Westport Island’s newest vernal pool was designated with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday evening. Island residents and guests joined the town’s conservation commission and the selectmen in marking the spot that is part of the Clough Point preserve on the island’s north tip.

According to Dick Tucker, chairman of the conservation commission, his members have been talking about the pool for several years. Last fall, construction began on the deck and planking after the commission received a building permit from the town. The construction continued this spring and was helped along by assistance from Jason Abbott and Archie Bonyun and with materials provided at cost by Hammond Lumber Company. Bill Hopkins and Dennis Dunbar were “instrumental in construction and design” of the deck and display area, according to Tucker.

Vernal pools are seasonal pools of water that dry up in the summer. This naturally-occurring cycle that alternates between wet and dry prevents fish from inhabiting the pools and allows species that would normally be eaten by fish to thrive. Species that inhabit vernal pools include fairy shrimp, wood frogs and spotted salamanders.

The Westport Island pool is not designated as an “official” pool by the state because it does have a small stream that runs to the ocean during the spring. The species favored by vernal pools are an important part of the food chain, according to Tucker.

Mara Abbott, daughter of conservation commission associate member Jason Abbott, cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony.