Salamander Migration archive 2015
Salamander migration 2015 (11) - Beekman Road will be closed today, April 7, 2015
Posted by Friends EB EC on April 7, 2015 at 2:50 PM
Beekman Road will be closed tonight for amphibian protection.
The road will block to car traffic from 7pm until 6am tomorrow morning.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS ABOUT SAFETY AND FLASHLIGHTS
Be careful when you park - there is a big ditch next to the parking area at the back to Tamarack - car have been stuck there a few times recently.
Please be aware that Church Lane is very dark and cars move at fast speeds. Use extreme caution when parking or crossing the road and especially be watchful of your children. NEVER WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED - IT IS NOT SAFE!!!
If you come to the road, EVERYONE (Children included) MUST have their OWN flashlight. It will help see things in the dark, make the night much more fun and prevent accidentally stepping on a salamander or spring peeper.
NEVER (AND WE MEAN NEVER) WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED!!!
Posted by Friends EB EC on April 7, 2015 at 2:50 PM
Beekman Road will be closed tonight for amphibian protection.
The road will block to car traffic from 7pm until 6am tomorrow morning.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS ABOUT SAFETY AND FLASHLIGHTS
Be careful when you park - there is a big ditch next to the parking area at the back to Tamarack - car have been stuck there a few times recently.
Please be aware that Church Lane is very dark and cars move at fast speeds. Use extreme caution when parking or crossing the road and especially be watchful of your children. NEVER WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED - IT IS NOT SAFE!!!
If you come to the road, EVERYONE (Children included) MUST have their OWN flashlight. It will help see things in the dark, make the night much more fun and prevent accidentally stepping on a salamander or spring peeper.
NEVER (AND WE MEAN NEVER) WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED!!!
Salamander migration 2015(11) - beekman Rd. will be closed today, April 3, 2015
Posted by Friends EB EC on April 3, 2015 at 3:05 PM
Beekman Road will be closed tonight. The temperature tonight will be the warmest we've seen since last fall. Combined with the rain, this is perfect amphibian weather. We don't know if the migration to the pools is over yet (it often comes in waves and different species move toward the vernal pools at different times during the spring) but it is still early in the season and we want to be sure we protect anything that might be moving around in this warm, wet weather. Reports from the pools last night noted a huge amount of activity, lots of spotted salamanders and newts and deafening choruses of spring peepers. This is huge proof that our road closings are working to protect the amphibians that use the vernal pools.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS ABOUT SAFETY AND FLASHLIGHTS
NEVER WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED - IT IS NOT SAFE!!!
If you come to the road, EVERYONE (Children included) MUST have their OWN flashlight.
Posted by Friends EB EC on April 3, 2015 at 3:05 PM
Beekman Road will be closed tonight. The temperature tonight will be the warmest we've seen since last fall. Combined with the rain, this is perfect amphibian weather. We don't know if the migration to the pools is over yet (it often comes in waves and different species move toward the vernal pools at different times during the spring) but it is still early in the season and we want to be sure we protect anything that might be moving around in this warm, wet weather. Reports from the pools last night noted a huge amount of activity, lots of spotted salamanders and newts and deafening choruses of spring peepers. This is huge proof that our road closings are working to protect the amphibians that use the vernal pools.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS ABOUT SAFETY AND FLASHLIGHTS
NEVER WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED - IT IS NOT SAFE!!!
If you come to the road, EVERYONE (Children included) MUST have their OWN flashlight.
Salamander migration 2015 (8)
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 27, 2015 at 3:40 PM
LAST NIGHT WAS AMAZING!!! The number of people that came out to Beekman to see the migration was huge, easily over a hundred!!!. So many families and children. I suspect everyone got to see at least one spotted salamander and many spring peepers. All night there were so many spring peepers the road looked like popcorn popping. But it was the spotteds that stole the show. Things started out slow because it wound up drier than expected with just a few until about 9 or so. Then with rain coming in more and more started to appear. I have no idea how many crossed last night but it must have been a lot. The vernal pools were a cacophony of wonderful sounds too, spring peepers, chorus frogs, wood frogs, all singing their hearts out looking for love. The wood frogs are particularly exciting, because this was the first time in 12 years that we've had a breeding chorus and at both pools! In the first five years or so that we closed the road we never saw any. But the road closings have allowed the population to slowly rebound and there must have been dozens at the large pool. What an awesome night. It just took a little patience.
