Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team was established and began locating and certifying vernal ponds in 1990 as a joint venture with the New England Herpetological Society. In 2006 we became a Federal 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team

 
     Mission - Vision - Values

Our Mission... the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to vernal pond conservation and education since 1990. Our focus is vernal ponds. The issue is the preservation of wildlife habitat, which is ultimately about the health of the planet.  


Our Vision... to open a Wildlife Center where all kinds of New England animals and plants are represented. We will build an interactive and educational nature study center.

Our Values... we accomplish our work in a way that reflects the welfare and comfort of the creatures in our care, and those in the wild. We strive to leave the smallest possible footprint on the world. 

Exciting News from Director Rick Roth!

Our Vision for the future is to open a Wildlife Center on Cape Ann. This will not be restricted to vernal ponds - all kinds of New England habitat will be represented. The Center will also include the following:

  • Live indoor and outdoor animal exhibits, professionally constructed  with consideration for the viewing experience, comfort, and the welfare of the animals. For example, in an otter enclosure one will view the animals underwater, on the water, in an upland habitat setting, and in a den
  • On-site veterinarians
  • Native wildlife rehabilitation
  • Captive breeding and head-starting of rare species
  • Native plants in greenhouses and in the outdoors
  • Starting point for field trips to various habitats
  • Destination for school, church, and camp field trips
  • Educational programs on-site, with hosted speakers and trained wildlife instructors
  • Gathering place to mobilize the local community and visitors to become stewards of our wild populations
  • Home-base for our presentations and live animal exhibits at community events, schools, state parks, libraries and private venues
  • Green facility with solar panels, composting toilets, and powered by renewable resources

Activity Calendar

Pond Blog

Vernal Ponds Definition...
Vernal ponds are temporary wetlands that fill with rainfall and snow melt.  They become the seasonal breeding and feeding grounds for many intriguing amphibians and insects, as well as the reptiles, birds, and mammals that depend on them for food.  

Learn more about vernal ponds from the Mass Wildlife's Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program vernal pools page.




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