Vernal Pool: Local Action to Preserve Biodiversity

PLYMOUTH STATE UNIVERSITY (PSU) CLUSTER PROJECT/EXHIBIT ~ WINTER-SPRING 2019

Science meets design in this exhibit which illustrates a comprehensive effort to map vernal pool resources within the greater Plymouth area and document the presence/absence of amphibian species of special concern and species of greatest conservation need as identified by the New Hampshire Wildlife Action Plan. In this PSU “cluster project” students and faculty have conducted outreach efforts to cultivate community wide stewardship of vernal pool habitats and the amphibians that depend on them.

Marked vernal pool in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, featuring “Stanley” the Spotted Salamander. In collaboration with Plymouth State Department of Environmental Science & Policy, Plymouth State University.

PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD - CITIZEN SCIENCE DATA COLLECTING

EXHIBIT AT SILVER CENTER FOR THE ARTS - PLYMOUTH STATE UNIVERSITY

What is a vernal pool?...It is a seasonal wetland/ephemeral pool of water that provides a habitat and breeding location for certain living organisms; they lack the presence of fish, which creates a safer space for larvae to mature and a lesser chance of predation. Most pools remain dry for most of the year and are simply depressions in the land. They eventually fill with water after winter rains and snow melt, becoming an entirely different type of habitat that is filled with all types of life from frogs to salamanders to fairy shrimp!

COLLABORATION WITH STUDENTS FROM BLUE HERON SCHOOL AT SQUAM LAKES SCIENCE CENTER

Students discussed vernal pools and their importance with Cynthia Robinson, Museum of the White Mountains Director, and Katama Murray, exhibit designer. Their artwork was included in the exhibit as a way to work with community members of all ages. Students learned about different species, what a vernal pool is, and how to identify them in their natural environment.

INSTALLATION BY KATAMA MURRAY

Vernal Migration
Photo emulsion screen prints, fine art digital prints
2018

Vernal Migration
of rare and common amphibious species
in the Plymouth area and beyond

Dusk ensues as the fog rolls in
the moon rises higher
amongst the vast, infinite stars
Small dots of light 
brighten the darkening sky

Rivers run and streams trickle quickly
keeping pace with the changes
of the damp, renewing season
Remaining snow melts as the
mist falls on the land
The air becomes warm
awakening lungs, mind, and spirit

Spring commences
after much anticipation
Signs of transformation
altering the landscape 
Give hope for rebirth and transition
into a new, prismatic world

Vibrant colors
spring up like a crocus
The peepers sing a friendly tune
and the wood frogs answer
Birds tell stories
the excitement cannot be contained
Like a bud 
about to burst

Creatures dwell
waiting for the perfect moment
Pause and listen
slow down to assist
Our worlds diverge
Obstacles await their
treacherous journey

Make way for these ancient beings
their success is linked to us
In ways we neglect to acknowledge
Oblivious and rushing
blind to those who existed
well before our time

Innocent individuals
seek our guidance 
Longing for safety
a sense of home
Support is essential
during this natural phenomena
Through different perspectives
watch, think, act

Enjoy each moment
revel in its beauty
Change brings joy
to those who are aware
and mindful of such renewal

Blue-spotted Salamander (Ambystoma laterale)
Eastern Newt/Red Eft (Notophthalmus viridescens)
Eastern Red-backed Salamander (Plethodon cinereus)
Jefferson Salamander (Ambystoma jeffersonianum) 
Marbled Salamander (Ambystoma opacum)
Northern Dusky Salamander (Desmognathus fuscus)
Northern Leopard Frog (Lithobates pipiens)
Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer)
Wood Frog (Lithobates sylvaticus)
Spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum)

PSU STUDENT SCREEN PRINTING EVENT AT SILVER CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Students were instructed by Katama Murray and professor Kristin Horan during a free screen printing event held at the Silver Center for the Arts at Plymouth State University

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS WITH THE MUSEUM OF THE WHITE MOUNTAINS & KATAMA MURRAY

Q: What made you want to put on an exhibit about vernal pools?

