The Pennsylvania Chapter of The Nature Conservancy is offering three public walks at The Forest Pools Preserve at Kings Gap Environmental Center in Cumberland County to celebrate the first days of spring and to explore forested vernal pools – nurseries for amphibians – to catch a glimpse of salamanders and frogs as they emerge from their subterranean slumber to lay their eggs.

The walks will start from the Forest Pools Preserve at Kings Gap Pine Plantation Parking Lot-—

— March 20 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

— March 21 from 1:00 to 2:00 and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

These family-friendly walks are free and open to the community, but space is limited, so reservations are required. Groups will walk approximately 2.5 miles into the forest along marked trails at Kings Gap State Park. Two of the walks take place in the early evening, so a flashlight is recommended in order to see the amphibians in action.

Participants will learn about the important role of vernal pools for amphibians and other wildlife, and enjoy seeing these incredible creatures as they congregate after the long, cold winter. Vernal pools are shallow, temporary pools of water found in forested areas. Each spring they are transformed into wildlife nurseries - teeming with activity.

The Nature Conservancy hopes to share their magic and foster appreciation for these special places in the forest.

Participants should bring a flashlight and/or a headlamp for the evening walks. Hiking boots are recommended, or sturdy shoes than can get muddy.

Questions or to R.S.V.P. contact Molly Anderson, Volunteer Program Manager, The Nature Conservancy, Pennsylvania, by email to: molly_anderson@tnc.org or call 717-418-9518.

3/2/2015