The PA Chapter of The Nature Conservancy is offering three public walks at the Forest Pools Preserve at the Kings Gap Environmental Center in Cumberland County 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 programs will start Forest Pools Preserve at Kings Gap Pine Plantation Parking Lot, Kings Gap Rd, Carlisle on-- March 18 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.; March 19 from 1:00-3:00 p.m.; and March 25 from  6:30-8:30 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.  Hiking boots or sturdy shoes are recommended.

Vernal pools are shallow seasonal areas of water found in the forest, are devoid of fish, and team with activity each spring as amphibians congregate to lay their eggs. The pools at Kings Gap are essential to the survival of several amphibian species including Jefferson, Spotted, and Marbled Salamanders and Gray Tree Frogs.

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.

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

Click Here to register for the walks or contact Molly Anderson, Volunteer Program Manager, The Nature Conservancy-PA, by sending an email to: molly_anderson@tnc.org or call  717-418-9518.

For more information on programs, initiatives and other special events, visit the PA Chapter of The Nature Conservancy website.  Click Here to sign up for updates from TNC, Like them on Facebook, Follow them on Twitter and Join them on Instagram.

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2/22/2016