The Big Night
Walking around the woods in northeastern Massachusetts on the last couple of warm days it feels to me like a biological time bomb is due to go off in the very near future. The wetlands near my home in Concord, … Continued
Marbled Salamander Breakthrough
Ecological restoration is a slow process. Often, we must wait several years to see if our work is paying off. Plants must mature, flower, and spread seeds. Turtles often don’t reach reproductive maturity until 16 years of age or even … Continued
Marbled Salamander Season is Here
With the weather finally starting to show the first hints of winter, most reptiles and amphibians are settling down into their winter hibernation. Under the ice in certain vernal pools, however, one species stays active all winter long: marbled salamanders! … Continued
Vernal Pools – Ephemeral Hot Spots of Biodiversity
On the night of March 17, 1991, I was ready to begin my Ph.D. research into the ecology and conservation of salamanders and frogs that breed in vernal pools. What I saw that memorable night stunned me. Despite having already … Continued