| NHANRS Presents:
Vernal Pool Workshop
Friday, May 9, 2025
5.0 Contact Hours
Due to space limitations this workshop is limited to the first 24 registrants
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION
If you are a natural resource professional, or simply an outdoor enthusiast, the ability to identify vernal pools is an important skill. Vernal pool identification and characterization is routinely requested by towns and other regulatory agencies as part of wetland assessments. Although some physical characteristics can be used to identify potential vernal pools, only certain amphibians and aquatic invertebrates are considered indicator species and can be used to definitively identify vernal pool habitat in New Hampshire. This workshop will focus on methods to identify amphibian larvae and major aquatic invertebrate groups associated with vernal pools. The majority of time will be spent on using microscopes and appropriate keys to identify preserved amphibian larvae and invertebrates. A portion of this workshop will take place in the field and focus on field methods for identification of amphibian and aquatic invertebrates. Participants should wear field clothes and bring a hand lens as well as waders or other appropriate foot gear. This workshop includes handout materials, microscope use, and the use of the manual A Field Guide to the Animals of Vernal Pools. PRESENTER
Tracy Tarr is an environmental consultant with 25 years of experience in the fields of wildlife biology and wetland science. As a master’s student, she began her career chasing after frogs and predatory macroinvertebrates, and is thankful that her profession affords her an opportunity to play in wetlands for a living. Tracy currently works at GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. where she provides a variety of services including wetland function-value assessment, watershed planning, wetland delineation, protected species surveys, vernal pool assessments, wildlife habitat evaluations, biomonitoring evaluations, stream assessments, and construction monitoring.
AGENDA Start End Topic Description 8:30 AM -9:00 AM Registration 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM Introduction to vernal pool assessment 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM Larval amphibian identification using microscopes 11:00 AM - 11:15 AM Break 11:15 AM - 12:30 PM Insect identification using microscopes 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM Lunch (provided) 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Identify amphibians and aquatic invertebrates in the field Discuss field assessment methods Discuss dry basin assessments Compare different ephemeral wetland communities (focusing on amphibians and aquatic invertebrates)
Please make sure to complete all membership forms/payments (link below), if you are selecting the member rate for the workshop. Payment for the workshop must be received by May 2nd in order to attend the event.
A light breakfast and lunch will be included. Please notify us in advance of any dietary restrictions at assistant@nhanrs.org.
Use the button below to complete the registration form for the event. Members : $ 70.00 Non-members : $ 100.00 Students : $ 50.00
Due to space restrictions this event is limited to the first 24 registrants.
If paying through PayPal, please complete the registration form, but use the PayPal link below!
Membership info and forms Please note that to receive the member rate for the workshop, membership dues for the 2025 calendar year must be received before attending the workshop.
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