Date/Time
Date(s) - Apr 21st, 2026 - Apr 25th, 2026
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Discover the ephemeral wonder and rich biodiversity of vernal pools! From fairy shrimp to salamanders, these temporary habitats offer a unique and necessary ecosystem for some of our region’s most interesting species.
This two-part training covers the ecology and certification of vernal pools. We will convene on Zoom on Tuesday, April 21st to go over the basics of how vernal pools are classified and the process for submitting data to the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program. Then on Saturday, April 25th we will meet in Plainfield to explore one or two pools and get to know some of the many species that rely on vernal pools for their survival.
This training will give you the knowledge you need to continue to explore, appreciate, and collect data for the certification of vernal pools for the rest of the season!
PART 1: Tues. April 21st 5:30 – 7:30 PM on Zoom
PART 2: Sat. April 25th 10 AM – 1 PM in person (Plainfield, MA)
Rain date for in-person session: Saturday, May 2
COST: Suggested donation $0-25
AGES: Adult and teen (minors must be accompanied by an adult)
DOGS: Please leave non-service dogs at home.
RSVP: Required
Accessibility
We will be walking, standing, and potentially wading into vernal pools for the duration of the field day. Total distance traveled will be approximately .5 miles. We will often be on uneven ground. Collecting data may require bending, squatting, and/or kneeling.
Bathroom: A composting toilet is available in the barn, which requires walking up a few uneven steps.
Public transportation: Public transit is not available to the site. Contact us if you are interested in coordinating a carpool.
We’re happy to discuss your access needs for this event! For questions and accommodation requests, please reach out to calla@hilltownlandtrust.org or call (413) 628-4485 ext 8.
Directions
This event will be held at a private address in Plainfield. To preserve resident privacy, directions are available upon registration.
Questions?
Please reach out to calla@hilltownlandtrust.org or call (413) 628-4485 ext. 8.
Registration
This program is full. To join the waitlist, please email calla@hilltownlandtrust.org. To learn more about vernal pools, visit our Vernal Pools Conservation page.
