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.
Of the many types of grasslands occurring in the Virginia Piedmont, wet prairies, marshes, and seepages are some of the least common. Ditching and draining for agriculture has destroyed many of them, and since an estimated less than 1 percent of the modern day Virginia Piedmont remains as natural grasslands, these wetlands, which likely always existed predominantly as small-patch communities, are especially rare to find intact today.
By Drew Chaney, Center for Urban Habitats Painted Skimmer Libellula semifasciata Family: Libellulidae Distinguishing Features/Description: The painted skimmer is a medium-sized, showy dragonfly with a translucent orange thorax and […]