Community Corner

Salamander Migration Expected Soon

Every year, spotted salamanders make their way across Beekman Road to nearby vernal pools.

The salamanders are coming, that much is sure. But when exactly they will arrive, no one can say.

Every year, the East Brunswick Environmental Commission and the Friends of East Brunswick Environmental Commission, working with the police department, closes Beekman Road, off Church Lane, for a few weeks in the spring so that hundreds of these four -legged creatures can cross from one side to the other. It’s a ritual that has been played out for hundreds of years, and probably longer - tiny salamanders leaving their nesting grounds and making their way to nearby vernal pools to breed. After spending a few weeks there, the adults return to their home across the street.

While this ritual is almost guaranteed, predicting when it will happen is not a sure thing, and weather conditions have to be perfect. Commission member David Moskowtiz says the optimum conditions are a 40-degree evening with rain. Usually, the more rain the better.

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But today (Friday) with temperatures in the 50s and lots of rain, Moskowtiz is hedging his bets. While it’s early for the salamanders to begin their migration, the commission is debating whether or not to close Beekman Road.

“We may close it just to be cautious,” he said. “I was at the vernal pools twice today, but my gut tells me it’s too early. My gut says it’s going to get cold again.”

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The salamanders typically start their migration in early March, so while it is early, there is a chance. However, one sign that the critters are coming is usually the sound of spring peepers, something that is missing this week.

“There are no spring peepers calling, and they’re a pretty good hallmark that the salamander migration is starting. I don’t think we’ve ever had a year that we didn’t hear the spring peepers first.”

While it’s unlikely that the salamanders will begin their migration tonight, the commission is getting ready for when it does happen. Residents who want to come and watch as the salamanders make their way across the road are welcome to come out. In addition, the commission is looking for volunteers to be a part of the Spotted Salamander and Frog Migration Survey. The Citizen Science Monitoring Project asks volunteers to spend an hour during the migration to count the number of frogs and salamanders that they see crossing the road.

Volunteers will be given a field sheet to identify what is moving and the findings will be sent to the N.J. Division of Fish and Game.

“It’s just somebody spending an hour on a pretty long, wet night,” said Moskowtiz.

However, spotting the salamanders can be rewarding, not only for the volunteers, but also for the children and families who come to see them.

“It can be frustrating when don’t see a salamander, but when you do…spotted salamanders have likely been moving to these vernal pools for hundreds of years if not longer, and it’s something special.”

To volunteer, e-mail the Friends of the Environmental Commission at friends.ebec@gmail.com. Spaces will be given on a first come, first serve basis. Preregistration is required.

For updates on salamander sightings and the best times to view them, keep checking eastbrunswick.patch.com. Remember, if you do go, practice caution when parking on Church Lane, be prepared for rain and bring a flashlight to help you keep from stepping on salamanders.


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