The Wayland Conservation Department is launching a new effort to help our local amphibians as they migrate across our roads on rainy nights. In order for us to know where to deploy our Ribbit Rangers, we need to know where the amphibians are crossing the roads. That's where you can come in!
We're asking Wayland residents to help us find these locations through a quick and easy citizen science project:
Next time there's a rainy evening after dark* that you have a few minutes free,
- Grab your brightest flashlight (a cell phone won't be enough to see)
- Put on any reflective gear you might have
- Step outside and SLOWLY walk along the street front of your property, shining your flashlight on the road. (Some frogs, especially spring peepers, are so small they can be mistaken for gravel. Try looking for a subtle shine or gleam of their skin)
- What do you see? Are there a few frogs? A lot of frogs? Salamanders?
(Please also try to count dead amphibians. It's no fun to see, but it's important information, because it lets us know that your area is used by amphibians, and that it's also high risk for them, and may be an area we need to place on our high priority list).
Report back here and let us know!
This information will directly help us create our map of high priority amphibian crossings. You're most likely to see frogs and salamanders if you live near wetlands, forests, and especially vernal pools--but we're still learning the exact spots. Your help will be absolutely invaluable in this effort. And if you would like to be involved with helping us save these amazing little creatures from roadkill accidents,
SIGN UP FOR OUR
EMAIL LIST AND VISIT THE
WAYLAND RIBBIT RANGERS PAGE.
*NOTE: IF YOU HEAR THUNDER, DO NOT GO OUTSIDE, AND PICK A DIFFERENT NIGHT
