During early spring, on warm, rainy nights, many species of amphibians, especially wood frogs and mole salamanders, migrate to vernal pools to lay their eggs. Many animals must cross roads along the way, putting them in danger of getting run over.
The Hudson River Estuary Program’s Amphibian Migrations and Road Crossings project trains volunteers to assist in locations where large numbers of frogs and salamanders cross roadways. Volunteers help amphibians cross the road safely while documenting weather, traffic, and species observed. This information is very important in helping scientists at DEC and other organizations track important migration routes and vernal pools being used. By volunteering with this or a similar project, you can be an amphibian crossing guard.
Interested volunteers can view self-training materials and webinars online by visiting DEC’s website: https://dec.ny.gov/nature/waterbodies/oceans-estuaries/hudson-river-estuary-program/conservation-and-land-use-program/amphibian-migrations-and-road-crossings
