About the Collaborative

The Northeast–Midwest Vernal Pools Collaborative (NE-MW VPC) brings together scientists, practitioners, and communities to elevate the importance of vernal pools and facilitate the learning exchange between researchers across the northern temperate forests. Generously funded by NASA, our partners at Michigan Tech Research Institute, Michigan State University’s Michigan Natural Features Inventory, the Michigan Nature Association, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and the New York Natural Heritage Program are mapping and monitoring vernal pools in a multi-year project that combines satellite radar (SAR) and airborne LiDAR with on‑the‑ground observations from trained community science volunteers.

Vernal pools are fine-scale ephemeral wetlands that collectively play an enormous role in the biodiversity and ecological integrity of the 177-million-acre northern temperate forest region extending from Minnesota to Maine. We work to address the unique problems in vernal pool conservation by developing definitions and data standards, advancing mapping and monitoring efforts, and facilitating knowledge exchange among vernal pool researchers and practitioners. By coordinating efforts across states and organizations, we are building the foundation needed to better understand and protect these critical ecosystems.