WETLAND SCIENCE CONFERENCE
2024 Vernal Poolooza Breakout Sessions
Even more presenters will be posted here as their information becomes available.
iPhone Landscape & Nature Photography
with Ian Adams
The best camera, it is often said, is the one that is always with you - your smartphone! Today everyone uses an iPhone or Android smartphone, and both are capable of producing great photographs that rival those taken with DSLR or mirrorless cameras. This program is based on Ian Adams’s eBook, iPhone Landscape & Nature Photography, which is available as a download from his website. In this presentation, Ian covers the advantages and limitations of smartphone photography, and shares a wealth of tips for improving your landscape and nature photography with a smartphone.
Ian Adams is an environmental photographer, writer and educator specializing in Ohio's natural, rural, historical and garden areas. Twenty-three books of his color photography have been published, and he has produced more than 65 Ohio calendars and conducted over 200 seminars and workshops in nature, garden, and digital photography throughout North America. He was an adjunct lecturer at Ohio State University’s Agricultural Technical Institute in Wooster, Ohio where he taught horticultural photography for 10 years. Ian shares his home in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio with a tabby cat, Fuji, a tuxedo cat, Spicer, and a variety of cameras.
Ian will be available for book signing at the conference. Please stop by.
Ian Adams is an environmental photographer, writer and educator specializing in Ohio's natural, rural, historical and garden areas. Twenty-three books of his color photography have been published, and he has produced more than 65 Ohio calendars and conducted over 200 seminars and workshops in nature, garden, and digital photography throughout North America. He was an adjunct lecturer at Ohio State University’s Agricultural Technical Institute in Wooster, Ohio where he taught horticultural photography for 10 years. Ian shares his home in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio with a tabby cat, Fuji, a tuxedo cat, Spicer, and a variety of cameras.
Ian will be available for book signing at the conference. Please stop by.
Landscape and Geologic Patterns Associated with Vernal Pools in Appalachia
with Taylor Blackman
Vernal pools are notoriously difficult to map with remote sensing because of their small size and position under tree cover. Additionally, vast swaths of state and national forests do not have repeated GIS data acquisitions, if any at all, as they are often lower in priority compared to urban areas. To mitigate these challenges, it can be helpful to rely on associations between wetland presence and geomorphology. The Appalachian Mountains in central Pennsylvania offer a remarkable spectrum of bedrock types, carbonate vs. clastic vs. igneous, and landscape positions. To date I have recorded over 2,000 individual wetlands in the region, nearly 40% not listed on the NWI, with many correlated to predictable patterns in the underlying bedrock and landscape position. This approach is designed to utilize open-source data and a basic knowledge of the landscape so that it may be employed by land managers and citizen scientists alike.
Taylor Blackman is a PhD candidate in Forest Resources at Penn State. He earned a bachelor's degree in water science at Penn State, masters in soil science at Virginia Tech, and GIS certifications at each level. His research interests focus on wetlands and ephemeral hydrology in forested watersheds.
Taylor Blackman is a PhD candidate in Forest Resources at Penn State. He earned a bachelor's degree in water science at Penn State, masters in soil science at Virginia Tech, and GIS certifications at each level. His research interests focus on wetlands and ephemeral hydrology in forested watersheds.
Nature's Concert Halls
with Lisa Rainsong
The music of March has displaced the quiet of winter! Our resident birds have already been singing for weeks, and our hardiest spring migrants have recently joined them. Frogs are singing day and night in vernal pools and marshes. Triumphant and urgent, the early spring choruses can be the most engaging of the entire year. Cleveland Institute of Music professor Dr. Lisa Rainsong will share her field recordings and photos of our singers while explaining how to listen and learn their songs.
