Ample amphibians in the
vernal pools of Pennsylvania
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"
Vernal pools...are a unique type of wetland habitat. They are typically small, shallow, ephemeral water bodies, and unlike a pond or a lake, they have no permanent inlet or outlet. They are filled each spring by rain and snow melt, then dry up for a period of time during the summer. These qualities of vernal pools distinguish them from other wetlands, and they support several species of animals that require these temporary wetland habitats for survival.
Vernal pools are unique wetland habitats where some of the state’s most recognizable reptiles and amphibians can be found.
Because their aquatic habitats are temporary, animals that depend on seasonal pools are adapted for both aquatic and terrestrial habitats at different life stages. These animals also benefit from the dry phase, because it prevents year-round water-dependent animals like fish from living in the pools. Fish prey heavily on eggs and larvae, and without seasonal pools some species would not be able to compete and reproduce. Although there are obvious challenges for an animal using an aquatic environment that disappears for part of the year, the benefit is a habitat free from predation by fish." -
www.naturalheritage.state.pa.us
To learn more about these unique habitats, and a permanently protected vernal pool within Pocono Heritage Land Trust's
Kurmes Nature Preserve
, join us on Sunday, March 24th for a vernal pool exploration walk led by local naturalist and PHLT Board Member Don Miller.
Register below in the "Upcoming Events" section or visit
phlt.org/events
.
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On February 17th, Pocono Heritage Land Trust hosted a Snow Shoe Full Moon walk at ForEvergreen Nature Preseve, led by Don Miller. While there wasn't enough snow cover for a true snow shoe, that didn't stop the crowd from an illuminated and educational stroll along the property and warming up by the fire inside the Brodhead Creek Heritage Center.
Here is a snippet of what they learned:
"In the Old Farmers Almanac, there are names given to each full moon of the year. 'A full Hunger Moon falls at the end of the Winter when game and food is scarce and predators and sometimes even seasoned Old Farmers and their families were hungry as the winter food stocks became depleted.' Even in the comfort of a warm house and a nearby fully stocked supermarket, it is good to not forget how ephemeral an existence we all have on a dynamic and changing planet. This is the promise of Spring that is ushered in and on subtle display every February as the full Hunger Moon rises for those who are willing to venture even for a few hours beyond their comfort zone to revel in a giant disk of welcoming moonlight illuminating the cold of a still winter night." -Don Miller
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Photo credit from top to bottom:
Candace Roper, Ray Roper, Ken Winham
Our friends with the Pocono Photo Club attended an exploration of Pocono Heritage Land Trust's newest nature preserve, the Pomeroy McMichaels Creek Nature Preserve, guided by Don Miller.
The result are stunning photographs that perfectly reflect the beauty of this special piece of land.
Thank you Ray Roper and the Pocono Photo Club!
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Elaine Madere's
"Nature’s Beauty"
Opening: Saturday, March 2nd
11 AM - 1 PM
Monroe County Conservation District
Exhibit runs 3/1-3/31
for more information:
www.mcconservation.org/
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Community Events
A look at some eco-inspired events happening in our area!
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Elaine Madere, PHLT Board member and artist, will be featured in the Kettle Creek Environmental Center gallery during March 2019. The watercolor and acrylic paintings inspired by the natural beauty of the Poconos, especially in the Lake Naomi area, will be on display during the month of March at the Kettle creek Environment Education Center. Most of the paintings in the show capture the natural beauty of the lake and the surrounding area as well as sailing activity on the lake. To round out the show, paintings which capture the landscapes and florals from her travels in and out of the country are also included.
The Pocono Pines artist, who grew up in the lush bayou country of Louisiana, was taught by her artist father to appreciate the beauty of nature. She uses watercolor and acrylic, in a realistic style, to capture the natural beauty of the Pocono’s, especially in Lake Naomi where she lives in the woods. She also paints scenes of nature from her travels around the country and the world.
Only after she retired from a long career in Telecommunications and information technology did Madere pursue her life- long interest in painting.
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An Enemy of the People
Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center
at Centenary College
Performances:
Friday, March 1: 8 PM
Saturday, March 2: 8 PM
Sunday, March 3: 2 PM
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"An Enemy of the People" follows Doctor Thomas Stockmann, who discovers dangerous water pollution in the Springs, a highly anticipated resort that recently opened in his Norwegian town.
In Tom's mind, the path to a solution is clear: inform the public and close the resort to prevent a crisis. With ripped-from-the-headlines relevance, this high-intensity drama is a powerful investigation of ambition, integrity and the price we pay for the truth.
For more information and tickets:
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1% For Nature
Mix and Mingle Event
Thursday, March 14th
5:00 PM
Shawnee Mountain
For more info:
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Have you heard about the new 1% for Nature program?
This is a great opportunity to:
-Network with the people behind this conservation-based initiative
-Learn what this organization is all about
-Learn how as a business owner, you can join fellow local entrepreneurs in the conservation of green and natural spaces in Monroe County!
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PHLT's March Events
For more information, to register, and to view additional upcoming events,
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Sunday March 24
Natural Places & Open Spaces
Walk #29 with Don Miller
Vernal Pool Exploration at
Kurmes Preserve
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Save the Date!
mark your calendars for our April events
Saturday April 13th:
Composting Class with Monroe County Municipal Waste MGMT Authority/PHLT
Sunday April 14th:
Cranberry Creek Falls Walk
led by local naturalist Don Miller
Wednesday April 17th:
Spring Wildflower Walk
led by PHLT Stewardship Manager
Matt Schultz
Monday April 29th:
Volunteer Clean-Up at
Pomeroy McMichaels Creek Nature Preserve
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Pocono Heritage Land Trust | phlt.org
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