Photo by Dave Huth/CC BY-NC 2.0

Salamander Crossing Brigades

Join our springtime salamander saving operations

Why did the salamander cross the road?

To get to the vernal pool! Each spring, a group of amphibians migrate from their forest habitat to the temporary wetlands where they congregate to breed. You’ve heard the choruses of spring peepers, but have you seen one of these tiny frogs? How about a wood frog? Have you seen a spotted salamander, the largest species in Vermont? Although abundant, these amphibians are seldom seen, but that changes when they cross roads to reach their breeding pools.

What are Salamander Crossing Brigades?

For many years, we’ve organized brigades of volunteers who help amphibians reach their breeding habitat by giving them a lift across roads. Volunteers also collect & submit data on the amphibians – allowing us to assess the health of our wetland ecosystems. Crossing guards not only save individual amphibians, they safeguard future populations of frogs and salamanders.

Ideal Crossing Conditions

Between late March and late April
After the ground has thawed
Temperatures near or above 40° F
When it’s raining or very wet
At night

Note: Later in the season, amphibians may migrate if conditions are damp.

Become a Crossing Guard

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Watch this training webinar

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Salamander Crossing Alerts Sign-Up ▸

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Find a crossing site

Salamander Crossing Site Location Guide ▸

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Learn to identify the amphibians

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Watch the forecast

Salamandar Crossing Forecast: Sat. April 26

Saturday, April 26: rain in the morning and late afternoon could get the late amphibians moving. How many amphibians still need to cross? That is an unknown. There has been some rain in the wee hours so it is possible that most amphibians have made it to the pools and that […]

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Be prepared and be safe! Prepare ahead of time and follow the safety guidelines while you’re out there.

Safety Essentials

Light colored clothing
Reflective vests for everyone (this is NOT optional)
When cars approach your site, step off the roadway
Park your vehicle off the road outside the crossing zone and not in front of someone’s house
Clip a flashing light to your sign, and remove the signs when no guards are on duty.

Equipment List

Rain gear
Bright flashlight with extra batteries (headlamps are not bright enough)
Data sheet, clipboard, pencil
Camera (recommended)
Spatula for dead amphibians
Clean bucket
Salamander Crossing signs – email to borrow one
Clip on flashing lights for signs and self
Amphibian identification sheets

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Count and Report Amphibians

Print a data sheet to track the number of each species you find – alive and dead. Remove dead amphibians from the road to avoid double-counting. If you’re in a group, one person could be the designated tally keeper.

Once you’re finished, submit your data using the buttons below. We use this information to determine where crossing guards are needed, identify locations for amphibian underpasses, and monitor populations. Unsure of an amphibian's identity? Please take a photo and upload it. We’d love to add your photos to our Crossing Night Gallery (see below).

Field Data Sheet ▸

Submit Data ▸

Submit Photos ▸