Lisa Rainsong holds a Doctor of Music Arts in Composition from the Cleveland Institute of Music and is a member of CIM’s Music Theory faculty. She earned a Naturalist Certificate from the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, where her study focused on field experience. She now teaches birdsong and insect song classes across Ohio and makes field recordings of bird songs insect songs, and amphibian songs. She does field surveys and range expansion research on crickets and katydids – work that is done primarily by ear. Her website is https://www.listeninginnature.com, her online field guide to the singing insects of NE Ohio is at https://www.listeningtoinsects.com/ and her educational blog can be found at http://listeninginnature.blogspot.com
Lisa Rainsong holds a Doctor of Music Arts in Composition from the Cleveland Institute of Music and is a member of CIM’s Music Theory faculty. She earned a Naturalist Certificate from the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, where her study focused on field experience. She now teaches birdsong and insect song classes across Ohio and makes field recordings of bird songs insect songs, and amphibian songs. She does field surveys and range expansion research on crickets and katydids – work that is done primarily by ear. Her website is https://www.listeninginnature.com, her online field guide to the singing insects of NE Ohio is at https://www.listeningtoinsects.com/ and her educational blog can be found at http://listeninginnature.blogspot.com
Wonders of Wetlands Curriculum and OEEF Grant Projects for Wetlands
with Dennis Clement
In this session, participants will be engaged in a rousing activity of Wetland Hydropoly, which has participants making wetland decisions for the future. This session also involves participants learning about wetland/water specific education grants funded by the Ohio Environmental Education Fund (OEEF) and how they can apply for funds through OEEF providing wetland education for all audiences across Ohio. Each participant will receive copies of the activity (Hydropoly) from The Wonders of Wetlands Curriculum Guide (https://store.projectwet.org/wetlands-educators-guide.html) for attending this session along with a brief overview of the guide.
Dennis is presently employed with the Ohio EPA, Ohio Environmental Education (OEE) as an Environmental Public Information Officer 1. In January 2015, he was appointed Project WET State Coordinator for Ohio.
In his spare time, he is a carded equine judge for the American Buckskin Registry Association, International Buckskin Horse Association and the Pinto Horse Association. He is also a certified 4-H Equine Judge in Ohio and Michigan.
Dennis is presently employed with the Ohio EPA, Ohio Environmental Education (OEE) as an Environmental Public Information Officer 1. In January 2015, he was appointed Project WET State Coordinator for Ohio.
In his spare time, he is a carded equine judge for the American Buckskin Registry Association, International Buckskin Horse Association and the Pinto Horse Association. He is also a certified 4-H Equine Judge in Ohio and Michigan.
Methods of Amphibian Sampling in Vernal Pools
with Nick Smeenk
Vernal pools provide critical seasonal breeding habitat for many species of salamanders and frogs. A variety of methods are available for monitoring amphibian communities in vernal pools. Method selection is dependent on many factors including species and the goals of monitoring. In this presentation, I will discuss potential methods and provide insights into selecting appropriate methods for your vernal pool based.
Nick Smeenk is a project scientist with MAD Scientist Associates. He is a Certified Wildlife Biologist (The Wildlife Society) and an Ohio Division of Wildlife Approved Herpetologist for T&E species including the Eastern Hellbender, Blanding’s Turtle, and Eastern Massasauga in addition to holding a federal recovery permit for the Eastern Massasauga. He received his B.S. in Wildlife Resources from the University of Idaho, an M.S. in Environmental Studies from Ohio University, and a Ph.D. in Natural Resource Sciences from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.
Nick Smeenk is a project scientist with MAD Scientist Associates. He is a Certified Wildlife Biologist (The Wildlife Society) and an Ohio Division of Wildlife Approved Herpetologist for T&E species including the Eastern Hellbender, Blanding’s Turtle, and Eastern Massasauga in addition to holding a federal recovery permit for the Eastern Massasauga. He received his B.S. in Wildlife Resources from the University of Idaho, an M.S. in Environmental Studies from Ohio University, and a Ph.D. in Natural Resource Sciences from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.
An Overview of FrogWatch USA
with Carrie Bassett and Michael Phillips
Ever wondered how you can make a difference? Come to learn all about what a citizen scientist is and how you can become one to make a difference to amphibians here in Ohio. You will learn all about FrogWatch USA, a citizen science program that trains people to identify frogs and toads by their calls alone so they can monitor wetlands near them to report all the information into a national database.
