chapter 1 Valuing and Conserving Vernal Pools as Small-Scale Ecosystems -- part Section I: Physical Setting: Classification, Hydrology, and Identification -- chapter 2 Classification of Vernal Pools: Geomorphic Setting and Distribution -- chapter 3 Hydrology and Landscape Connectivity of Vernal Pools -- chapter 4 Remote and Field Identification of Vernal Pools -- part Section II: Biological Setting: Pricipal Flora and Fauna -- chapter 5 Flora of Northeastern Vernal Pools -- chapter 6 Diversity and Ecology of Vernal Pool Invertebrates -- chapter 7 Ecology and Conservation of Pool-Breeding Amphibians -- chapter 8 Population and Genetic Linkages of Vernal Pool-Associated Amphibians -- chapter 9 The Importance of Vernal Pools to Reptiles, Birds, and Mammals -- part Section III: Conserving Vernal Pools in Human-Modified Landscapes -- chapter 10 Vernal Pool Conservation Policy: The Federal, State, and Local Context -- chapter 11 Chemical Contamination of Vernal Pools -- chapter 12 Conserving Vernal Pool Wildlife in Urbanizing Landscapes -- chapter 13 Conserving Vernal Pool Amphibians in Managed Forests -- chapter 14 Spatial Tools for Conserving Pool-Breeding Amphibians: An Application of the Landscape Species Approach -- chapter 15 Vernal Pools as Outdoor Laboratories for Educators and Students -- chapter 16 Conserving Vernal Pool Habitat through Community Based Conservation.