Nature Strollers

The mission of the Nature Strollers is to support parents and grandparents in their role as primary interpreters of nature for their families; to provide opportunities for families to enjoy unstructured time outdoors; to familiarize families with local trails, refuges, sanctuaries and preserves; and to develop networks among families with a common interest in nature.

Monday, March 30, 2009

The Wood Frog Eggs Hatch!

Twenty Nature Strollers gathered to say Happy Birthday to the newly hatched wood frog tadpoles at the vernal pool near Glenmere Lake.



Amongst the egg masses were several that were hatching,



some with developing tadpoles inside, and some that looked fairly recently laid.



The vernal pool is shallow and small this year--probably quite warm too. Wood frog eggs hatch sooner and the tadpoles develop faster at higher temperatures. When first emerging, the wood frog tadpoles lie still, but not for long! They will hang out on the egg mass grazing on the green algae.



This group of tadpoles better watch out! A green frog has got his eye on the area, looking for some easy pickings. Turtles, raccoons and snakes will travel to vernal pools like this one at Glenmere Lake for nutrient-rich amphibian eggs. Other tadpole feeders include: dragonfly,
damselfly, predaceous diving beetle, and fishfly nymphs. Salamander
nymphs are carnivores too.



The Nature Strollers were also (mostly) happy to see this
large, rust-colored spider,
and a select few of the faster hikers
got a good long look at an eastern comma butterfly.