Carrie Bassett is an Education Specialist to STEM and Curriculum Coordinator. She has worked at the Akron Zoo since 2005. She has a BA in Biology with an emphasis in Secondary Education. She is a certified coordinator of FrogWatch USA through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
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Michael Phillips has a BA in Biology and a BA in Environmental Studies. He has worked at various parks and zoos, including Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Stark Parks, and the Akron Zoo, for over 15 years. He is a certified coordinator of FrogWatch USA through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
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Sampling Macroinvertebrates
with Jenna Roller-Knapp
Learn about vernal pool macroinvertebrates and also learn some of the various tips and tricks for sampling them! This presentation incorporates slides available through Ohio Vernal Pools Network (OVPN), which is a great resource for teachers, general environmentalists, and virtual learning.
Jenna Roller-Knapp is an aquatic ecologist and has worked with MAD Scientist Associates for 5 years. She specializes in water quality and aquatic biota sampling, including macroinvertebrates, fishes and freshwater mussels. She gained her undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Wisconsin- River Fall, worked for the Minnesota DNR with the stream habitat program, and obtained her Masters from the Ohio State University while researching aquatic assemblages in Lake Erie wetlands.
Jenna Roller-Knapp is an aquatic ecologist and has worked with MAD Scientist Associates for 5 years. She specializes in water quality and aquatic biota sampling, including macroinvertebrates, fishes and freshwater mussels. She gained her undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Wisconsin- River Fall, worked for the Minnesota DNR with the stream habitat program, and obtained her Masters from the Ohio State University while researching aquatic assemblages in Lake Erie wetlands.
Evening Exploration Salt Fork Dam Pool - Vernal Pool
with Jenna Roller-Knapp
Three Decades of Vernal Pool Conservation in Virginia
with Michael Hayslett
“Virginia's leading vernal pools expert” will provide an overview of 30+ years of vernal pools awareness, studies, advocacy, and conservation practices performed around “The Old Dominion” by Hayslett and others, through highlighting particular projects of past and present success. This talk will also include Climate Crisis considerations regarding effects, uncertainties and responses for Virginia pools.
Michael Hayslett is Principal of Virginia Vernal Pools, LLC. Mr. Hayslett is a former biology and environmental instructor at Sweet Briar College and other Virginia schools. He has spent a career pursuing the study, awareness, and conservation of the freshwater wetlands known as “vernal pools” around his native Virginia. His research has focused on amphibian ecology, but this master naturalist is fascinated with all aspects of these special little ecosystems and with natural history in general.
Michael Hayslett is Principal of Virginia Vernal Pools, LLC. Mr. Hayslett is a former biology and environmental instructor at Sweet Briar College and other Virginia schools. He has spent a career pursuing the study, awareness, and conservation of the freshwater wetlands known as “vernal pools” around his native Virginia. His research has focused on amphibian ecology, but this master naturalist is fascinated with all aspects of these special little ecosystems and with natural history in general.
Education Outreach regarding Amphibians in Vernal Pools
with Andrew Hoffman
We have entered a fundamentally different age for outreach efforts with wildlife. Social media platforms allow any user to potentially grow an audience of over 100 million people - almost a third of the U.S. population. However, most wildlife-related content on social media is hosted by non-experts, often sensationalized, and may be doing more harm than good. While local outreach efforts with amphibians are increasingly sophisticated and coordinated, social media presents a powerful and mostly untapped opportunity to affect public perception of and interest in amphibians. In this video, I will discuss some of our efforts to use social media platforms (primarily YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram) to promote wildlife awareness and generally unravel some of the workings and algorithms that operate within these platforms so those interested in using them for wildlife outreach might be better equipped to grow an audience organically.
Andrew is a post-doctoral researcher in the Peterman Lab in the School of Environment and Natural Resources at The Ohio State University. He received his B.A. in biology from Hanover College, his M.S. in biology from Missouri State University, and just recently completed his Ph.D. with a specialization in Fisheries and Wildlife at Ohio State University. His work has focused primarily on the conservation of rare or declining amphibians and reptiles by better understanding their spatial ecology. He also has a background in interpretation and education and has more recently focused his efforts on engaging and educating the public through YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram with his "Life Underfoot" channel. This channel is a collaboration between three biologists to release high quality, educational wildlife content using multiple social media platforms to grow as large an audience as possible and raise awareness for small, rare, or overlooked animals - especially amphibians and reptiles.