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 27, 2015 at 3:40 PM
LAST NIGHT WAS AMAZING!!! The number of people that came out to Beekman to see the migration was huge, easily over a hundred!!!. So many families and children. I suspect everyone got to see at least one spotted salamander and many spring peepers. All night there were so many spring peepers the road looked like popcorn popping. But it was the spotteds that stole the show. Things started out slow because it wound up drier than expected with just a few until about 9 or so. Then with rain coming in more and more started to appear. I have no idea how many crossed last night but it must have been a lot. The vernal pools were a cacophony of wonderful sounds too, spring peepers, chorus frogs, wood frogs, all singing their hearts out looking for love. The wood frogs are particularly exciting, because this was the first time in 12 years that we've had a breeding chorus and at both pools! In the first five years or so that we closed the road we never saw any. But the road closings have allowed the population to slowly rebound and there must have been dozens at the large pool. What an awesome night. It just took a little patience.
Salamander migration 2015 (7) - Beekman Rd. to be closed today
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 26, 2015 at 10:40 AM
Last Night: Last night Beekman Road was closed out of an abundance of caution due to the varying forecasts that seemed to suggest temperatures in the mid-40’s and intermittent rain. Despite some decent showers mid-day and perfectly timed heavier rain right around dark, the temperatures fell to 40. In the past, we have seen salamanders on these kind of nights. But last night, reports from the road were that there was no migration or amphibian movement. Such is the joy of trying to think like a hibernating salamander or frog. We do our best, err on the side of caution for them and occasionally find ourselves wandering alone on an empty road on a wet, cold, raw night. Of course, that has its own sense of joy too, just absent what we hoped to see. Hey, it’s nature and we try our best to unravel its secrets, sometimes perfectly other times not quite so much.
Tonight: So tonight we will try again. The weather forecasts are not quite as wet as they were predicting it would be yesterday, but still it will be much warmer with temperatures around 60 (when were we able to last say that number in central NJ?) and probably some showers during the day and evening. Some weather outlets suggest the rain may even become steady after dark. I have no way of definitively knowing if there will be salamanders and frogs tonight but with temperatures around 60 and a chance of rain, Beekman will definitely be closed and I will definitely be wandering it with my flashlight. Hopefully the warmth will even trigger the first chorus of Spring peepers at our vernal pools.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS ABOUT SAFETY AND FLASHLIGHTS
NEVER WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED - IT IS NOT SAFE!!!
If you come to the road, EVERYONE (Children included) MUST have their OWN flashlight.
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 26, 2015 at 10:40 AM
Last Night: Last night Beekman Road was closed out of an abundance of caution due to the varying forecasts that seemed to suggest temperatures in the mid-40’s and intermittent rain. Despite some decent showers mid-day and perfectly timed heavier rain right around dark, the temperatures fell to 40. In the past, we have seen salamanders on these kind of nights. But last night, reports from the road were that there was no migration or amphibian movement. Such is the joy of trying to think like a hibernating salamander or frog. We do our best, err on the side of caution for them and occasionally find ourselves wandering alone on an empty road on a wet, cold, raw night. Of course, that has its own sense of joy too, just absent what we hoped to see. Hey, it’s nature and we try our best to unravel its secrets, sometimes perfectly other times not quite so much.
Tonight: So tonight we will try again. The weather forecasts are not quite as wet as they were predicting it would be yesterday, but still it will be much warmer with temperatures around 60 (when were we able to last say that number in central NJ?) and probably some showers during the day and evening. Some weather outlets suggest the rain may even become steady after dark. I have no way of definitively knowing if there will be salamanders and frogs tonight but with temperatures around 60 and a chance of rain, Beekman will definitely be closed and I will definitely be wandering it with my flashlight. Hopefully the warmth will even trigger the first chorus of Spring peepers at our vernal pools.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS ABOUT SAFETY AND FLASHLIGHTS
NEVER WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED - IT IS NOT SAFE!!!
If you come to the road, EVERYONE (Children included) MUST have their OWN flashlight.
Salamander migration 2015 (6) - Beekman Rd. to be closed today and tomorrow
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 25, 2015 at 1:55 PM
The Friends of the East Brunswick Environmental Commission is closely watching the weather and checking various weather outlets for the most up to date forecasts. Given the potential for precipitation (fortunately, finally liquid!!!) for tonight and tomorrow we are currently planning on closing the road both nights. There is some variability in the forecasts for tonight with some predicting showers or light rain as early as the late afternoon and others not until much later at night. All show expected temperatures in the 40's. Since we always try to err on the side of the safety of the salamanders and frogs and this year has featured unusual weather, closing the road tonight seems prudent. For tomorrow, there is a general agreement that it will be unseasonably warm (when was the last time we could say that?) with temperatures approaching or even slightly above 60 and least intermittent showers and rain. If this pans out tomorrow could be a great night for amphibians. Here is one of the weather graphs we regularly check from the Weather Underground.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS ABOUT SAFETY AND FLASHLIGHTS
NEVER WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED - IT IS NOT SAFE!!!
