Tools for Documentation & Stewardship of Vernal Pools
A curated list of helpful resources for egg mass ID, data collection, and best practices for vernal pool management in the Northeast.
Vernal Pool Ecology
Our four-part Vernal Pools 101 YouTube slideshow series provides an introduction to vernal pool ecology and conservation, with a focus on the Monadnock Region.
Egg Mass ID
The Harris Center’s full-color egg mass ID sheets are available to download for free. Print them out, laminate them, and take ’em with you in the field! This short video on egg mass ID was filmed in Maine, but is useful for Granite Staters too.
Vernal Pool Documentation
The Harris Center’s Vernal Pool Project volunteer handbook and field data sheet provide simple instructions on how to identify and document vernal pools for inclusion in the Harris Center’s database of Monadnock Region pools. Identifying & Documenting Vernal Pools in New Hampshire — the official documentation manual from New Hampshire Fish & Game — is a resource for statewide efforts.
Data Submission
Data is best shared with the Harris Center via Excel spreadsheet. Download our spreadsheet template, fill it out, save the changes, and submit the new file by email. If you do not have Excel, you can also submit your data via our web form. If you documented multiple vernal pools, you’ll need to fill out the form multiple times — once per pool. You may also wish to upload your data to the NH Wildlife Sightings Database. This option will send your data directly to NHFG, without stopping at the Harris Center on the way; if you submit your data to the state, we ask you to send us a copy as well.
Photos are best submitted via the button below, but can also be sent as email attachments or via links to photo sharing sites (Google, Flickr, Dropbox, etc.)
Submit Photos
Submit Data Via Spreadsheet
Download the spreadsheet, fill it out, and return by email.
Submit Data Via Web Form
Fill out once for each pool or PVP.
Submit Data to NHFG
Stewardship & Management of Vernal Pools
- Forestry Habitat Management Guidelines for Vernal Pool Wildlife (2003) by A. Calhoun and P. deMaynadier. Finding a vernal pool on your land doesn’t mean it’s off-limits for forestry! This document outlines best practices for forest management with vernal pool conservation in mind.
- Best Development Practices for Conserving Pool-Breeding Amphibians in Commercial and Residential Developments (2002) by A. Calhoun and M. Klemens. Unlike forestry, development can lead to permanent loss or degradation of vernal pools. This document outlines best practices for minimizing the impacts of development on vernal pools worthy of protection.
- Conserving Vernal Pool Wildlife in Urbanizing Landscapes (2008) by B. Windmiller and A. Calhoun. A detailed review of the impacts of urbanization on — and conservation recommendations for — vernal pool wildlife.
Websites of Note
- Of Pools and People. The most comprehensive website about vernal pool ecology in the Northeast. Excellent videos, annotated presentations, and scientific and layperson-friendly publications related to vernal pools. This site is based in Maine, but has information pertaining to all of New England. Well worth exploring!
- Vernal Pool Association. Chock full of photographs and teaching tools, this website is also home to the fantastic VPA listserve.
- Vermont Vernal Pool Mapping & Monitoring Projects. Cutting-edge vernal pool research and inventory from our friends at the Vermont Center for Ecostudies.
Contact Us
For more information or to volunteer, please contact Brett Amy Thelen at (603) 525-3394 or by email.
