The first 'Talk of the Sourlands' is this Thursday, September 14th! Learn how to sketch from nature with Barbara DiLorenzo, you won't want to miss it!
Yellow Spotted Amphibian by Sean Graesser

Amphibian Crossing Guards

A study in Massachusetts showed close to 20% mortality rate of spotted salamanders during migration, per year Salamanders have lifespans up to 20 years, but at that rate most will perish within five.

During the first warm rains of March, spotted salamanders emerge from deep dark places in the soil and begin an epic journey. They are returning to their natal pools to mate and lay eggs. They also cross roads and driveways, and here the slower-moving of them are often crushed into the roadbed.

Check out the profile of the spring 2020 event on WHYY here.

Amphibian Light Leaves

How to help

  • Drive with careDuring March nights with precipitation, avoid driving or drive slowly on forested and rural roads, and watch the road for amphibians crossing.

  • Volunteer to chaperoneAt hot spots for amphibian crossings in the Sourlands, volunteers and conservation professionals gather to help salamanders and frogs make it across the road. You’ll witness a nature spectacle and save lives at the same time.

     

Drive with care

It’s not just during the migration rains in March that one can witness large numbers of amphibians moving across roads in the Sourlands and throughout the region. Many frogs and salamanders move on wet nights when their skins are less vulnerable to desiccation. It’s typical to catch a glimpse of a hopping frog, illuminated in headlights, during warm rains from March to October. So please, drive with care.

Listen to the sounds of the Sourlands on a rainy night

Amphibian Crossing Guard Clear Background
Crossing Guard Group By Jennifer Rogers