Vernal Pool Late-Spring In-The-Field Training
Schedule
Sat May 02 2026 at 01:00 pm to 04:00 pm
UTC-04:00Location
Hungerford Recreation Area Manistee National Forrest | Big Rapids, MI
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Join us in the field to explore Michigan’s vernal pools 🐸🌿This event is for those who have taken the online MI Vernal Pool Patrol course (this or previous years). Please have an established ARCGIS account. If you have any questions, contact Katie Clark, [email protected]
Tickets for this IN-THE-FIELD training are limited to 20 participants.
This hands-on training with NCEC will show you how to recognize possible sites, map, survey, and record data that helps MNFI study and work to protect these small, seasonal wetlands that support amphibians, insects, and other wildlife.
By registering, you’ll learn:
How to safely collect and document vernal pool data
Ways your observations support local habitat protection in Newaygo County
Next steps to stay involved with the Vernal Pool Patrol
This field training is for volunteers who have participated in or watched the recorded Michigan Vernal Pool Patrol Virtual Training Series (Either this year or in the past). In addition, participants need to be registered with an MNFI Community account to gain access to the Vernal Pool Field Survey (Survey123 app) to submit data. Please visit the Vernal Pool Patrol Hub site for more information. ( https://vernal-pool-patrol-mnfi.hub.arcgis.com/ ) or contact Katie.
Wear weather-appropriate clothing. All tools will be provided except for wading footwear. Bring your own water bottle, snacks, bug repellent, and sunscreen as desired.
This will involve some moderately difficult walking (on and off trail). Appropriate footwear for the forest floor is needed. The walk into the vernal pool is about .5 mile, maybe less. The trail can get muddy.
This training is provided by the Newaygo County Environmental Coalition local program coordinator, Katie Clark, who focuses on monitoring pools within Newaygo County. Please register if you plan to monitor vernal pools in Newaygo County or areas nearby. Those monitoring with NCEC's MI Vernal Pool Patrol of Newaygo Region will be given priority. Space is limited to minimize impact on the pool monitored during the training. Thank you for your understanding.
Hands-on training provided by Jim Dunn, GVSU retired biology professor and board member of NCEC, and Katie Clark, MI Vernal Pool Patrol of Newaygo Region Coordinator, Rowan O'Mara, Healthy Habitats Coordinator for NCEC, and Tim Duffy, MI VPP of Newaygo Region team member and 2025 Wood Frog Award Winner.
The walk in is about .5 miles, maybe less. The trail can get muddy.
During this field training, Vernal Pool Patrol volunteers will gain experience completing the monitoring protocol (e.g., practice taking pool measurements, collect pool samples and ID invertebrates using a microscope, walkthrough the Survey123 app and data sheets) to ensure data is collected accurately. This time can also be used to connect and meet with other Vernal Pool Patrol volunteers in your area. Meet your program coordinator and get help selecting pools and/or monitoring dates!
Be prepared for all weather conditions! Bring rain gear, warm layers, and waterproof footwear (knee-high boots or waders). All necessary monitoring supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own as well.
Directions: Take Exit 142 off of US131 (19 Mile Rd Exit. Road name changes to 13 Mile Rd in Newaygo County) and go West just less than 4 miles to Cedar Rd. Go South 1 mile, and we'll meet here: 43.728499, -85.607652 (12 Mile Rd & Cedar Rd)
We'll then go east a short distance on FS5461 to the parking area.
Questions? Contact: Katie Clark- [email protected]
Join us in the field to explore Michigan’s vernal pools 🐸🌿
This event is for those who have taken the online MI Vernal Pool Patrol course (this or previous years). Please have an established ARCGIS account. If you have any questions, contact Katie Clark, [email protected]
Tickets for this IN-THE-FIELD training are limited to 20 participants.
This hands-on training with NCEC will show you how to recognize possible sites, map, survey, and record data that helps MNFI study and work to protect these small, seasonal wetlands that support amphibians, insects, and other wildlife.
By registering, you’ll learn:
How to safely collect and document vernal pool data
Ways your observations support local habitat protection in Newaygo County
Next steps to stay involved with the Vernal Pool Patrol
This field training is for volunteers who have participated in or watched the recorded Michigan Vernal Pool Patrol Virtual Training Series (Either this year or in the past). In addition, participants need to be registered with an MNFI Community account to gain access to the Vernal Pool Field Survey (Survey123 app) to submit data. Please visit the Vernal Pool Patrol Hub site for more information. ( https://vernal-pool-patrol-mnfi.hub.arcgis.com/ ) or contact Katie.
Wear weather-appropriate clothing. All tools will be provided except for wading footwear. Bring your own water bottle, snacks, bug repellent, and sunscreen as desired.
This will involve some moderately difficult walking (on and off trail). Appropriate footwear for the forest floor is needed. The walk into the vernal pool is about .5 mile, maybe less. The trail can get muddy.
This training is provided by the Newaygo County Environmental Coalition local program coordinator, Katie Clark, who focuses on monitoring pools within Newaygo County. Please register if you plan to monitor vernal pools in Newaygo County or areas nearby. Those monitoring with NCEC's MI Vernal Pool Patrol of Newaygo Region will be given priority. Space is limited to minimize impact on the pool monitored during the training. Thank you for your understanding.
