2025 Conservation Pool Party

Join us on September 21st for the 2025 Capital Area Pool Party! Alumni from the Conservation Stewards Program, current Vernal Pool Patrol volunteers, as well as anyone looking to learn more about getting involved locally in Lansing area conservation are welcome to join the party.

The event will include light refreshments, social time, a quick visit to a vernal pool (because going into the forest is always better with friends), and booths from various conservation organizations. This free open house style event is a way to meet and reconnect with others passionate about conservation. Attendance is free, registration is appreciated.

You can expect to...

• Connect with like minded environmental stewards,
• Enjoy light refreshment and social time
• Dive deeper into vernal pool ecology, exploring soils, trees, and species ID
• Visit booths from various conservation organizations, and
• Optional opportunity to participate in a short stewardship activity at a vernal pool (because going into the forest is always better with friends)

Vernal Pool Patrol Program

Vernal pools are small, temporarily flooded wetlands that provide a host of critical ecological benefits, such as providing breeding habitat for Michigan’s beloved herpetofauna populations, like salamanders and wood frogs. Protecting these habitats presents a significant challenge because of their small and temporary nature, and comprehensive maps of their locations do not exist.

The Vernal Pool Patrol is a statewide group of trained, community scientists that map, monitor, and collect data on vernal pools. This dedicated group of community scientists contributes data to a database that helps to inform conservation efforts. The program is coordinated by the Michigan Nature Association. Learn more at: https://vernal-pool-patrol-mnfi.hub.arcgis.com/

Michigan Conservation Stewards Program

The Michigan Conservation Stewards Program is a 10-week course designed for those interested in science-based ecosystem management principles. The program provides a balanced, integrated, and practical learning opportunity to those seeking information about ecosystems, conservation and land management. This hybrid course is offered across the state and includes a mix of online modules and in-person experiential learning opportunities led by Michigan State University and local conservation partners. A cornerstone of the program is a capstone project, where participants take what they learn in the classroom and apply it to real-world needs in their own communities. Learn more at: https://www.canr.msu.edu/conservation_stewards_program/

Host or Publisher Michigan Vernal Pools Partnership