilltop vernal pool, where we’ll search for salamander eggs and other treasures. Come prepared for a moderately strenuous, 1.2-mile roundtrip hike, including a slow, but steady climb to the top of West Hill.

1 to 3 p.m. at the Horatio Colony Nature Preserve. Space is limited, and registration is required. Directions to the exact meeting location will be provided prior to the event.

For general information about Harris Center field trips, see our Outings Information page. For more information about this particular outing, including questions about accessibility, contact Brett.

Co-sponsored by the Harris Center for Conservation Education and the Horatio Colony Nature Preserve.

The vernal pool at the top of West Hill awaits your exploration! (photo © Russ Cobb)