Hands-on training provided by Jim Dunn, GVSU retired biology professor and board member of NCEC, and Katie Clark, MI Vernal Pool Patrol of Newaygo Region Coordinator, Rowan O'Mara, Healthy Habitats Coordinator for NCEC, and Tim Duffy, MI VPP of Newaygo Region team member and 2025 Wood Frog Award Winner.
The walk in is about .5 miles, maybe less. The trail can get muddy.
During this field training, Vernal Pool Patrol volunteers will gain experience completing the monitoring protocol (e.g., practice taking pool measurements, collect pool samples and ID invertebrates using a microscope, walkthrough the Survey123 app and data sheets) to ensure data is collected accurately. This time can also be used to connect and meet with other Vernal Pool Patrol volunteers in your area. Meet your program coordinator and get help selecting pools and/or monitoring dates!
Be prepared for all weather conditions! Bring rain gear, warm layers, and waterproof footwear (knee-high boots or waders). All necessary monitoring supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own as well.
Directions: Take Exit 142 off of US131 (19 Mile Rd Exit. Road name changes to 13 Mile Rd in Newaygo County) and go West just less than 4 miles to Cedar Rd. Go South 1 mile, and we'll meet here: 43.728499, -85.607652 (12 Mile Rd & Cedar Rd)
We'll then go east a short distance on FS5461 to the parking area.
Questions? Contact: Katie Clark- [email protected]
General Admission
Free
This is a free program. Any donations will go to the MI VPP of the Newaygo Region program to provide more resources and trainings/events.
This is a free program. Any donations will go to the MI VPP of the Newaygo Region program to provide more resources and trainings/events.
Add a donation for Newaygo County Environmental Coalition
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Late-Spring IN-The-FIELD MI Vernal Pool Patrol Training
Join us in the field to explore Michigan’s vernal pools 🐸🌿
This event is for those who have taken the online MI Vernal Pool Patrol course (this or previous years). Please have an established ARCGIS account. If you have any questions, contact Katie Clark, [email protected]
Tickets for this IN-THE-FIELD training are limited to 20 participants.
This hands-on training with NCEC will show you how to recognize possible sites, map, survey, and record data that helps MNFI study and work to protect these small, seasonal wetlands that support amphibians, insects, and other wildlife.
By registering, you’ll learn:
How to safely collect and document vernal pool data
Ways your observations support local habitat protection in Newaygo County
Next steps to stay involved with the Vernal Pool Patrol
This field training is for volunteers who have participated in or watched the recorded Michigan Vernal Pool Patrol Virtual Training Series (Either this year or in the past). In addition, participants need to be registered with an MNFI Community account to gain access to the Vernal Pool Field Survey (Survey123 app) to submit data. Please visit the Vernal Pool Patrol Hub site for more information. ( https://vernal-pool-patrol-mnfi.hub.arcgis.com/ ) or contact Katie.
Wear weather-appropriate clothing. All tools will be provided except for wading footwear. Bring your own water bottle, snacks, bug repellent, and sunscreen as desired.
This will involve some moderately difficult walking (on and off trail). Appropriate footwear for the forest floor is needed. The walk into the vernal pool is about .5 mile, maybe less. The trail can get muddy.
This training is provided by the Newaygo County Environmental Coalition local program coordinator, Katie Clark, who focuses on monitoring pools within Newaygo County. Please register if you plan to monitor vernal pools in Newaygo County or areas nearby. Those monitoring with NCEC's MI Vernal Pool Patrol of Newaygo Region will be given priority. Space is limited to minimize impact on the pool monitored during the training. Thank you for your understanding.
Hands-on training provided by Jim Dunn, GVSU retired biology professor and board member of NCEC, and Katie Clark, MI Vernal Pool Patrol of Newaygo Region Coordinator, Rowan O'Mara, Healthy Habitats Coordinator for NCEC, and Tim Duffy, MI VPP of Newaygo Region team member and 2025 Wood Frog Award Winner.
The walk in is about .5 miles, maybe less. The trail can get muddy.
During this field training, Vernal Pool Patrol volunteers will gain experience completing the monitoring protocol (e.g., practice taking pool measurements, collect pool samples and ID invertebrates using a microscope, walkthrough the Survey123 app and data sheets) to ensure data is collected accurately. This time can also be used to connect and meet with other Vernal Pool Patrol volunteers in your area. Meet your program coordinator and get help selecting pools and/or monitoring dates!
Be prepared for all weather conditions! Bring rain gear, warm layers, and waterproof footwear (knee-high boots or waders). All necessary monitoring supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own as well.
Directions: Take Exit 142 off of US131 (19 Mile Rd Exit. Road name changes to 13 Mile Rd in Newaygo County) and go West just less than 4 miles to Cedar Rd. Go South 1 mile, and we'll meet here: 43.728499, -85.607652 (12 Mile Rd & Cedar Rd)
We'll then go east a short distance on FS5461 to the parking area.
Questions? Contact: Katie Clark- [email protected]
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Where is it happening?
Hungerford Recreation Area Manistee National Forrest, Big Rapids, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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