Andrew is a post-doctoral researcher in the Peterman Lab in the School of Environment and Natural Resources at The Ohio State University. He received his B.A. in biology from Hanover College, his M.S. in biology from Missouri State University, and just recently completed his Ph.D. with a specialization in Fisheries and Wildlife at Ohio State University. His work has focused primarily on the conservation of rare or declining amphibians and reptiles by better understanding their spatial ecology. He also has a background in interpretation and education and has more recently focused his efforts on engaging and educating the public through YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram with his "Life Underfoot" channel. This channel is a collaboration between three biologists to release high quality, educational wildlife content using multiple social media platforms to grow as large an audience as possible and raise awareness for small, rare, or overlooked animals - especially amphibians and reptiles.
Franklin County Metro Parks and Management of Unique Vernal Pools
with Craig Biegler
The Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks is the largest county park district in Ohio, covering over 28,000 acres in 20 parks. Each park has a different identity, and many of them contain vernal pools with unique properties. During this talk, Naturalist Craig Biegler will highlight several of the parks' vernal pools and their interesting residents. Discover an ancient swamp that is home to a creature found nowhere else on Earth. Find out how a human-made vernal pool was constructed at least 350 years before the first Europeans arrived in the Ohio area. Wonder how small populations of large salamanders have survived in heavily-logged forests. Finally, learn about Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park's new amphibian crossing tunnels, efforts to monitor their success, and plans to expand their impact.
Craig Biegler has been a naturalist with the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks since 2013. While working for the parks, he has surveyed vernal pools at Highbanks, Blacklick Woods, and Battelle Darby Creek. After receiving his B.S. in Wildlife Science from The Ohio State University, he worked for the Kentucky Reptile Zoo, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo, and the Columbus Zoo. In addition, he has done research on insects at OSU, The Biodiversity Group, The Maria Mitchell Association, and Denison University. He especially enjoys educating the public about our less-loved animals, like snakes, moths, and spiders.
Craig Biegler has been a naturalist with the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks since 2013. While working for the parks, he has surveyed vernal pools at Highbanks, Blacklick Woods, and Battelle Darby Creek. After receiving his B.S. in Wildlife Science from The Ohio State University, he worked for the Kentucky Reptile Zoo, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo, and the Columbus Zoo. In addition, he has done research on insects at OSU, The Biodiversity Group, The Maria Mitchell Association, and Denison University. He especially enjoys educating the public about our less-loved animals, like snakes, moths, and spiders.
Copperbelly Watersnake - Conservation Status of a Vernal Pool Reptile
with Megan Seymour
The copperbelly watersnake (Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta) occurs at the intersection of northwest Ohio, northeast Indiana, and southcentral Michigan and the distinct population segment to which these snakes belong is listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Despite many years of being listed, and the presence of protected high-quality vernal pool and forest habitat in areas where it occurs, this population continues to decline. This presentation will describe the results from recent camera trap and visual surveys, and describe future plans for captive propagation of the species.
We have entered a fundamentally different age for outreach efforts with wildlife. Social media platforms allow any user to potentially grow an audience of over 100 million people - almost a third of the U.S. population. However, most wildlife-related content on social media is hosted by non-experts, often sensationalized, and may be doing more harm than good. While local outreach efforts with amphibians are increasingly sophisticated and coordinated, social media presents a powerful and mostly untapped opportunity to affect public perception of and interest in amphibians. In this video, I will discuss some of our efforts to use social media platforms (primarily YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram) to promote wildlife awareness and generally unravel some of the workings and algorithms that operate within these platforms so those interested in using them for wildlife outreach might be better equipped to grow an audience organically.
I have extensive experience in implementation of the Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and other Federal wildlife and environmental laws. I have worked extensively on conservation of Indiana bats, Lake Erie Watersnakes, and bald eagles. I have expertise in issues relating to Great Lakes, Island biogeography, and wind power effects on birds and bats. I enjoy outdoor activities of all kinds including hiking, camping, swimming, and geocaching!
