With a real winter in the Hudson River estuary watershed this year, there’s little doubt that the ground is frozen. If cold temperatures continue, forest amphibians will remain underground and their emergence and migration to vernal pools may return to a more typical time — unlike the early start that was observed throughout much of the Northeast in late February in 2024.
While awaiting the thaw, there are lots of opportunities to learn about the Amphibian Migrations & Road Crossings (AM&RC) Project, the importance of the “earth’s wet places” and changes to New York’s wetland regulations, and how to get involved.
The Hudson River Estuary Program will be providing opportunities for volunteer training in-person and during virtual training on a Wednesday, February 19th.
The in-person training has limited space, and priority is given to volunteers from the Hudson River estuary watershed, especially those who have not attended an in-person program before. If you are a returning volunteer and need a refresher, consider joining the virtual session.
The in-person training will be Saturday, February 15, 9:30 am until 12:30 pm in Acra, NY. It’s hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties: Register to attend in person.
A virtual training will be held Wednesday, February 19, from 5:30 until 7 pm. Register for the online training.
Training topics will include volunteer protocols, safety measures, data collection and reporting on Survey123, and species identification.
If you’re unable to attend an in-person or virtual program, you can view YouTube training modules. Organizers hope all volunteers will complete some form of training before the migration.
For more information about New York’s amphibian species visit the DEC website.
Photo of Jefferson-blue spotted salamander complex by L. Heady provided by DEC.
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