Michigan Vernal Pool Patrol Training

*If you have not done the pre-field training, but would like to be a MI Vernal Pool Patrol (especially in Newaygo County), contact Katie and she'll contact you directly. a2F0aWUgISBjIHwgbmMtZWMgISBvcmc= .

*This field training is for volunteers who have participated in or watched the recording of a Vernal Pool Patrol Virtual Training Series (March 6, 13th, 20th 6-8pm EST or past years' trainings). In addition, participants should be registered with an MNFI Community account to gain access to the Vernal Pool Field Survey (Survey123 app) to submit data. Please visit the Vernal Pool Patrol Hub site for more information.

Michigan Natural Features Inventory has partnered with the Newaygo County Environmental Coalition local program coordinator monitoring pools within the Newaygo County. Please register if you plan to monitor vernal pools in Newaygo County or areas near by. Those monitoring with NCEC will be given priority. Space is limited to minimize impact on the pool monitored during the training. Thank you for your understanding.

During this field training, Vernal Pool Patrol volunteers will gain experience completing the monitoring protocol (e.g., practice taking pool measurements, collect pool samples and ID invertebrates using a microscope, walkthrough the Survey123 app and data sheets) to ensure data is collected accurately. This time can also be used to connect and meet with other Vernal Pool Patrol volunteers in your area. Meet your program coordinator and get help selecting pools and/or monitoring dates!

Be prepared for all weather conditions! Bring rain gear, warm layers, and waterproof footwear (knee high boots). All necessary monitoring supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own as well.

**Also, bring water and a lunch.

Driving Directions: Directions from parking lot at North side of Nichols Lake. Go North on forest service road 5311 (Alger Rd) - .8 miles. You will find an old two track road blocked by about 15 posts on the east (right) side of the road. Probably a half dozen cars can park at this location or on the otherside of the road.

Directions from the South. Take M-37 North of White Cloud to 14 mile rd (Sippy Flats), go west about 1 miles to Bingham rd, go South ½ mile to Bitely and go west on Main St./Cleveland Dr, take Cleveland Dr ~ 3 miles to forest rd 5311 (Alger Rd) .8 miles to two track rd as described above.

Note: Map quest calls the road Alger Rd. The road sign indicates it is Service road 5311.

***If you would like to car pool from the Newaygo County Welcome Center and Sports Complex parking area, contact Katie Clark @ a2F0aWUgISBjIHwgbmMtZWMgISBvcmc= at least one day prior to the event (4/19 by 6 pm)

Also check out other Workshops in Bitely, Sports events in Bitely, Virtual events in Bitely.