If you come to the road, EVERYONE (Children included) MUST have their OWN flashlight.
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 25, 2015 at 1:55 PM
The Friends of the East Brunswick Environmental Commission is closely watching the weather and checking various weather outlets for the most up to date forecasts. Given the potential for precipitation (fortunately, finally liquid!!!) for tonight and tomorrow we are currently planning on closing the road both nights. There is some variability in the forecasts for tonight with some predicting showers or light rain as early as the late afternoon and others not until much later at night. All show expected temperatures in the 40's. Since we always try to err on the side of the safety of the salamanders and frogs and this year has featured unusual weather, closing the road tonight seems prudent. For tomorrow, there is a general agreement that it will be unseasonably warm (when was the last time we could say that?) with temperatures approaching or even slightly above 60 and least intermittent showers and rain. If this pans out tomorrow could be a great night for amphibians. Here is one of the weather graphs we regularly check from the Weather Underground.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS ABOUT SAFETY AND FLASHLIGHTS
NEVER WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED - IT IS NOT SAFE!!!
If you come to the road, EVERYONE (Children included) MUST have their OWN flashlight.
Salamander migration 2015 (5)
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 25, 2015 at 8:45 AM
Despite relatively cold temperatures there have been big changes at the vernal pools this week. A few days ago most of the ice was gone. We are carefully watching the weather and may close the road tonight and tomorrow night. The forecast for today looks like showers developing by late afternoon and temps in the mid-40’s. The showers\rain are forecast to continue throughout the night and then tomorrow looks to be very warm and rainy. Here is a photo of the larger vernal pool from Sunday.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS ABOUT SAFETY AND FLASHLIGHTS
Be carful when you park - there is a big ditch next to the parking area at the back to Tamarack - car have been stuck there a few times recently.
Please be aware that Church Lane is very dark and cars move at fast speeds. Use extreme caution when parking or crossing the road and especially be watchful of your children. NEVER WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED - IT IS NOT SAFE!!!
If you come to the road, EVERYONE (Children included) MUST have their OWN flashlight. It will help see things in the dark, make the night much more fun and prevent accidentally stepping on a salamander or spring peeper.
NEVER (AND WE MEAN NEVER) WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED!!!
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 25, 2015 at 8:45 AM
Despite relatively cold temperatures there have been big changes at the vernal pools this week. A few days ago most of the ice was gone. We are carefully watching the weather and may close the road tonight and tomorrow night. The forecast for today looks like showers developing by late afternoon and temps in the mid-40’s. The showers\rain are forecast to continue throughout the night and then tomorrow looks to be very warm and rainy. Here is a photo of the larger vernal pool from Sunday.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS ABOUT SAFETY AND FLASHLIGHTS
Be carful when you park - there is a big ditch next to the parking area at the back to Tamarack - car have been stuck there a few times recently.
Please be aware that Church Lane is very dark and cars move at fast speeds. Use extreme caution when parking or crossing the road and especially be watchful of your children. NEVER WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED - IT IS NOT SAFE!!!
If you come to the road, EVERYONE (Children included) MUST have their OWN flashlight. It will help see things in the dark, make the night much more fun and prevent accidentally stepping on a salamander or spring peeper.
NEVER (AND WE MEAN NEVER) WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED!!!
Salamander migration 2015 (4)
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 15, 2015 at 12:25 AM
March 15 - Beekman Road will be closed for the first time tonight.
The Friends of the EBEC has been continually monitoring the weather and the vernal pools and has decided to close the road tonight for a variety of factors noted below. Please read the critically important safety notes below and follow them completely.
