On Algoma Pond!
Vernal ponds are temporary pools of water lasting at least 2 months which are created by snow melt and spring rains. The name ‘vernal’ is derived from the Latin word ‘Vernalis’ which means Spring. They are also called seasonal or ephermal ponds.
Vernal Ponds are commonly fed by precipitation and lack an inlet for continual fresh supplied water. Their defining trait is that they dry up periodically due to evaporation. In most instances, this happens during the summer and times of drought but not before performing an important function. However, they are often formed in the floodplains of streams and rivers.
The unique environment of vernal ponds provides habitat for numerous rare plants and animals that are able to survive and thrive in these harsh conditions. A vernal pond, because of its periodic drying, does not support breeding populations of fish. Many organisms have evolved to use a temporary wetland which will dry but where they are not eaten by fish. These organisms are the "obligate" vernal pond species, so called because they must use a vernal pond for various parts of their life cycle. Many of these plants and animals spend the dry season as seeds, eggs, or cysts, and then grow and reproduce when the ponds are again filled with water.
Many of the amphibians that breed only in vernal pools spend most of their lives in the uplands within hundreds of feet of the vernal pool. Eggs are laid in the vernal pool, then the juveniles leave the pool two or three months later, not to return until the following spring to breed. Therefore, the upland areas surrounding a vernal pool are critical for the survival of these species.
Vernal ponds will fill and empty several times during the Winter snow and Spring rain seasons. The specialized plants and animals that make vernal pools unique would not survive if not for the geology, long history of landscape formation and soil development that created the conditions in which vernal pools can exist.
Vernal Ponds are normally basins or depressions with an underlying impervious layer (loam, clay or bedrock). Their size can range from a few square feet to several acres. A pond which is too small and/or shallow may dry too quickly for species which rely on them to complete their lifecycles while one that is too large and/or deep may never dry completely.
This vernal pond is located in Algoma Township's Rivers Edge Park. The Rivers Edge Park overlooks the Rogue River and to the North the DNR State Game Area. Long ago these historic trails were used by Anishinabek Native Americans. Now you can walk in those footsteps traversing the 169 acres of the Rogue River State Game Area, or simply enjoy the river and the amenities at this park.
The listed coordinates will take you to the Rivers Edge Park Vernal Pond overlook. Now to get credit for this earthcache you will need to answer some questions. Answers need to be sent to the owner of the cache (email or message), DO NOT post your answers on the cache page or log. Please also indicate your geocaching name and include the names of other geocachers with you.
1) Looking at this area, describe in your answer, why does this area work for a vernal pond?
2) Find a soil sample what is the makeup of the bottom of the pond or the exposed topsoil layer. How does the soil composition contribute to the features of the vernal pond?
3) During your visit, did you see and plant or animal life? If so, please describe what you saw.
4) In your opinion, what is the primary water source for this vernal pond and why?
Please do not post these answers in your log.
5) Finally, take a picture of yourself (your face is not required), or your group, with the vernal area visible. You may also post a picture of a personal item(s) to confirm you were actually at the site. Post the picture with your log. .
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