Rock Pools on Mt. Petit Jean
One of my favorite features on Mt. Petit Jean in the spring are the little rock pools that dot the hartshorne sandstone that is a stunning feature of the mountain. In some places the sandstone even looks like giant turtle shells. Unfortunately, it was a late evening spur-of-the-moment drive so we didn’t make it to the turtle shells (and below the turtle shells the cave paintings in one of the grottoes!). But we promised ourselves we’d be back soon to explore one of our favorite old haunts now that we are back to our outdoor adventures.
Petit Jean State Park is the oldest state park in Arkansas and I have gone hiking and camping and fishing on the mountain with pretty much every important family member and friend (excluding my virtual buddies) over my life including my Granny and Gramps many moons ago before they passed, and even my husband’s two nephews who are some of the few of his family we still have a relationship with. The turkey feather that is in many pictures of my altar was found there. I’ve even been a bridesmaid on one of the bluffs in a medieval dress and behind the wedding party a stunning fall view.
BUT, back to the rock pools.
Because these rock pools (vernal pools) are so small and seasonal, many people just see a puddle and overlook them. But they are so much more! These little pools are an important spring ecosystem and a fish-less (thus somewhat predator free) breeding ground.
Species that take advantage of these pools include: spotted salamanders and wood frogs (“these amphibians use small, ephemeral ponds for egg-laying in early spring. Their egg masses often have a symbiotic relationship with green algae, which provides oxygen to the embryos while feeding on their waste”), dragonflies, lacewings, wasps, spiders, ladybugs 🐞 (ladybirds), and ground beetles. Small songbirds like the Carolina wren, tufted titmouse, and pine siskin frequent the mountain's natural areas for water and foraging. Both black vultures and turkey vultures are common on Petit Jean, often seen patrolling the cliffs and may utilize accessible pools for drinking. The rock pools also support algae and specialized invertebrates like fairy shrimp that can survive long dry spells as eggs in the sediment.
I think of these liminal little rock and water features as faery pools, little pools that escape from the fae world and then recede back again.