We have entered a fundamentally different age for outreach efforts with wildlife. Social media platforms allow any user to potentially grow an audience of over 100 million people - almost a third of the U.S. population. However, most wildlife-related content on social media is hosted by non-experts, often sensationalized, and may be doing more harm than good. While local outreach efforts with amphibians are increasingly sophisticated and coordinated, social media presents a powerful and mostly untapped opportunity to affect public perception of and interest in amphibians. In this video, I will discuss some of our efforts to use social media platforms (primarily YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram) to promote wildlife awareness and generally unravel some of the workings and algorithms that operate within these platforms so those interested in using them for wildlife outreach might be better equipped to grow an audience organically.
I have extensive experience in implementation of the Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and other Federal wildlife and environmental laws. I have worked extensively on conservation of Indiana bats, Lake Erie Watersnakes, and bald eagles. I have expertise in issues relating to Great Lakes, Island biogeography, and wind power effects on birds and bats. I enjoy outdoor activities of all kinds including hiking, camping, swimming, and geocaching!
OVPN and the Vernal Pool Education Package
with Ray Stewart
This session will describe the nature of the Ohio Vernal Pool Network (OVPN), its history and expansion. The recent release of the vernal pool education package will described both in terms of the products it contains and the services that go along with it.
Ray Stewart is a retired public school science teacher living in Amherst, Ohio. He is the founder and past president of Ohio Wetlands Association. He now serves as OWA Wetlands Ambassador. Ray has a BA in Botany from Kent State University and MA from Ohio University in Latin American Studies. He completed a Master of Arts in Teaching through the Global Field Program at Miami University in 2014. Ray continues work as Certified Professional Master Rain Gardener. He is founder of Webbedfoot Designs, Inc. which champions landscape design with nature in mind. He is also a Certified Interpretive Naturalist.
Ray Stewart is a retired public school science teacher living in Amherst, Ohio. He is the founder and past president of Ohio Wetlands Association. He now serves as OWA Wetlands Ambassador. Ray has a BA in Botany from Kent State University and MA from Ohio University in Latin American Studies. He completed a Master of Arts in Teaching through the Global Field Program at Miami University in 2014. Ray continues work as Certified Professional Master Rain Gardener. He is founder of Webbedfoot Designs, Inc. which champions landscape design with nature in mind. He is also a Certified Interpretive Naturalist.
Monitoring Vernal Pools with iNaturalist
with Ray Stewart
This program describes how to use iNaturalist to document and share data from a vernal pool. A limited number of target species are described that represent some of the most common vernal pool obligate species. In addition to photographic and/or sound recordings a few other data points are requested including size, temperature and depth. We encourage volunteers all over the state to experience, enjoy and contribute valuable information about the vernal pools that you visit.
Funding Opportunities for Vernal Pools through NRCS Programs
with Nick Schell
This presentation will highlight Natural Resources Conservation Services’ (NRCS) programs that promote the protection, enhancement, and restoration of Ohio’s wetlands. Ohio is second to only one other state in percent of lost wetlands acres. NRCS conservation programs can provide both technical and financial assistance to those interested in championing this valuable resource. Emphasis will be given to programs and options available to promote vernal pools.
Mr. Schell holds a M.S in Environmentally Policy and Planning from Ohio University, were he focused his research on the Feasibility of Reintroducing Native Muskellunge into Impaired Stream Systems. He also holds a B.S in Environmental Management from Ohio University as well as an Associates of Applied Science in Fisheries and Wildlife Management from Hocking College.
