03/19/2026
Spring is creeping in at Westmoreland Sanctuary… and so are the salamanders.
During our amphibian migration survey and exploration, we witnessed an incredible movement of life. Thousands of wood frogs filled the vernal pools, while spotted salamanders, spring peepers, red-backed salamanders, newts, and more made their way through the forest under cover of night.
These migrations happen just a few nights each year, triggered by the perfect combination of rain and warming temperatures. Amphibians depend on vernal pools, seasonal, fish-free wetlands, to safely lay their eggs. Without these habitats, many of these species cannot survive.
Because their skin is highly sensitive to pollution and environmental change, amphibians are important indicators of ecosystem health. Their presence tells us that these forests and wetlands are still functioning, but they are also vulnerable to habitat loss, road mortality, and climate shifts.
By protecting vernal pools, preserving forest habitat, and supporting conservation efforts, we can help ensure these remarkable migrations continue for generations to come.
