This fun kid friendly four stage multi cache which will start at
the Silver Brook, and take you on a quick trip along woodland
trails, passing through a marsh area, and ending up at the peaceful
Vernal Pond. The stages are close and creative, and will not take
too much time to complete
Vernal ponds are extraordinary seasonal depressional wetlands
that fill after the snowfall each spring. They are covered by
shallow water for variable periods from winter to spring, but may
be completely dry for most of the summer and fall.
They are fascinating to observe and essential to the lives of
many woodland species. With the rapid population declines of so
many amphibian species, it’s crucial that these often
unnoticed habitats be recognized and protected. They become the
seasonal breeding and feeding grounds for many intriguing
amphibians and insects, as well as the reptiles, birds, and mammals
that depend on them for food. You might witness the bustling
activity of salamanders, frogs, toads, and newts that have come to
breed, as well as all kinds of aquatic insects.
Vernal ponds play an important role in the lives of many
amphibians, which utilize them to fulfill the reproductive end of
their life cycle. Because these temporary pools dry up in the
summer they lack many of the predators that one might find in
permanent waters. In this killer-free environment frogs,
salamanders and toads can breed and lay eggs without fear of
becoming lunch to hungry fish and predatory insects. The wood frog
(Rana sylvatica) is especially fond of these pools.
Many vernal ponds had their origin during the last ice age,
15,000 years ago. As the Wisconsin Glacier retreated large chunks
of ice remained and bored out these depressions through sheer
weight. Wetland scientists refer to these as “kettle
holes.”
These wetlands range in size from small puddles to shallow lakes
and are usually found in a gently sloping plain of grassland.
Although generally isolated, they are sometimes connected to each
other by small drainages known as vernal swales. Beneath vernal
pools lies either bedrock or a hard clay layer in the soil that
helps keep water in the pool.
The scenic trails throughout the WPA covers a variety of
woodlands and marshes. There are a variety of boardwalks, but after
a rain some parts of the trails may become wet and proper footwear
is recommended.
For information on the GSWA, and the CMA, please visit
their web site at www.greatswamp.org
NNJC is about promoting a quality caching experience in
Northern New Jersey.
NNJC.ORG