All photos and much of the information in this piece are provided courtesy of Tom Biebighauser
Your Role in The Future of Our People and Planet
You have the opportunity to contribute to a place of beauty—a space you’ll want to visit season after season to find spiritual nourishment, physical and mental health, and connection with others, as well as the flora and fauna of our region.
Currently, visitors to the Robert C. Corby Arboretum and Wildlife Sanctuary are greeted by a large circle of gravel. This gravel is intentionally placed to discourage invasive plants.
Up the hill from the gravel area, the meadows are barren—a result of the eradication of toxic ailanthus trees.
The solution to this bareness is to create an ecologically diverse parkland by introducing vibrant native plantings of trees, shrubs, and plants around and near vernal ponds.
Introduction to Vernal Pools
Vernal pools or ponds, also known as ephemeral or seasonal wetlands, are unique habitats that fill with water in the spring due to snowmelt and heavy rains, then dry up by summer or fall. These pools can exist for thousands of years and serve as vital ecosystems for numerous species.
The Importance of Vernal Pools
Vernal Pools and Biodiversity
The cyclical nature of vernal pools makes them critical habitats for amphibians, reptiles, birds, and insects. Species like frogs and salamanders depend on these pools for breeding, as their eggs and larvae thrive in waters free of fish and bullfrogs (which require two years to mature and cannot survive in these ponds).
Additionally, vernal pools support:
- A rich diversity of invertebrates, which provide food for animals such as ducklings and white-tailed deer.
- Natural mosquito control, as amphibians and insects like damselfly and dragonfly in their larval and adult forms prey on mosquitos in all four stages of their development.
Vernal Ponds and Climate
Wetlands like vernal ponds are magical and powerful. They sequester carbon, slow the decomposition of organic soils, and release oxygen through native vegetation. These habitats support pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds while benefiting the entire ecosystem.
Vernal Ponds and Our Community
Vernal ponds provide opportunities for outdoor education and nature exploration for everyone visiting and living in the Rochester metro area.
The Status of Vernal Pools in Pittsford, NY
The Village of Pittsford Board of Trustees has approved the creation of up to three vernal ponds in the Robert C. Corby Arboretum and Wildlife Sanctuary, pending funding.
Proposed Locations:
In his report, Tom Biebighauser identified three optimal locations for these ponds, each approximately 1,600 square feet in size, with varying depths (10″, 12″, and 16″) to accommodate different weather conditions.
Transforming the Landscape
Instead of this:
Imagine this:
Instead of this:
Picture this:
And instead of this:
Visualize this:
The Construction of Vernal Ponds
The construction process for each vernal pond is straightforward and can be completed in a single day. With Tom’s guidance, we intend to build three ponds before Save The Frogs Day (April 28), starting on Friday, April 25.
Steps to Create a Pond:
- Excavation.
- Installation of an aquatic-safe liner.
- Planting of native vegetation.
- Minimal monitoring and maintenance.
This is a community project requiring at least 10 volunteers to shovel, rake, and assist with installation. It’s also an educational initiative, offering hands-on learning for children, adults, and organizations interested in creating habitats for diverse species.
The Cost of Vernal Ponds
Using a traditional engineering firm for design and development could cost 40–50 times more than Tom’s approach. Each pond costs only $8,000, covering materials, construction supervision, and native plants.
See Tom’s complete plan here and webinar presentation here
Please Join Us!
Imagine being part of something magical—building a living habitat and a community dedicated to doing right by our planet. The joy of getting your hands dirty for a cause that restores nature is unmatched. Let’s work together to create these vibrant ponds and make a difference!
We can do this. But not by ourselves. In less than a year’s time, we have gotten this far, but we need donations and helping hands.
With special recognition for Kerry Kriger, Founder and President of SAVE THE FROGS!, for inspiring and guiding me to realize this project. You might get to meet him next Spring!
