Test Project: Northern NY Vernal Pool Watch
This is a fake project for testing purposes. Each spring, temporary wetlands known as vernal pools come alive with the activity of frogs, salamanders, and fairy shrimp. These seasonal habitats are critical for many amphibians, but because they are often small and short-lived, they can be easily overlooked and are vulnerable to development. The Northern NY Vernal Pool Watch invites community members to help document the locations and health of these important ecosystems across St. Lawrence County and the surrounding North Country region. Citizen scientists will be trained to identify vernal pools, record wildlife sightings, and submit their findings through the Nature Up North website. By participating, volunteers will help researchers and conservationists better understand the distribution and seasonal patterns of amphibians in our region—and help protect these special places for future generations.