PPL and Millersville University’s annual environmental lecture series presents “The Ecology of Vernal Pools,” which takes us through the seasons of a vernal pool. Join us for this program from 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, at Roddy Hall, Room 261, Millersville University.
Randy Cassell, a biology teacher for 29 years, has studied and produced documentaries on the migratory and breeding behaviors of salamanders using vernal pools. The lecture begins with the fall migration of marble salamanders and progresses through the late winter and springtime breeding of mole salamanders. Along the way, we will examine aspects of each species’ biology, courtship and ecology and ultimately the impact timber harvesting can have on a vernal pool community. Cassell’s films have appeared on the BBC and Jack Hubley, local naturalist, has highlighted some of Cassell’s work on the “Wild Moment” segment of WGAL evening newscasts.
This free lecture is sponsored by PPL and will be held at Millersville University, Roddy Hall, Room 261, 50 E. Fredrick St., Millersville, Pa. For additional information, contact Karen Ament at 717-284-6274 or kament@pplweb.com
We recently planted lobelia cardinalis at the Brunner Island wetlands with the help of some dedicated volunteers.
Freshwater marshes, like those found in the Wetlands Nature Area a PPL’s Susquehanna Riverlands, have sounds, sights and smells all their own. This time of year you can hear the “loose banjo string” call of the green frog. You can observe unique wetlands plants like burreed, arrowhead and cattails. And when the weather is warm, the wind calm, and a low-pressure system is in place, the smell of “swamp” gas pervades the area.