Prior to joining the Ohio Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) as the State Biologist Mr. Schell worked for WV DEP as a Compliance Assistance Specialist where he focused on aquatic biology monitoring within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. He also gained experience working in the private sector as a Fisheries and Aquatic Biologist where he was responsible for conducting electrofishing, gill netting, and bat and turtle studies. As well as wetland delineations, functional assessments, and wetland and upland restorations. As a contractor, Mr. Schell was heavily involved with US EPA National Aquatic Resource Survey (NARS). Working as a
Regional Trainer presenting approved US EPA sampling protocols, conducted national survey audits, and as a field crew leader overseeing a team that helped conduct nearly 400 site visits across the Great Lake, Eastern Shore, and Gulf of Mexico regions. Additionally, he has been involved in the collection and monitoring of the federally listed Razorback Sucker (Xyrauchentexanus), surveys for the consideration of listing the American Eel (Anguilla rostrate), compliance monitoring for both salt and fresh waters Clean Water Act (CWA) requirements and has experience working with over 20 freshwater mussels including federally listed species.
His efforts as State Biologist with NRCS are focused on resource management, promoting
wildlife habitat and conservation planning to improve Ohio’s natural resources. Primary efforts
include wetland restoration and monitoring, technical planning assistance for conservation
programs such as the Environmental Incentives Program (EQIP) and managing the states
Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).
Mr. Schell holds a M.S in Environmentally Policy and Planning from Ohio University, were he focused his research on the Feasibility of Reintroducing Native Muskellunge into Impaired Stream Systems. He also holds a B.S in Environmental Management from Ohio University as well as an Associates of Applied Science in Fisheries and Wildlife Management from Hocking College.
Prior to joining the Ohio Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) as the State Biologist Mr. Schell worked for WV DEP as a Compliance Assistance Specialist where he focused on aquatic biology monitoring within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. He also gained experience working in the private sector as a Fisheries and Aquatic Biologist where he was responsible for conducting electrofishing, gill netting, and bat and turtle studies. As well as wetland delineations, functional assessments, and wetland and upland restorations. As a contractor, Mr. Schell was heavily involved with US EPA National Aquatic Resource Survey (NARS). Working as a
Regional Trainer presenting approved US EPA sampling protocols, conducted national survey audits, and as a field crew leader overseeing a team that helped conduct nearly 400 site visits across the Great Lake, Eastern Shore, and Gulf of Mexico regions. Additionally, he has been involved in the collection and monitoring of the federally listed Razorback Sucker (Xyrauchentexanus), surveys for the consideration of listing the American Eel (Anguilla rostrate), compliance monitoring for both salt and fresh waters Clean Water Act (CWA) requirements and has experience working with over 20 freshwater mussels including federally listed species.
His efforts as State Biologist with NRCS are focused on resource management, promoting
wildlife habitat and conservation planning to improve Ohio’s natural resources. Primary efforts
include wetland restoration and monitoring, technical planning assistance for conservation
programs such as the Environmental Incentives Program (EQIP) and managing the states
Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).
Evening Exploration Kennedy Stone House Vernal Pool
with John Hickenbottom
John Hickenbottom is a Naturalist at Salt Fork State Park with the Ohio DNR- Division of Parks and Watercraft. He graduated from 2011 Hocking College in 2011 and has worked for ODNR state parks since 2012.
Vernal Pool Amphibians: The Great Migration to their Natal Breeding Pools
with Doug Berude
Vernal Pool Amphibians: The Great Migration to their Natal Breeding Pools
Winter is a very cold and short daylight stage in a mole salamander’s life cycle. They spend the winter in tunnels in a period of suspended development called diapause waiting for warmer and rainy conditions to start the breeding season. As the temperature rises the reproductive process starts in the male and female mole salamanders, they start their migration under the right conditions from their upland brumation site to their natal vernal pool. They are explosive breeders, and the breeding is complete within a few days. When the breeding is complete the salamanders migrate back to their upland brumation site until the next breeding season. Mole salamanders are not the only amphibians that migrate to these vernal pools for breeding. The salamanders are joined by wood frogs, spring peppers, and chorus frogs. The vernal pools in the spring are filled with amphibians that are all explosive breeders which turns these pools into a frenzy.
Doug Berube is a field biologist and researcher at The Dawes Arboretum. There, he conducts the citizen scientist program for monitoring vernal pools, salamanders, and wood frogs. He is a member of the Amphibian Foundation, where he is currently in the program to receive a certification as a master herpetologist. He is also a nature photographer and loves using his photography to connect people with nature, especially flora and fauna that might often be overlooked.
