They Love A Rainy Night

Right now, an X-rated show is taking place in our local neighborhood vernal pools as frogs, toads, and salamanders gather by the thousands to breed.

Yet most of us have never seen this miraculous migration. This is because it tends to happen at a time when we would never think of venturing out: on cold, dark, rainy nights in late March or early April with the temperature hovering around 45 degrees.

There’s no need to be in the dark any longer. On Thursday, April 10, at 7 pm, in the Booth Library meeting room, The Horticulture Club of Newtown will present an illustrated talk by Bethel naturalist Will Michael on the topic, “Secret Life of Vernal Pools.”

Mr Michael uses an underwater chamber and special night-time videography techniques that he developed while producing his own Public Access TV Channel 21 show titled “The Connecticut Naturalist.” Attendees will see for themselves how spring comes to these ephemeral, mysterious woodland pools.

It’s not just about peepers peeping and skunk cabbage poking through. There’s a lot more going on out there than most would think, and Mr Michael will share some of his findings in an entertaining presentation.

Hosts and hostesses for this special event are Horticulture Club members John and Dottie Evans, Dea and Bruce Herring, Jackie Argall, George Miller, and Mavis Hart. There is no fee, and refreshments will be served.

For further information, call 426-6596.