Looking for a volunteer activity to do in the winter? How about survey vernal pools, or emphemeral pools that are prime breeding habitat for all our favorite amphibians! This survey can be done on your own time and goes towards the USGS national database! Attend the following workshop for more information.
When? Saturday, January 12, 2019 from 9:30a-12p.This workshop will be indoor.
Description: This workshop is for anyone interested in volunteering or wants to learn more about the USGS vernal pool survey protocol. Previous experience is not required to be a vernal pool volunteer! This workshop will cover the data sheets, protocol and equipment that will be used in this year’s Citizen Science vernal pool surveys on Rappahannock River Valley NWR. Last year, refuge staff and 9 dedicated volunteers found 23 vernal pools and ~165 spotted salamander egg masses within the Wilna and Laurel Grove Unit. This year, we are recruiting volunteers to adopt 2-5 pools and survey them 2-3 times throughout the survey period from February-March. Each survey takes about 10 minutes/per pool and pools will be adopted on a first come first serve basis. Equipment will be provided by the refuge in “vernal pool kits” and lent to the surveyors for the season.
Who? Contact refuge biologist, Lauren Cruz (Lauren_cruz@fws.gov) if you plan to attend or have any questions!
