When I arrived the gate was open and we drove into a field that used to be a log landing. The woods still show skidder trails from selective harvests; the logging on BHF property is done sustainably and usually in winter to reduce harm to the land. While we waited for Josh, one of the women in the group showed us a turtle eggshell and a tiny dead snapping turtle she was bringing to give to Josh. So amazing!
I love seeing kids on these hikes. Getting them outside when
they’re young seems like the best way to raise adults who care about the land.
Not far in, on the left, we went to a vernal pool that had decent depth. Vernal pools are temporary bodies of water that fill with spring rains and snowmelt and then usually dry out later in the season. Because they typically dry up, fish can’t survive in them, which gives salamanders and frogs a safe place to lay eggs. You’ll also sometimes find fairy shrimp there - related to the brine shrimp of “Sea Monkey” fame — though we didn’t spot any that day.
The pool was alive with activity: water striders skating on the
surface, whirligig beetles, and immature dragonflies among other aquatic
insects. I even managed to get a photo of a giant water bug aka "toe biter".
Josh suited up in waders to check the pool more closely and
emphasized an important point: disinfect any gear before moving between sites.
Even harmless-looking algae, bacteria, or viruses in one pond can spell trouble
if transferred to a more vulnerable site. Cross-contamination is a real
conservation issue.
I have been slowly listening to Robin Wall Kimmerer’s Gathering
Moss book at night and have been watching for different types. I gathered a
picture of this, thinking it was moss, though I believe it turned out to be an
aquatic plant called Featherfoil that is actually in the primrose family.
Josh had jars for observing specimens safely. He pulled out an egg mass — I think it was a salamander’s — to show us. From what I remember and what I later checked, salamander eggs are held together in a gelatinous coat, whereas frog eggs are in distinct clusters. He mentioned most of the critters had already left that particular mass. We also got to look at tadpoles wriggling in a canning jar, which delighted the kids who tried their hand at scooping up samples.
At one point someone caught a green frog. We were able to differentiate
it from a bullfrog by the ridge running from the eye down the neck; bullfrogs
have a ridge that only circles the eye.
We wandered further up skidder trails and then along a trail that
heads west, checking for other pools. Some had already dried up since the area
was scouted a week or two earlier. We found another mass of frog eggs with
individual eggs clearly visible — a neat contrast to the slimy salamander
clusters.
All in all, a beautiful early spring day with great discoveries. So,
until next time, Go capture some memories, leave the trail better
than you found it, and don't forget to take off the lens cap! -
Kate
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| Violets |
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| Hemlock cone |
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| Recently dried up vernal pool |
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| Owl pellet |
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| Owl pellet |
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| Red-backed salamander |
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| Coyote scat |
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| Brocade moss |
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| New red maple leaf |
*I tried to find a trail map to the Old Fish Hatchery and couldn’t
Did you find your way here after a hike where Kate was the volunteer photographer? Perhaps you've enjoyed her images or seen her byline on one of many environmental websites. Kate is a naturalist and largely self-taught photographer with a passion for capturing the beauty and urgency of the natural world. Having photographed hundreds of environmental events for nonprofit organizations—entirely self-funded—she is now asking for your help to upgrade her equipment. Your support will allow her to continue providing high-quality, impactful images that support conservation efforts. Ways you can help:
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Thanks!
Kate
