Big Migration ("Big Night") Volunteer Information and Training Session

Wednesday, February 28, 6pm – 7pm

It is getting close to the time of year again for Big Migration! On the first rainy, warm nights of spring, thousands of spotted salamanders, wood frogs, spring peepers, and other amphibians travel to vernal pools and other wetlands to breed. This migration has been known as “Big Night,” though it rarely occurs on just one evening. Most years, “Big Night” is actually one or two Big Nights, a few Medium-Sized Nights, and a Small Night here or there, which can take place anytime from mid-March to early May. In Amherst, one place that this happens is on Henry Street, where amphibians make their annual journey from their forest territories to their breeding pools at Henry Street in North Amherst. This happens in other locations where there are vernal pools as well.

We will have a short presentation on the yellow-spotted salamander, and the history of the salamander tunnels. We all also discuss how volunteers can help this year, by gathering data and being ambassadors for others who come to the tunnels, to share how to safely participate in this once-a-year event.

Join us to help prepare for the excitement of the Big Migration and assist the Henry Street amphibians on their journey – generally, the first rainy night (or nights) of spring when temperatures remain above 40 degrees.