2 training opportunities:
Saturday, February 17, 9:30 a.m.-12:30p.m. in Voorheesville (in-person).
Offered in partnership with Albany County Cornell Cooperative Extension.
Thursday, February 22, 5:00pm-7:00pm. Virtual Training for Volunteers.
Why did the salamander cross the road?
Have you ever witnessed large numbers of salamanders and frogs crossing the road on rainy spring nights? Ever wonder where they came from and where they’re going?
Spotted salamander, Jefferson-blue spotted salamanders and wood frogs emerge from winter hibernation on rainy nights in March and early April, after the ground has thawed and evening air temperatures stay above 40ºF. When weather conditions are right, they make their way from the forest to woodland pools, where they’ll mate and lay eggs. There can be many hundreds of amphibians on the move in a single night.
Migration distances to woodland pools can vary from a few hundred feet to more than a quarter of a mile. However, because forest and wetland habitats are often disconnected by development, many migrating amphibians need to cross roads and long driveways, leading to mortality even in low traffic areas.
The Amphibian Migrations and Road Crossings (AM&RC) Project (DEC) enlists volunteers to find locations where migrations cross roads, document weather and traffic conditions, and identify and count the amphibians on the move. Volunteers also carefully help the amphibians to safely cross.
The training session will serve as an introduction to new participants and a refresher for returning volunteers. The training will include:
- Overview of how to volunteer
- Data collection and recording methods
- Amphibian identification
- Safety measures
There are two training opportunities:
Saturday, February 17, 9:30 a.m.-12:30p.m. in Voorheesville (in-person).
Offered in partnership with Albany County Cornell Cooperative Extension.
Thursday, February 22, 5:00pm-7:00pm. Virtual Training for Volunteers.
For more information and to register, go to: The Amphibian Migrations and Road Crossings (AM&RC) Project.