Under the cover of darkness and rain, when we are all tucked snugly in slumber, frogs and salamanders make a harrowing journey to answer the call of their instincts. Crossing through fields, forests and over roads, they make their way to vernal pools, a special kind of wetland, to mate and lay eggs. Their nighttime heroism is often missed, but we can explore this phenomenon in the light of day by looking for egg masses and listening for the calls of early season amphibians such as spring peepers and wood frogs.

Join Lakes Environmental Association on Earth Day, Wednesday April 22, at 10 a.m. to explore a vernal pool, looking for signs of life. Meet at the LEA Lakes Center to carpool to a local vernal pool. This program will last approximately 1.5 hours and will cover easy terrain over a short distance. Participants will use hand nets and field microscopes to explore life in the pool and learn more about vernal pool ecology. Rubber boots or old sneakers that can get wet are strongly recommended.

The fee for this program is $5 for non-members; LEA members attend for free. For more information and to register call 647-8580 or e-mail bridie@leamaine.org. This program is part of the Caplan Family Environmental Education Series at LEA. To view a complete series description, visit the website at www.mainelakes.org.

LEA Earth Day