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They’re not Warm and Fuzzy, But They’re Important Nonetheless Your help is needed to protect New Jersey’s amphibians and their habitats By Hugh M. Carola
“Due to their temporary nature, vernal pools do not contain fish, which makes them ideal locations for amphibians to lay their eggs since tadpoles can grow and develop with a lower risk of predation,” explained ENSP’s Melissa Craddock. New Jersey has five species of salamanders and two species of frogs that breed only in vernal pools while 21 other amphibian and reptile species will use vernal pools but can also successfully reproduce in habitats that contain fish. “In addition to serving as amphibian breeding habitat, vernal pools are a source of forage, refuge and water for many mammals, birds, insects and other wildlife,” Craddock added. Unfortunately, the number of healthy & ecologically intact vernal pools has declined significantly over the past several decades in New Jersey as a direct result of sprawl development. In order to help stem the tide of their destruction, an effort to identify and certify all vernal pools in the state is currently underway by the ENSP. If you would like to volunteer to conduct salamander and frog surveys at vernal pools here in the northeastern part of our state, you’re invited to attend the upcoming Vernal Pool Volunteer Training Seminar on Saturday, March 13. Seating is limited so only those able to devote at least 40 volunteer hours towards the survey are asked to sign up: Training Seminar 3 – Focusing on the urban / suburban areas of northeastern NJ Date: March 13, 2004 Place: Lord Stirling Environmental Education Center, Basking Ridge, NJ Time: 9:00-12:00 Lecture; 1:00-3:00 Field study To register, please call 908-735-8975 or send an e-mail to vernalpools@yahoo.com with your full contact information (name, address, phone, e-mail) and the number of people wishing to attend. You will receive a confirmation with directions to the Center. Anyone who cares about the future of New Jersey’s wetlands and wildlife can help in this important work. Conserve
Wildlife... That is what you'll do when you buy these attracive license plates. More than 80% of the initial $50 fee goes toward preserving New Jersey's wildlife. Plates purchased after 1/5/96 have a $10 annual renewal fee. Your contribution will fund the restoration of endangered wildlife and the creation of a statewide network of wildlife viewing areas. These plates can be purchased at any time during the registration cycle at NJ Motor Vehicle Commission offices or by calling 609-292-6500 for an application to purchase through the mail.
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The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Endangered
and Nongame Species Program (ENSP) is looking for dedicated volunteers to
collect important data on critical habitats for reptiles and amphibians. Among
their most important habitats are vernal pools. Throughout the winter and early
spring, water collects in depressions in forests and meadows, forming seasonal
wetlands that remain through early summer. Known as vernal pools, these unique
wetlands are critical habitats for seven species of amphibians that rely upon
them for breeding.
