Please help the Lebanon Conservation Commission gather information about amphibian migration “hot spots" in town!
Every spring, salamanders, frogs, and toads migrate to vernal breeding pools on “Big Nights” — evenings when temperatures are around 40 degrees or higher and it’s raining. This usually happens on a few nights between mid March and early May in our region. Keene NH has a five-day salamander forecast. While we are a bit further north, we can still use it as a guide as to when big nights might happen here in Lebanon.
Big Night volunteers can help these creatures cross safely!
Check out the City of Lebanon Amphibian Crossing hotspot map and choose the site closest to you to reduce driving, and be ready to get out to help. Please be aware that a 1:1 parent:child ratio is advised and all must wear reflective vests.
The Harris Center for Conservation Education usually conducts free Salamander Crossing Brigade Volunteer Trainings in Keene, NH, every spring. There will be no in-person trainings this year because of COVID-19, but the website has useful information if you want to turn this into a family activity. Visit their Salamander Crossing Brigades page for more information and please practice social distancing even when helping amphibians cross the roads.
These types of hotspot mapping efforts help boost local awareness of these incredible spring migrations and aid in planning future volunteer efforts to help amphibians cross our roads safely.
There will likely be several more migrations throughout the spring on rainy nights. If you have to drive during these times, please drive slowly and be on the lookout for amphibians, particularly near wetlands.
Have you noticed groups of frogs and salamanders crossing? Help us build our conservation resources; please let us know if you’re aware of any hot spots in Lebanon by emailing Mark.Goodwin@lebanonnh.gov.
Did you get out for a Big Night? Help us build our species records. Send your data, photos and stories to: suzanne.w.church@gmail.com
For more information, please check out the Lebanon Amphibian Crossing Project, a public Google drive folder containing a Lebanon hot spot map, ID and data sheets, a sign for downloading, and other resources.