Events

Join the Michigan Vernal Pools Partnership in-person OR virtually for the 2025 Annual Meeting on Monday, April 14th from 9:00 AM- 4:30 PM!

The MVPP Annual Meeting is our yearly gathering of partners, experts, community scientists, and vernal pool enthusiasts to learn & discuss latest updates on vernal pool conservation, research & mapping, and education.

The meeting is open to all who are interested in learning more about vernal pools, their critical role in forested ecosystems, and how to get involved in conservation efforts in your community!

Admission for in-person attendees will be charged $20 to cover lunch provided by Pierce Cedar Creek.

Agenda posted below! This year, we are excited to welcome both in-person & virtual presentations from 

• Dr. Aram Calhoun, Emerita Professor at the University of Maine, who will trace the evolution of vernal pool research, policy, and conservation in the state of Maine focusing on an innovative new conservation tool called the Vernal Pool Special Area Management Program.

• Dr. Stacy Cotey, Assistant Professor at Michigan Tech, to present on her research findings on the wildlife use of vernal pools in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan

• Dave Mifsud, owner of Herpetological Resource Management, to share the legacy of herpetofauna conservation, citizen science, and rescue efforts at Washtenaw County’s Skyline High School.

• Peter Martin, doctoral student at Michigan State University and the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station, to present on the various damselfly species that occur in vernal pools and his research on their thermal ecology in a world of climate change.

• Dr. Matt Schlesinger, Chief Zoologist at the New York Natural Heritage Program, to share on the new vernal pool protections in New York as of January, following years of science, advocacy, and rulemaking!

• Ellie Johnson, District Forester in Leelaunau County, to share about the Forestry Assistance Program and working with landowners!

• Liz Thomson, Science Teacher at Alcona Middle School, who will present about her Negewgon State Park Vernal Pool Student Monitoring Project.

Read more about the presenters, here.

You can also look forward to…

• Updates on place-based lesson & curriculum development on vernal pools Information on
• Conservation Districts and all the resources they offer to Michigan landowners!
• 2024-25 MVPP highlights and partner updates
• Community Science! 2024 Pool Patrol season results, program updates, and perspectives from patrollers
• Q&A with partners and experts in Michigan
• NEW: Vernal pool field trip!

In-Person Attendees Invited to Join us on a Vernal Pool Field Trip!

New this year, join us for a jaunt to one of Pierce Cedar Creek’s beatiful vernal pools following the presentations. Fun Fact – PCCI is where ‘Ephemeral’ was filmed

Please note, in-person ticket sales have ended, but virtual registration can be completed HERE.