Road Tolls

Sandy Long
Posted 4/19/17

It’s a rainy warmish night in the Upper Delaware River region, and while most of us are dry and comfortable inside our homes, other species are out and about, risking their lives while …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Road Tolls

Posted

It’s a rainy warmish night in the Upper Delaware River region, and while most of us are dry and comfortable inside our homes, other species are out and about, risking their lives while scurrying across roads toward their breeding grounds. Amphibian migration has been underway for the past several weeks, as salamanders and frogs make haste to resume their reproductive activities. In some parts of the Upper Delaware River region, amphibian migration is still underway on warm rainy nights.


The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area closes its River Road to vehicular traffic several times each spring during amphibian migration to protect breeding amphibians. While no vehicles are allowed, the public is welcome to observe the spectacle in order to increase understanding and awareness of the importance of the closings. 


According to its Facebook page, after this year’s early warming period, followed by bitter cold and a big snowstorm, people were asking what would happen to the amphibians. “Most of them will stay put until the weather is warm and wet enough to move,” explained National Park Service staff. “Those that already ventured out will burrow under the soil, leaves and muck and ride out the cold spell there. Some amphibians can actually freeze while others can survive even if 65% of their body water freezes. The eggs are another story though. If eggs were deposited before the cold snap, there is a good chance they won’t survive.” 


Get to know more about whose habitat you inhabit. Don’t miss two upcoming opportunities to learn about some of the amphibians that share this place we call home. The Pocono Environmental Education Center in Dingmans Ferry, PA has scheduled its Spring Peeper Search for April 22, from 8 to 9 p.m. Participants will seek the tiny tree frogs while enjoying their lively choruses filling the forested wetlands. Visit www.peec.org for more information.


Additionally, Lacawac Sanctuary invites “citizen scientists” over the age of eight to assist Northeast regional coordinator Larry Lubach to catch, photo-document and release species for the Pennsylvania Amphibian and Reptile Survey from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 6. The event will be followed by a guided hike of the Lake Lacawac Trail. Visit www.lacawac.org to learn more.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here