Vernal (and semi-permanent or permanent) pools are important breeding areas for some of our amphibian species, and reptile species may use the pools for feeding. Learn more about the herps that use Vermont’s vernal pools, including egg-mass identification, in one of the following videos:
Jim Andrews presented to the Vermont Association of Wetland Scientists on February 2, 2024. His presentation covered pool-breeding amphibians and reptiles of Vermont, including their natural history, identification, and egg-masses.
Kiley Briggs of the Orianne Society put together an excellent video on vernal pools (at a vernal pool in the field). It is roughly 30 minutes long and covers vernal pools, amphibians that use them, egg-mass identification, and a few invertebrates that use vernal pools.
Finally, if you’re looking for a briefer introduction to vernal pools and the species that use them, you can find one here (from our Rattlers, Peepers & Snappers DVD).