Want to learn more about the migratory frogs and salamanders we’ve been helping across roads and their unique habitats?

Join BEAT and Professor Tom Tyning — an expert on amphibians and reptiles and an authority on New England’s natural history — for a hands-on, full-day workshop to learn about vernal pools and all the organisms that use them!

Vernal pools are unique ephemeral wetlands that fill with water during variable periods throughout the year and become completely dry during other parts of the year, revealing shallow depressions in the earth. The periodic drying prevents fish from becoming established, yet these woodland pools support a staggering array of life and are essential habitats and resources for many species.

DATE: Saturday, April 15

TIME: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

LOCATION: Berkshire Community College (BCC) and Balance Rock State Park

COST: $75, plus the Eventbrite registration fee – all proceeds go to BEAT.
» If this amount doesn’t work for you but you’d benefit from this workshop, a limited number of scholarships are available. Please email team@thebeatnews.org if this applies to you.

Participation is limited to 24 people.

Each participant will receive “A Field Guide To the Animals of Vernal Pools” by Leo P. Kenney and Matthew R. Burne at the end of the workshop. Light snacks, coffee, tea, and lunch will also be provided.

To learn more and reserve a spot, visit: https://vernal-pool-workshop.eventbrite.com

PLEASE NOTE: This workshop is designed for adults. Email team@thebeatnews.org if you have any questions about a younger person participating.

Tom Tyning has been a Professor of Environmental Science at Berkshire Community College since 1999. Previously, he was a Field Biologist and Master Naturalist for the Massachusetts Audubon Society for 24 years. Tom also served for 15 years as an Adjunct Professor in the Environmental Studies Program at Antioch New England Graduate School, as well as Springfield College and MCLA. For 25 years, he wrote a weekly Nature column for the Springfield (MA) Union-News. As an authority on New England’s natural history, Tom’s main research interests are amphibians and reptiles. His book, “A Guide To Amphibians and Reptiles”, is published by Little, Brown and Co. As a member of several professional natural history societies, he served for fifteen years as Managing Editor of the scientific journal Herpetological Review.