A Vernal Pond in Manistee National Forest
In winter in Manistee, the grounds freeze to almost 40 inches deep. In spring when the snow and ice melt on top of the ground, the water has no where to go until the ground thaws, causing temporary pools of water that lasts for two months or longer. Spring rain also helps in creating these pools that are also called seasonal or ephermal ponds.
Vernal ponds are created from precipitation. Because these ponds do not have a continual fresh supply of water, they dry up once the ground is thawed. Sometimes, this process of drying up can take more than a few months, especially when there is a large amount of precipitation. Other times, this process can be fairly quick, especially in drier weather and times of drought.
This ecological feature provides habitat for plants and animals that is quite different from ordinary ecosystems. It is inhospitable to species like fish, which require continual water supply. However, it's a great environment for amphibians, like frogs, that require water to breed and support life for tadpoles in springtime; then, land to live as adult frogs in summer and fall. It is also a great environment for other organisms called obligate vernal pond species that would otherwise be eaten by fish, but can survive as seeds, eggs or cysts during the dry months until the pond is filled again with water.
This pond is located in the Manistee National Forest along M-55 in Manistee County. Sometimes, it extends into the private properties that border the national forest. The listed coordinates take you to a dirt road where you can easily view the deepest part of the depression, where water usually lasts for three to four months before drying out.
Logging Requirements:
1) What stage or cycle was this pond in when you visited? (Was there water or was it dry) If there was water, how deep do you estimate the water to be. Please explain how you came to your estimate depth of water from what you visibly see. If it's dry, look at the soil that makes up the bottom of the pond when it is filled with water. How does this help with the cycle of the vernal pond. Please explain how you came to this conclusion based on what you can visibly see. (You only need to do one of these measurements, either the water measurement or the soil measurement.)
2) During your visit did you see any plant or animal life? Please describe what you saw. (For example, there was moss on the trees at water level and there were turkeys drinking from the pond when I was there.)
3) In your opinion, what type of season is this pond experiencing? (For example, is it experiencing a typical season, a drought, or an excessively wet season) Please explain why you think this based on what you can visibly see.
4) Take a picture of the pond or pond area and post with your log. It should be interesting to see how this pond changes through the years based on these pictures!