Salamander Monitoring

Learn to identify salamander species, handle them safely, and collect and record data.

Red-backed salamanders can be found in forest habitats throughout Maine, commonly found under leaf litter, rocks, and decaying logs. These amphibians are an indicator species, meaning their presence, absence, or population trends provide valuable insight into the overall health of an ecosystem.

We're keeping an eye on these unassuming amphibians in an area rich with Eastern Hemlocks, trees that create the cool, damp habitats salamanders love. These trees are under threat from the hemlock woolly adelgid, an invasive insect that can harm or kill them. By tracking salamanders here, we can see how changes in the forest affect these important indicator species - and the overall health of the ecosystem.

There are several parking options when visiting Viles Arboretum.

• Arboretum parking lot - may be reserved for accessible parking during select events

• Park-and-Ride on Piggery Road

• BMV on Piggery Road (Employee/Delivery entrance)

• State lot on Blossom Lane

Viles Arboretum is an independent, nonprofit 501 c(3) organization. Household membership gifts are a vital source of support, helping us care for the Arboretum's gardens and trails, protect natural resources, offer educational programs, and enrich our community.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND BECOME A MEMBER

Viles Arboretum offers opportunities for community members of all ages to participate in the scientific process, gathering data, making observations and contributions to research.