Recommended Steps for Mapping Vernal Pools at the Local Level

Step 1: Plan and build project support;

Step 2: Identify potential vernal pools;

Step 3: Prepare for the field season;

Step 4: Recruit and train citizen scientists;

Step 5: Conduct field assessments;

Step 6: Organize data and plan for additional field visits;

Step 7: Submit data to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife;

Step 8: Establish and maintain a vernal pool database.

About Us

Understanding the vital connections between landowner concerns, municipal planning, conservation activities, and the ecology of vernal pools will be the focus of natural and social scientists from the University of Maine, Boston University, and Bowdoin College as they embark on a multi-year research project concerning Maine’s small natural features—vernal pools.

Our work is supported by: