The Roxbury Land Trust and the Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition are partnering to present “Vernal Pool-ooza” to explore vernal pools at the Baldwin Preserve in Roxbury on Sunday, April 12 at 1:00 pm.

The interactive experience will allow participants to discover how to identify these unique habitats, look for fascinating creatures like frogs, toads and salamanders, and uncover the vital role vernal pools play in the local ecosystem.  “Although it’s been a cold, snowy winter, our wetlands’ amphibians will soon be springing into action,” said Lisa Roush, executive director of the Roxbury Land Trust. “This family-friendly event is a great way to get outdoors, explore one of our beautiful nature preserves and learn about the amazing adventures of the wood frog, spotted and marbled salamanders, and other species that populate our local woods and wetlands.”

In late winter or early spring, amphibians emerge from the safe cover of the forest floor and make their way to vernal pools and wetland areas where they reproduce to continue their species. Amphibians can travel up to a quarter mile or more as they migrate and aim to return to the same vernal pool where they were born to lay their own eggs, according to the Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition.

The entrance to the Baldwin Preserve is located at 185 Good Hill Road (Route 317) in Roxbury. Parking is limited so please park safely along the road.

The event is free, but registration is required at
www.pomperaug.org\events or www.roxburylandtrust.org.