Vernal means “of spring”—appropriate since spring is when these pools are generally most full of water and life! Other names, including seasonal pool, spring pool, temporary pond, and ephemeral pool, make references to the fact that these pools do not always contain water. Another name, woodland pond, gives a hint as to where some of these pools may be found.
Unplanted Scaly blazing star (Liatris squarrosa) in a remnant natural grassland close to downtown Charlottesville. Image by D. Floyd February 24, 2021 Grasslands Conservation in our Communities. Because of growing […]
We find ourselves at the edge of winter again and critters are on the move. Among these are the Spotted Salamander, Ambystoma maculatum, as it journey’s from it’s fossorial woodland […]
Today we entered a complex woods with a complex history, at McIntire Park. MAP. (Green trail, NW bound) There is an island of woodland magnificence squeezed by 20th century suburban […]
“Before nature can become sacred, it must be accessible. It must be lain in and walked on, climbed up and run down. It must ooze between fingers and toes. It […]