Vernal pool conservation in Ohio
Ohio has lost over 90% of its original wetlands over the past several centuries.
Ninety-five percent of Ohio used to be covered by forests. Forest cover dropped to just 10% in the early 1900's. Currently, 30% of the state is forested, mostly in the hill country.
Over 90% of all trees in Ohio are on private land, and therefore private landowners are a critical component of our effort to save vernal pool habitats.
Some woodlots in agricultural areas were spared because they were too wet to farm. These will be key areas to locate and protect before they are impacted through urban development.
Salamanders and frogs breeding in vernal pools need the surrounding forest to survive. Most of them use an area up to 200 meters from the pond as feeding and overwintering grounds, and for this reason forest and wetland protection need to be integrated.
The distribution of species adapted to vernal pools, such as wood frogs and spotted salamanders, has decreased recently in agricultural and urban areas. It could be only a matter of time before many denizens of vernal pools are on the Ohio endangered species list.
The gray tree frog is found in Ohio and is the largest (up to two inches) tree frog found in the state. It has the ability to change color from gray-green to a light pearly gray depending on its background. This color change allows it to blend in superbly with it’s surroundings-namely trees. Despite its loud, trill call, it can be difficult to spot on a tree. Other distinguishing markings include bright yellow colorations on the inside of the thighs.