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Amphibian Monitoring Program
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 held trainings in Waitsfield, Calais, Roxbury and Marshfield where we identified new crossing sites and recruited new volunteers. More new communities hosted trainings in 2008, with over 200 people attending those trainings. Program Future We hope spring 2009 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
News
4/5/10 - As some have already seen, WCAX filmed a segment about amphibian migration during last week's training session here at the Nature Center. The weather forecast ended up being spot on, as this was the night that many amphibians (including the Spotted Salamander pictured below) began to migrate in Central Vermont and elsewhere throughout the state. The video has been posted online and can now be viewed at the WCAX website.
We also have several new crossing sites added to our "Previous Crossing Sites" page in the towns of Calais and Essex. Expect more crossing nights in the next few weeks and keep your eyes on the weather forecast! 3/29/10 - Tonight may be the first large movement of amphibians in Central Vermont this year. While we've had some reports of activity in Central VT (Calais, Montpelier, Craftsbury) no major movements or breeding activity has been reported thus far. It is still very early in the season, but if rains and warmer temperatures persist, expect there to be amphibians on the roads tonight. If you choose to monitor a crossing site, data sheets can be printed from the "Resources" section on the right column of this page. 3/26/10 - A relatively mild winter has transitioned into a relatively mild spring. With record high temperatures last week, some extremely early amphibian movements have been reported throughout many parts of Vermont. While some significant movements occured the warmest locations, in and around the Champlain Valley, only limited movement was reported in Central Vermont, including some reports of active amphibians from Montpelier, Calais, and Craftsbury. Few singing frogs and no egg masses have been reported so far. With cold seaping back into the region, no movement is expected through the weekend. Stay alert to the weather forecasts, as the next warm, rainy night could mark the start of major migrations here in Central Vermont. 2/18/10 - For the past five years, NBNC has trained volunteers throughout central Vermont (and beyond) to rescue salamanders and frogs as they cross busy roads on their annual migration. Our efforts will continue this year, although a new and ambitious project is underway and also needs your help. Vermont Center for Ecostudies, in partnership with Arrowwood Environmental, have embarked on a project to map vernal pools throughout Vermont in an effort to better understand and protect these fragile wetlands. You can get involved in both of these great volunteer-driven projects by attending a training session for amphibian monitoring AND vernal pool mapping this spring. No registration necessary. All programs are free.
We've also had a barrage of media coverage this spring. Over 100 news outlets from Alaska to Florida, and beyond, have picked up an Associated Press story about the crossing site in New Haven, VT. I encourage everyone to check out the AP article and stay tuned for more coverage.
Click here for news before 4/7/09
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Upcoming Events Amphibian Crossing Nights Be alert to the weather forecast, as there should be amphibian activity on warm, rainy nights. Drive carefully and have fun monitoring! Vernal Pool Mapping Project - Trainings Thursday April 29, 5pm-8pm Resources
Please return all data sheets, maps, and photos to: Larry Clarfeld
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4/9/10 - This has certainly been a good week for migrating amphibians. Some of the rains (such as last night) came in the wee hours of the night, while other evenings had wet conditions earlier allowing volunteers to monitor crossing sites throughout the state. Migration is well underway at this point, and volunteers should be aware that the next few rainy nights may be some of the last opportunities to catch migration at its peak. Thanks to all who have monitored already this season! 
4/1/10 - The first major amphibian crossings in Central Vermont occurred on Tuesday, 
4/07/09 - This past Friday marked one of the first movements of the year in central Vermont and a continuation of movements throughout the state. Although it may be too cold the next few evenings, as soon as conditions are wet and over 40 F we expect migration to continue. 