These aquatic habitats are often overlooked as important wetland resources and thought of as merely the residual effects of winter. Snowmelt and ephemeral are terms used interchangeably with vernal. Vernal pools characteristically appear as the ground thaws and snow melts following the winter season. In Massachusetts, these temporary wetlands generally dry up by July but a few exist until September.
Vernal pools possess elevated nutrient levels from organic matter buildup throughout the year.
This promotes rapid development. which is crucial for the success of each organism. They all lack fish, generally last for two or three months and dry up at some point during the year. Of course, environmental conditions determine the success of any given species each year. A snowy, cold winter coupled with a rainy, wet spring will ensure propagation of vernal pool animal species. A mild winter followed by a fairly dry spring will have adverse effects on each organism.