Vernal Pools: Natural History and Conservation

This is first book-length synthesis of the natural history, ecology, andconservation of the seasonally wet pools that occur throughout theformerly glaciated region of eastern North America - essentially theGreat Lakes Basin, New England, and adjacent areas of Canada andthe United States. Introductory chapters define vernal pools; provideoverviews of their formation and physical-chemical-hydrologicalcharacteristics; and present data critical for assessing, regulating, andmanaging pool ecosystems. The chapters that immediately follow theintroduction explore the biology of microscopic life forms such asbacteria, algae, and fungi and the great variety of higher plantsassociated with vernal pools.