Every spring, when the snow melts and abundant rain showers breathe new life into budding trees and forest flora, vernal pools (the homes of spotted salamanders, wood frogs and fairy shrimp) overflow with fresh water, providing a breeding ground for these shy forest species.

``If you go near water or woods, you may hear a chorus that sounds like quacking ducks,'' said Mary Lou Hammond, education director at the South Shore Natural Science Center in Norwell.

That chorus, said Hammond, is actually the unified sound of vernal pool species calling out for mates. Vernal pools range in size from about ten square feet to the size of small ponds or sprawling swampy wetlands and this spring you can explore living vernal pools with staff naturalists at the South Shore Natural Science Center.

``During the program, the naturalist will talk (to participants) about the significance of a vernal pool and we will have some crafts and hands-on activities with microscopes and hand lenses, and show the animals that live in vernal pools,'' said Hammond. ``After they've done their activities, the naturalist will take them on a trek through the woodlands where we have several certified vernal pools.''

The center, a non-profit organization located on 30 acres of protected land and surrounded by a further 200 acres of woodland, meadows and a pond, offers a number of programs for kids this spring, including special workshops for schoolchildren during April Vacation Week. Each day will feature a different nature theme.

Programs include workshops on plant and animal adaptations, such as ``Awesome Animal Athletes'' and ``Plant Power,” and another on extreme weather titled, ``Great Forces of Nature.”

Check the website - www.ssnsc.org - for times, dates and age-restrictions.

The week ends with the ever-popular annual ``Earth Day'' celebration on Sunday, April 27, and includes programs for visitors of all ages - from crafts to live music, nature walks and demonstrations on how to run a greener household.

And if you're just looking for a peaceful afternoon outside, families are invited to stroll along a number of woodland trails - and will likely spot forest creatures along the way.

• South Shore Science Center
• New England Aquarium
• Deer Island
• EcoTarium