Last Updated 4/25/08
(Scroll down for "News" section)

Background Info

During the first warm, rainy nights of spring, over half a dozen different species of frogs and salamanders make a mass migration from their wintering sites in upland habitats to vernal pools and other suitable breeding grounds.  Due to habitat fragmentation by roads, a vast number of frogs and salamanders are inadvertently killed each year trying to cross through the traffic.  Road mortality is painfully high, destroying entire populations or limiting their success rate.  Add to this increased development and higher road usage, and the scales are tipped squarely against these animals.  The objectives of this program are to educate the public about this little-known mass migration, and to recruit volunteers to assist our four-legged friends in their dangerous journey.

Program History

In spring 2005 NBNC piloted an amphibian rescue program.  Over 60 central Vermonters came to an informational training at the nature center to learn how to help amphibians safely cross roads.  Over 30 volunteers sent in reports from locations throughout the region.  In spring 2006, we brought our mission to other communities, hosting training sessions in Northfield, Stowe, Jericho, and Waterbury.  In 2007 we hosted trainings in even more communities, including Waitsfield, Marshfield, Calais, Barre, Burlington and Roxbury. Recaps of our 2007 season can be found in the news section below.

Program Future

We hope spring 2008 to be our most productive year of amphibian monitoring yet!  Please see our schedule of upcoming training sessions on the column directly right of this text and find a training session near you.

Training Session Agenda

1. Intro to NBNC’s Amphibian Monitoring Program. 
2. Overview of what species are likely to be encountered, and where to search.
3. Protocol for amphibian monitoring/rescue. 
4. Q&A and volunteer sign up.

Subscribe to NBNC's Amphibian Monitoring Program

Email:

Visit this group

News

4/25/08 - The peepers are roaring, and the Wood Frogs have laid eggs here at the Nature Center. There were other reports of movement this week. If it rains this weekend, there is still the possibility that some movement could occur in Central VT and other cooler parts of the state.

On another note, we are rearing Wood Frog eggs at the Nature Center, and will be posting their progress as they develop on the "Nature News" section of the NBNC website.

4/15/08 - There was a sizable movement of amphibians in Chittenden County, and other warmer areas of the state over the weekend. With a sunny forecast, the next movements may not be until next week. Be aware that snowmelt on warm nights can also trigger migrations, so be ready! Also, a crossing site in Cabot was added to the list.

4/07/08 - Thanks to a great suggestion from an anonymous trainee last evening, I have launched a Google Group for the Amphibian Monitoring Program. This will be a useful tool for networking with other volunteers.

4/03/08 - I've added a site in Huntington, quite close to Richmond. Perfect for the many folks who made it out to last night's training. For those in the south and in the Champlain Valley, keep your eyes on the weather tomorrow night.

4/02/08 - The first amphibian movements of the season were reported last night and Monday night, in southern areas of the state, and in the Lake Champlain Valley. It looks like the next potential movement date could be this Friday, April 4th.

3/31/08 - The training at ECHO in Burlington for 4/19 at 2pm has been canceled, but the training at 11am will happen as scheduled. Also, weather may be favorable for crossings as early as tonight in the Champlain Valley and southern Vermont. Keep a close eye on the forecast.

3/26/08 - Amphibian Monitoring has been in the news again. Click here to see the article which appeared in today's Burlington Free Press about our upcoming training in Richmond. Thanks to everyone who has come to trainings so far, and if you haven't yet, there are still more opportunities to get involved. See the training schedule on the upper-right of this page.

3/05/08 - Note the following changes to training dates/times :
Our Training in Calais will take place 4/10 at 6:30pm
Our Trainings at ECHO in Burlington will be at 11:00am and 2:00pm on 4/19. Note that museum admission will be required for the training at ECHO.

2/15/08 - Amphibian trainings for the 2008 season have been announced! Tell your friends, families, and strangers you pass on the street. Our best source of advertising these free events is word-of-mouth.

1/31/08 - While the amphibians rest peacefully under the snow and ice, we are gearing up for their return! Expect to hear about the '08 trainings shortly, but first, a brief recap of last year. We:

• Trained 80 volunteers around Vermont.
• Recorded 63 hours of volunteer time at crossing sites.
• Identified at least four new crossing sites to our program.
• Safely crossed over 600 amphibians.
• Submitted data to Jim Andrews, state herpetologist.

So, congratulations to everyone who helped make last year a success!

5/1/07 - Congratulations to those volunteers who made it out this weekend! There are lots of data sheets still coming in, and so it may be some time before I have a final tally, but hundreds of amphibians were reported moving across Central Vermont. There very well may be some more crossing nights to come, so stay tuned to the weather, and check back for more updates.

Click here for news before 4/27/07

Upcoming Events

Crossings

...Check your local weather forecast, your email for e-updates, and this website...

Resources

• Training Flier (.doc)
• Data Sheets (.doc) (.pdf)
• Photographic Tips (.doc) (.pdf)
• Road Crossing Protocol (.doc) (.pdf)
• Additional Resources (.doc)
• Previous Crossing Sites
• Printable X-ing signs are available here from Save the Salamanders . Heavy duty signs are available to rent or buy for $10 at the Nature Center.

Please return all data sheets, maps, and photos to:

Larry Clarfeld
North Branch Nature Center
713 Elm Street
Montpelier, VT 05602