Vernal Pool Restoration Update

You may recall that last November, four vernal pools were restored and a field choked with invasive autumn olive and multiflora rosebush was cleared on a section of private property in Goshen Township.  This morning I had a chance to check on the progress of the reclaimed site and have to say things are looking good.

Vernal pool 4 in November 2010.

The same pool now viewed from the opposite end.  Of all the
restored pools this one most closely resembles a permanent
pond and is two to three feet in depth.

Pool 1 before.

Pool one now.  It will be interesting to see how much water is
retained once the heavy rainfall of late decreases.   There is
a strong current moving through all of the pools right now.

To everyone's surprise  clusters of what appear to be spotted
salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) eggs appearing already.
These eggs were probably deposited in late March.

Pool 3 - Perfect amphibian habitat, this pool is only a foot
deep at most and very broad with good access to afternoon
sun.

Evidence of recent heavy rainfall.  The dam head of this pool
has been washed out.  I think this is an improvement because
the pool was too deep to begin with.  If a pool becomes too deep
the water will have trouble heating thus slowing growth
of amphibian and macroinvertebrate larvae.  A silt bar formed from
erosion behind the main dam head now retains the pool at a
shallower depth.