It's Time to Start Planning Your Fall Visit!

Optimal survey period:

Late Aug/Sept - Oct/Early November

The third visit is timed to observe...

• When pools dry out
• Plants and animals in the pool during the fall
• The physical and chemical characteristics of the pool when it is dry

The fall visit is an important element of the Pool Patrol! Knowing when (and if) a potential pool completely dries can confirm the presence of a vernal pool! 

Note: Some pools may contain water for longer periods of time and dry up later in the year or only in some years. If the pool still contains water, you can still conduct the field monitoring and fill out the form, noting the water level and water depth. An additional visit in the fall and/or during subsequent year(s) may be needed to confirm pool drying.

Learn more about the fall visit 

on Aug 23rd or Sept 21st at a Pool Party near you! 

We Need Your Help!

For the past few years, Alcona science teacher, Liz Thomson, has been mapping and monitoring vernal pools with her middle school students. Working with partners at Michigan Sea Grant, Michigan Natural Features Inventory, and the Michigan Nature Association, she is creating a data-driven lesson plan and accumulating all the tips she's learned taking students out into the field in a Vernal Pool Unit coming Summer 2027! 

Teachers & educators! We need your help and expertise to peer review the lessons. 

If you are interested in helping out, please email apointer@michigannature.org. 

Photo by Brandon Schroeder & Tracy DAugustino, Negwegon 4-H 2016.

Field Trip Grants Available

Would you like to visit a vernal pool with your students but are in need of financial support for bussing, monitoring supplies, or otherwise?

The Michigan Nature Association makes $500 grants available for field trips to eligible natural areas for any accredited public or private K-12 school in the state of Michigan. 

The application for Spring 2026 is open until November 14th.

Visit https://michigannature.org/menus/apply-for-a-grant.html to learn more. 

Photo from Renee Gilson, Clinton High School