A: Over the past couple of years at PSU there has been ongoing research and studies conducted by several students and faculty members. While we currently understand and know a great deal about vernal pools in general, there is still a lot that we do not know, and have yet to discover. By showcasing scientific and artistic work being done locally, both on campus and in the community, we are giving vernal pools and important wildlife a voice and a presence in our anthropocentric world. Vernal pools are directly affected by human existence; whether it is pollutants contaminating water resources that are essential for breeding and species existence, or roadways and urbanization creating dangerous migration pathways, we have the power to either hurt or help these species. Art is a great way to open others eyes to things occurring around them, and here in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, vernal pools are abundant and require our effort to preserve and protect them.

 Q: What was your favorite part of the process?

A: The process of organizing and installing an exhibition is a rewarding experience because you literally get to see ideas come to life. It’s wonderful getting to work with multiple people from different backgrounds and with contrasting interests. It was also wonderful to work with students at the Blue Heron School at the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center. Their enthusiasm for learning and making is what makes this project and work even more exciting. People at their young age are vital members of our community who will be able to create positive change in the future. To be able to assist them with their artwork, include them in the exhibit, and see how happy they were to be a part of it all was an honor. It reminds us why this type of work is important, and that we are helping to educate and inspire the next generation of artists and scientists.

Q: What was the most important part of this exhibit for you?

A: The most important aspect of this exhibit was not only combining art and science together, but the idea of having visitors walk away with a greater sense of knowledge and responsibility. It is our hope that after seeing the exhibit and the work many people have contributed, that they are more aware of their own role in this larger ecosystem, and they have the ability to be a citizen scientist. Citizen science is one of the most important ways people can be involved in important studies happening all around us. By submitting your own natural observations and findings you are adding information to an ongoing database of knowledge. This knowledge is used and will be hopefully be used hundreds of years from now to help us better understand our natural surroundings. Another important aspect of this exhibit is to send a message that awareness and communicating is crucial, even in a small community like Plymouth. By sharing information with others and advocating for the natural world, you can help inspire and motivate others to do the same.

Q: How did your art fit into this exhibit?

A: Ever since I can remember I have been intrigued by vernal pools and the miraculous creatures that inhabit and depend on them. I would always wait eagerly for early spring when the salamanders and frogs began to migrate and knew that I had the power as an individual to assist these species that are often directly affected by us. As an artist and a maker, it is a powerful feeling to know that I have the option to utilize my creative energy and knowledge to help others. It was about a year ago from now when I started to become even more interested and inspired by vernal pool life and the incredible annual migration they complete. At the time I was starting to experiment more with different screen printing techniques and modes of installing work, so I wanted to expand my work even more by printing approximately sixty different reptile and amphibian species with the idea of creating a migration journey, Vernal Migration. I was honored when Cynthia Robinson asked me to help with this exhibit and was interested in having my artwork showcased along with other student and faculty work. This semester I wanted to create another piece, Through the Seasons: Vernal Pool life, that not only illustrated some seasonal behaviors of certain species but that also textually displayed how they live throughout the many months of the year. They are mysterious creatures and a lot of information is still yet to be discovered about them and vernal pools in general. By sharing my own admiration and knowledge for them through art, I am hopeful that others will be inspired to act and create as well, continuing to search for more answers and ideas.

 Q: Why did you include Karl Drerup into the exhibit?

A: During the planning process of choosing work to be included in this exhibit, we were reminded of the wonderful work of Karl Drerup (1904-2000), whose work and legacy holds a very special presence here at PSU. Drerup’s illustrative print and enamel work fit perfectly into the exhibit as a whole, and it was great to incorporate his whimsical pieces with current students, honoring his many years of hard work in the Art Department. Like so many who live here, Drerup was fascinated by the natural world, and it’s no surprise that vernal pool life was depicted in his colorful creations.

Q: How were you able to connect the science and the art aspects together?

A: Something that many people often forget it that art is connected to everything and anything. There is an art to everything, whether it is conducting surveys in the woods searching for vernal pools, creating an installation with handmade artwork, or spreading awareness about vernal pools to other people and communities. While words, graphs, lists, and other scientific information can be art in its own way, other types of art such as drawing, collage, and printmaking are great tools for conveying ideas in different modes of translation. In my own mind, art and science are one in the same.

Link to Museum of the White Mountains website & further info: https://www.plymouth.edu/mwm/exhibition/vernal-pool/

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