Long-time Shirley resident Betsy Colburn worked as an aquatic ecologist for the Massachusetts Audubon Society for years and is currently working for Harvard Forest in Petersham. This book provides detailed information on the ecology of vernal pool systems of northeast North America and discusses important research, policy and conservation needs. It has an extensive bibliography and is an authoritative reference source. The book is of interest for educators, biologists, and naturalists.

Vernal Pools: Natural History and Conservation (soft cover, 6 inches x 9 inches, 426 pages with 16 color plates and numerous B&W illustrations) is available from the Shirley Conservation Commission. To order please send a shipping address and a check for $29.25 payable to "Town of Shirley" to the Commission at 7 Keady Way, Shirley, MA 01464. It can also be picked up for $26.25 at the Commission Office, 7 Keady Way, during office hours. If you plan to pick up the book at the Commission Office, please call ahead to make arrangements since much of the Conservation Administrator's time is spent in the field.

All proceeds from sales by the Conservation Commission benefit the Longley Acres Conservation Area Maintenance Fund. People interested in the hard cover version of this book can buy it through the publisher, McDonald & Woodward.

If you have questions about the book, please call the Shirley Conservation Commission at (978) 425-2600 ext. 245. This book is also available for loan from Hazen Library.