Winter is a very cold and short daylight stage in a mole salamander’s life cycle. They spend the winter in tunnels in a period of suspended development called diapause waiting for warmer and rainy conditions to start the breeding season. As the temperature rises the reproductive process starts in the male and female mole salamanders, they start their migration under the right conditions from their upland brumation site to their natal vernal pool. They are explosive breeders, and the breeding is complete within a few days. When the breeding is complete the salamanders migrate back to their upland brumation site until the next breeding season. Mole salamanders are not the only amphibians that migrate to these vernal pools for breeding. The salamanders are joined by wood frogs, spring peppers, and chorus frogs. The vernal pools in the spring are filled with amphibians that are all explosive breeders which turns these pools into a frenzy.
Doug Berube is a field biologist and researcher at The Dawes Arboretum. There, he conducts the citizen scientist program for monitoring vernal pools, salamanders, and wood frogs. He is a member of the Amphibian Foundation, where he is currently in the program to receive a certification as a master herpetologist. He is also a nature photographer and loves using his photography to connect people with nature, especially flora and fauna that might often be overlooked.
Native Plants of Vernal Pool and Where to Find Them
with Jenny Adkins
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Vernal Pool Plants and where to Find Them- Jenny Adkins, Lead Botanist and Project Scientist at MAD Scientist Associates will discuss the common plants of Ohio vernal pools, where you find them within these unique wetlands, and where you can source them for restoration projects.
Jenny Adkins is a Professional Wetland Scientist and Lead Botanist at MAD Scientist Associates, an ecological and wetland consulting firm in Westerville. She comes from Miami County, where she got her start in natural resources at the Miami County Park District and Five Rivers MetroParks. She has a BS in Biology and a Masters of Education from Wright State University. |
Delineating Vernal Pools
with Mark Dilley
Mark A. Dilley is Chief Scientist at MAD Scientist Associates. He is a Professional Wetland Scientist (Society of Wetland Scientists) and Certified Senior Ecologist (Ecological Society of America) with over 25 years of experience in wetland science, field biology, ecology, and environmental studies. Mark is certified through Ohio EPA's QDC program for Level 3 fish studies and habitat assessments for biological monitoring of wadable streams and rivers. He has worked on projects in 25 states but focuses his efforts on his home state of Ohio. (Make the sustainable choice: Hire locally-grown consultants!). Mark received his B.S. in Natural Resources in Fisheries Management and his M.S. in Environmental Science from The Ohio State University, with an emphasis on wetlands. His thesis research (Atrazine Fate and Transport in a Created Flow-through Emergent Marsh: An Examination of Key Processes) was completed at the internationally-acclaimed Olentangy River Wetland Research Park at OSU. Mark has continued his connection with OSU as a lecturer for the Wetland Ecology and Restoration course since 2012.
Vernal Pools are NOT Temporary Wetlands!
with Mark Dilley
Vernal pools can be challenging to identify and delineate, particularly during their dry season. Mark will discuss the delineation process and share tips on how to identify this important class of wetlands in the field.
with Martin Knapp
Martin Knapp has been an Aquatic Ecologist with MBI since 2007. He is the lead macroinvertebrate taxonomist and is currently involved with macroinvertebrate sampling, identification, and report writing for MBI projects including assessments in the Great Miami River, Mill Creek, and the Little Miami River basins in southwest Ohio, the Black River lacustuary, the Dupage River in Illinois, and the Elkhart River in Indiana. Past projects at MBI include statistical analyses of macroinvertebrate and diatom assemblages from wetlands, and macroinvertebrate identifications from Georgia streams. At Ohio EPA from 1981 until his retirement in 2007, he sampled macroinvertebrates throughout Ohio, performed bioassays on Ohio discharger effluents, coordinated biological and water quality assessments, wrote Water Quality Based Effluent Limit (WQBEL) reports, and developed a wetland invertebrate community index for Ohio’s wetland program. He received a B.S. and M.S. in Biology from the University of Akron, an M.A.S. in statistics from Ohio State University, and is currently enrolled at Columbus State Community College pursuing continuing education.
