The Ohio Vernal Pool Network (OVPN) (previously the Ohio Vernal Pool Partnership), is a collaborative effort organized by the Ohio Wetlands Association (OWA) and the Midwest Biodiversity Institute (MBI), with a growing network of affiliates. Its purpose is to provide educational resources, opportunities and experiences to further the understanding, protection and enjoyment of Ohio’s hidden wonders found in the precious seasonal wetlands we call Vernal Pools.
In recent years we have conducted two vernal pool workshops each spring at various locations around the state. We have introduced people to the wonderful and diverse inhabitants of these temporary wetlands. We have shown how so many creature ares utterly dependent on them for either all or part of their life cycle. And we have shown how these pools help to enrich the surrounding forest lands and other bodies of water nearby. While our workshops always include a field portion where we visit a nearby vernal pool, we also offer follow-up expeditions later in the season.
Vernal Poolooza 2022 will be at the Salt Fork Park Lodge and Conference Center on March 24, 25 and 26. Salt Fork lodge has catering and lodge available as well as conference rooms for presentations. We have secured Keynote speakers for the two evening sessions, David FitzSimmons, an award-winning photographer and writer, well known for his Curious Critters series, and Thomas Biebighauser, author and professional performer of wetland restoration and owner of “Wetland Restoration and Training, LLC.” Several nearby locations will provide superior vernal pool experiences and learning opportunities.
With special gratitude to the volunteers at these non-profit organizations.