Guided Vernal Pool Trek at Lithia Springs with Brad Timm on April 25th
SOUTH HADLEY— On Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 10am-12pm the South Hadley Bike/Walk Committee will host a guided Trek at Lithia Springs Reservoir, a beautiful natural area that once provided water to the town. The free, family-friendly Trek will be led by Brad Timm, a wildlife ecologist and founder of the Northeast Wildlife Team. Come explore with Brad on a leisurely guided hike as we stop at several vernal pools along the trek and look and listen for frogs, toads, salamanders, and much more. For example, did you know that some frogs produce their own anti-freeze, lots of salamanders can regenerate their tail and entire limbs, and that Blue Jay and Bluebird feathers aren’t actually blue (they’re brown!).
Participants of all ages and new Trekkers are welcomed. Please wear clothing and footwear suitable for hiking in wet and muddy areas. Some free copies of A Field Guide to the Animals of Vernal Pools are available for participants from South Hadley Conservation. Brad’s new book, America is Wild!, has recently been published and signed copies will be available for purchase ($20) at the event.
Meet up at 9:30am in the Hiker Parking Lot on Amherst Road (next door to 502 Amherst Road), to walk approximately a half a mile down Pearl Street to the end of Lithia Springs Road, where the Gate 8 Trailhead is located. We will wait at Gate 8 until 10am to meet any Trekkers who may have parked elsewhere. Please try to carpool as there is limited parking on Lithia Springs Road and in the Hiker Parking Lot on Amherst Road.
Treks are subject to change or cancellation due to weather or ground conditions. Please be sure to check the Bike/Walk page on the Town website for trail maps and any cancellation notices or other information: www.southhadley.org/bikewalk. Should there be a cancellation decision, information will be posted online by 8:00pm the night before the hike.