VT Press: Training offered on protecting migrating amphibians

[Wes von Papineäu]

BURLINGTON FREE PRESS (Vermont) 26 March 08 Training offered on protecting migrating amphibians
Richmond: Volunteers interested in helping more than a half-dozen species of salamanders and frogs safely reach vital breeding areas can receive training in the Richmond Talks & Walks event scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on April 2, at the Richmond Free Library.
Larry Clarfeld, an Americorps member working as an environmental educator for the North Branch Nature Center in Montpelier, will describe the mass migrations that take place on a few nights each year as upland-dwelling amphibians head for the ponds and vernal pools in which they breed.
Clarfeld will also explain how volunteers can organize to identify major local crossing sites, safely ferry the animals across the roads on migration nights and log the results for research.
“Frogs and salamanders are important links in the forest food chain,” says Clarfeld. “They eat huge amounts of insects and in turn serve as a major food source for larger animals. Our presentation in Richmond will not only give people the opportunity to keep the wildlife food chain intact in local forests, it will also delve into the lives of these fascinating creatures.”
The Richmond Talks & Walks series is sponsored by the Richmond Conservation Commission and the Richmond Land Trust. Admission is free and no reservations are needed. For more information, call 434-3543.
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/a.../NEWS/80326003