Contributed by Rebecca Bucciaglia, Bolton Conservation Agent
When will the spotted salamanders, wood frogs and other amphibians migrate from their wintering grounds to their breeding pools? This is always hard to predict. The optimal conditions for this nocturnal migration to occur are when there is bare ground, a steady rain, little wind and air temperatures are in the 40’s overnight. Usually, the first night when these conditions are favorable a peak migration or “Big Night” will occur and the critters will come out of the ground for their trek across yards, woodlands and roads to vernal pools. Vernal pools are temporary pools which fill annually from precipitation, runoff, and rising groundwater. The dry periods preclude fish from living in them and the pools can become productive hatcheries for otherwise terrestrial amphibians.
In Bolton, volunteers station themselves at critical locations to help slow traffic so the critters are not run over. Bolton Conservation Department, with the help of volunteers, place signs annually at locations of increased observations of migration. On the first rainy nights of March, you may see community members waiting to observe and document amphibians crossing at these locations. Please note, volunteers and community members are not authorized to block or redirect traffic during these events. Those participating are encouraged to wear high visibility or bright colors for safety. Also, a reminder to utilize Red lights to reduce impact to species. Do not use regular flashlights when observing these, at least without a red film over the light. Signs will be placed at Green Road, Golden Run Road and Sugar Road along with other locations. Please also note these are not the only locations amphibians will cross.
If you would like to help make the journey safe for these critters, please contact the Conservation Department 978-779-3304 or email [email protected] to get on our calling list and you will be contacted when all of the conditions come together. We are on nature’s time so this event is on standby but it will be after dark. You will need to dress in raingear with warm layers underneath, and you will need boots, an umbrella and flashlight (preferably covered with red film).
