Vernal pools are nothing more than small depressions in the forest floor that fill with water during certain times of the year when groundwater levels are high. Spring and fall are the most typical times, after the snow melts and after fall rains. They are often completely dry by mid-summer, and they don't possess a defined inlet or outlet.

Fish can't survive in vernal pools because of the shallow depth, lack of oxygen, high temperatures, and the fact that they freeze solid in the winter months. Consequently, this provides a very unique habitat for aquatic organisms that would otherwise be prey for fish.

Wood frogs and mole salamanders only breed in vernal pools. More than 10 other reptiles and amphibians use these habitats for breeding and/or feeding, while insects and invertebrates, like tiny snails and clams, live in these pools.

Even though these pools are inconspicuous, the habitat they provide is critical for several wildlife species. Forest landowners who plan to harvest timber should take into consideration helping these pools survive as long as possible. Important amphibian habitat can be spared by avoiding increased temperatures in the pools from lack of shade trees, and by preventing silt from overrunning them.

There's the possibility that some vernal pools may be defined as an actual wetland. State departments of environmental services can be contacted for a list of regulations that need to be followed during activities around wetlands.

During wet seasons, when the pools are evident, identifying and marking the perimeter of the pool is important. They may not be as obvious when the water has dried up. When there's no water present, the appearance of matted and discolored leaves in a small indentation on the ground is the obvious clue of a vernal pool. These boundary markings will make it easier to avoid them while harvesting activities take place.

It's also important to watch what falls in these pools. Large woody debris can obstruct the movement of amphibian populations through a pool. However, debris that has been sitting in a pool for some time may disturb eggs if removed.