Amphibians

Spotted Salamander
Spotted Salamander

Bryan Gorsira

Amphibians and vernal pools

Vernal pools, also known as ephemeral wetlands, are rain-filled depressions that amphibians use for breeding and laying egg masses. These pools can be as small as a puddle. They fill with water in the spring and usually dry by June or July. Amphibians use these areas for breeding and laying egg masses because there are fewer predators such as fish that can eat their young.

A wonderful spot to view a large vernal pool in the park is along both sides of the boardwalk on the Stone Bridge Loop Trail that runs parallel to Route 29 (Lee Highway), just west of the Stone Bridge. With abundant snow melt and spring rains, this area becomes inundated with several inches of water, converting a once parched ground into a piedmont swamp forest community with tannic waters from nearby mature pin oaks. In early spring, you will hear the high chirping chorus of spring peepers and the quacking duck call of the wood frog. These calls are meant to attract females to breed. Vernal pools are also a significant habitat for spotted and marbled salamanders found in this area.

 

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Last updated: December 6, 2022

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Manassas, VA 20109

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