BIG NIGHTS ARE COMING!
Have you ever witnessed large numbers of salamanders and frogs crossing the road on rainy spring nights? Ever wonder where they came from and where they’re going?
Salamanders and frogs emerge from winter hibernation on rainy nights in late winter and early spring, after the ground has thawed and evening air temperatures stay above 40ºF.
When weather conditions are right, they make their way from the forest to woodland pools, where they’ll mate and lay eggs. There can be many hundreds of amphibians on the move; amongst nature enthusiasts, these annual migration events are often referred to as “Big Nights.”
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
BECOME A “CROSSING GUARD”
The Gallatin CAC is lucky to have Alysia Pascaris who is leading the charge to bring this program to Gallatin. Because Big Night is by definition rainy and slightly cold, we recommend neighbors coordinate to become a team and work together to help crossings near their homes.
The above map from the DEC shows we
have 20 identified crossing sites in Gallatin.
Green Dots with Red Circles shows the locations that have high potential for large migrations.
Green Dots shows the locations that have high potential for medium migrations.
Want to get involved? Reach out to Alysia at alysiapascaris@gmail.com to
get involved and start or join a neighborhood group.
Check out this helpful page on the DEC website and register to receive updates about big nights!