CANCELLED: Vernal pools are seasonal wetlands that play a critical role in forest ecosystems, providing essential breeding habitat for amphibians that depend on fish-free waters to survive.
During this guided walk, we’ll visit several vernal pools and learn how to identify amphibian egg masses, tadpoles, and larvae commonly found in our area—from species like wood frogs, spring peepers, and spotted salamanders. We’ll talk about how to tell them apart, when different species arrive at the pools, and why timing is so important for their life cycles.
Participants will also learn why vernal pools are protected habitats, how amphibians rely on surrounding forests for the rest of the year, and what threats these sensitive ecosystems face. This family-friendly program encourages careful observation, curiosity, and respect for wildlife while highlighting the importance of protecting places like Hardscrabble Preserve.
We're excited to welcome Kristina Hayek to lead this walk. She is the Curator at Cranberry Lake Preserve in West Harrison, New York with the Westchester County Parks Department. Kristina has worked in environmental education since 2016 and completed the Education for Sustainability graduate program at Manhattanville College. She is passionate about providing hands-on educational experiences.