Join Wildlands Trust for a vernal pool night hike at Striar Conservancy. Your guides will be Wildlands Trust volunteer hike leader Rob MacDonald and Carlos Fragata, recently retired Environmental Analyst for MassDEP. We will be looking and listening for signs of amphibian life awakening from their long winter slumber. Comfortable waterproof boots and headlamps are required.
Vernal pools, or ephemeral pools, are temporary ponds filled by rainfall and rising groundwater. They provide a special and unique habitat for amphibians and invertebrate animals that use the ponds as breeding habitat, free of fish predators. Early spring is a great time to spot the many species that make vernal pools home.
This hike is dependent on vernal pool activity. While we estimate this will align with projected vernal pool activity, we may reschedule for the best experience. The forecast temperature for the night of the hike must be 50 degrees or higher. Unless there is a storm with high winds and heavy rain, the hike will be rain or shine. In the event of a postponement, the rain date is Thursday, April 9, from 7 PM to 8:30 PM.
Registration closes on Wednesday, April 1 at 3 PM. Want to sign up after registration closes? Please email: events@wildlandstrust.org
Ticket Price:
Members - $5
Nonmembers - $10
Parking:
Meet at Striar Conservancy, located on the south side of Thompson Street (Route 105), Halifax, MA. Please listen to parking help when you arrive, as the lot is small.
From Route 3: Take Exit 18 (old Exit 9) merge onto MA-3A N/Main St. Take a slight left onto MA-106 W. Continue on MA-106 W for roughly 8 miles, then turn left onto MA-105 S. Continue on MA-105 S for 2 miles. Parking lot is on the left.
From Route 44: Take MA-105 N/Plympton St. Drive for roughly 0.5 mile and turn left onto MA-105 N. Continue on for roughly 4.3 miles. Parking lot is on the right.
What to Wear & Bring (Required):
Sturdy, closed-toed shoes
Headlamp or flashlight
Snacks
Water
Bug Spray
What to Expect:
This hike is dependent on vernal pool activity. While we estimate this will align with projected vernal pool activity, we may reschedule for the best experience.
Hiking 2 miles on uneven terrain with roots and bridge crossings in the woods after dark
Wildlands Trust volunteers to guide you
Restrictions:
Ages 6 +
No pets
Maximum 15 hikers
Minimum 5 hikers
Outdoor programs are weather permitting. Cancellations and postponements due to weather will be announced online, and registered attendees will be notified via email. In the event of a postponement, the rain date is Thursday, April 9, from 7 PM to 8:30 PM.
Questions? Please email: events@wildlandstrust.org