Now you see them; soon you won't. Vernal pools like this one are the shapeshifters of the water world. This little wetland fills up with water in spring after the snow melts or a heavy rain, and typically dries up through summer and fall. But just because they're temporary doesn't mean they're not important.
Blomidon's vernal pools are home to many species of frogs, salamanders, and even fairy shrimp. In fact, they're one of only three known places in Nova Scotia you'll find these rare invertebrates. Fairy shrimp, which look a bit like tiny aquatic aliens with dark googly eyes, grow to be just a couple of centimetres long, and emerge from egg sacs buried in the mud soon after spring thaw. Take a peek into the vernal pool to see if you can spot one!
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