05/13/2026
A vernal pool may look like simple standing water, but in May it is one of the busiest habitats in the forest.
These seasonal wetlands become nurseries for frogs, toads, and salamanders because they often do not support fish year-round. That gives eggs, tadpoles, and larvae a better chance to survive.
But amphibians are only part of the story.
Beneath the surface, aquatic insects like dragonfly nymphs, damselfly nymphs, diving beetles, water striders, and mosquito larvae are all part of a fast-moving food web. Some are predators, some are prey, and all of them help move energy through this temporary wetland.
Even the fallen leaves, logs, and sticks matter. Fungi, bacteria, and small invertebrates break them down, recycling nutrients back into the water and soil. What looks like debris is actually shelter, food, and egg attachment space.
So when you see a vernal pool in May, don’t think of it as just a puddle in the woods. It is a nursery, a feeding ground, a recycling system, and one of the most active habitats in Your Seneca Parks.
The parks are open from sunrise to sunset, so get outside and enjoy Your Seneca Parks.
