Wood Frogs and Their Egg Masses
Photographs and text to help with identification and life history of this species.
Spotted Salamanders and Their Egg Masses
Photographs and text to help with identification and life history of this species.
Blue-Spotted Salamander Complex and Their Egg Masses
Photographs and text to help with identification and life history of this species.
Fairy Shrimp
Photographs and text to help with identification and life history of this species.
Egg Mass Identification
This short video clip highlights the identifying characteristics of wood frog, spotted salamander and blue-spotted egg masses and suggests techniques for counting masses.
Vernal Pools in Late Summer, Fall, and Winter
Tips and clues to help determine if you have a vernal pool during seasons when indicator species are not present. If you think you have a vernal pool it is best to revisit during the spring breeding season for confirmation.
Is this a Vernal Pool Regulated by the State of Maine?
Vernal pools occur in many different landscape settings, the State of Maine regulates a subset of these breeding sites as high quality, naturally occuring Significant Vernal Pools. The photographs and text provided were put together to help clarify which pools are likely to be regulated under the Natural Resource Protection Act as a Significant Vernal Pool in the State of Maine.
Pools of Life – Wildlife
Learn about the basic ecology of pool breeding amphibians common in Maine: the Wood Frog, Spotted Salamander, Blue Spotted Salamander Complex, and fairy shrimp. Wetland ecologist Aram Calhoun takes you on a tour of a vernal pool.
Pocket ID Cards for Maine
These ID cards were created to assist with field identification of vernal pool species in Maine. Information included in this resource reflects frequently asked questions from volunteers. They are designed to be printed on both sides, laminated, and then cut into individual cards and bound with a metal ring in the corner.
Pocket ID Cards for Northeastern States
These ID cards include species found in Maine as well as vernal pool breeding animals that occur in other Northeastern states. They were created to assist with field identification of vernal pool species. Information included in this resource reflects frequently asked questions from volunteers. They are designed to be double side printed, laminated, and then cut into individual cards and bound with a metal ring in the corner.