Mud, Muscle, and Teamwork: Roanoke Valley Master Naturalists Volunteers Come to the Rescue of a Vernal Pool!
Contributed by Alison Nichols, VMN Roanoke Valley Chapter
A vernal pool at Explore Park has some big reasons to celebrate! Thanks to the hard work of Roanoke Valley Master Naturalist (RVMN) volunteers, the Riverside Village vernal pool has received a much-needed makeover.
Part of the Vernal Pool Cooperative of Virginia, RVMN members have monitored this pool since 2023. They noticed that invasive yellow flag iris was gradually taking over, crowding out critical amphibian habitat and contributing to concerns about its shrinking hydroperiod—the length of time it holds water.
A True Team Effort
Denise Alexander, Vernal Pool Coordinator, was alerted. Lindsay Caplan, DCR, Invasive Species Specialist and RVMN chapter advisor laid out a strategy for addressing invasives in the pool.
Kathy Sink coordinated with Liesebet Tausch, an RVMN member and employee of Explore Park. Tabby Blaylock, Parks Supervisor-Administration joined the effort, got approvals for 2 work days and coordinated logistics. Jan Lanier personally contacted chapter members and stressed the importance of action in saving this habitat. Charlie Sequoia, Invasive Workday Coordinator, got the word out and made sure volunteers had the necessary tools. All of these efforts paid off!
Armed with shovels, determination, and a willingness to get muddy, 37 Master Naturalists and 9 other volunteers filled over 100 bags of the invasive vegetation over two workdays in an effort to restore the pool’s ecological health.
RVMN Emilie Biddle enlisted the members of Scout Troop 2G from Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church to get muddy. The girls’ enthusiasm, good cheer and hard work were much appreciated.
The project was a true team effort. From digging and hauling invasive plants to cleaning boots, keeping volunteers hydrated, and documenting the work, every contribution made a difference. Thanks also to Explore Park and Roanoke County Parks and Recreation for their support of this project.
On-going monitoring will help reveal how the restoration affects the pool and the frogs, salamanders, and other creatures that depend on it.
This team’s hard work has given the creatures that use this vernal pool a fighting chance and will help protect biodiversity at Explore Park for years to come.
Here’s to muddy boots, willing hands, and healthier habitats!