As for the salamander migration, a steady rain began overnight in the early morning hours and is forecast to continue through the afternoon tapering to showers by evening. Temperatures are forecast to rise throughout the day to 51 or 52. In a perfect salamander world, these conditions would be ideal to stimulate migration to the vernal pools. But anyone that has spent time in New Jersey the past two months knows that our weather has been very cold and snowy with temperatures way below normal and snow on the ground for an unusually long extended period of time. How these factors might impact the timing of the migration this year is a good and very interesting question. In a “normal” year before the migration, there would be choruses of spring peepers at the pools and elsewhere around the state and Red-backed salamanders would be easy to find under logs in the upland woods. I’ve yet to hear a peeper, haven’t heard from anyone that they have either and I haven’t seen a single Red-backed salamander yet this year. This unpredictability of the migration and when we might see the spotted salamanders and frogs is one of the most exciting aspects of trying to figure out when to close the road and when they might move. But we always err on the side of caution for the salamanders. I know I will be out on Beekman tonight. If there aren’t any salamanders, I’ll know it’s coming soon and will have learned a little bit more about their spring migration patterns. But if they do migrate, I’ll be doing my “Spring has Sprung” dance and celebrating that winter is really over. Dave.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS ABOUT SAFETY AND FLASHLIGHTS
Be carful when you park - there is a big ditch next to the parking area at the back to Tamarack - car have been stuck there a few times recently.
Please be aware that Church Lane is very dark and cars move at fast speeds. Use extreme caution when parking or crossing the road and especially be watchful of your children. NEVER WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED - IT IS NOT SAFE!!!
If you come to the road, EVERYONE (Children included) MUST have their OWN flashlight. It will help see things in the dark, make the night much more fun and prevent accidentally stepping on a salamander or spring peeper.
NEVER (AND WE MEAN NEVER) WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED!!!
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 15, 2015 at 12:25 AM
March 15 - Beekman Road will be closed for the first time tonight.
The Friends of the EBEC has been continually monitoring the weather and the vernal pools and has decided to close the road tonight for a variety of factors noted below. Please read the critically important safety notes below and follow them completely.
As for the salamander migration, a steady rain began overnight in the early morning hours and is forecast to continue through the afternoon tapering to showers by evening. Temperatures are forecast to rise throughout the day to 51 or 52. In a perfect salamander world, these conditions would be ideal to stimulate migration to the vernal pools. But anyone that has spent time in New Jersey the past two months knows that our weather has been very cold and snowy with temperatures way below normal and snow on the ground for an unusually long extended period of time. How these factors might impact the timing of the migration this year is a good and very interesting question. In a “normal” year before the migration, there would be choruses of spring peepers at the pools and elsewhere around the state and Red-backed salamanders would be easy to find under logs in the upland woods. I’ve yet to hear a peeper, haven’t heard from anyone that they have either and I haven’t seen a single Red-backed salamander yet this year. This unpredictability of the migration and when we might see the spotted salamanders and frogs is one of the most exciting aspects of trying to figure out when to close the road and when they might move. But we always err on the side of caution for the salamanders. I know I will be out on Beekman tonight. If there aren’t any salamanders, I’ll know it’s coming soon and will have learned a little bit more about their spring migration patterns. But if they do migrate, I’ll be doing my “Spring has Sprung” dance and celebrating that winter is really over. Dave.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS ABOUT SAFETY AND FLASHLIGHTS
Be carful when you park - there is a big ditch next to the parking area at the back to Tamarack - car have been stuck there a few times recently.
Please be aware that Church Lane is very dark and cars move at fast speeds. Use extreme caution when parking or crossing the road and especially be watchful of your children. NEVER WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED - IT IS NOT SAFE!!!
If you come to the road, EVERYONE (Children included) MUST have their OWN flashlight. It will help see things in the dark, make the night much more fun and prevent accidentally stepping on a salamander or spring peeper.
NEVER (AND WE MEAN NEVER) WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED!!!
Salamander migration 2015 (3)
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 13, 2015 at 2:35 PM
Dave has been monitoring the weather and talking to field ecologists in the last 24 hours. The rainfall has been pushed back even later and the temperatures don't seem like they will get as warm as forecast earlier. When it does finally start raining they look to be in the upper 30's too which is cold. Dave also checked Beekman and there has been a lot of melting in the last 48 hours but the woods still have a decent amount of snow. He also lifted a bunch of logs and it is still pretty cold under them and there weren't any red backed salamanders or other fauna normally found before the spotteds move. The vernal pools have also melted a bit and now have a very narrow fringe of open water which is a good sign that things are progressing along.
Based on Friends' observation in the last 12 years we may see a large migration this weekend. Or not...
Beekman Road will remain open tonight, but will most likely be closed tomorrow. An update will be published here.
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 13, 2015 at 2:35 PM
Dave has been monitoring the weather and talking to field ecologists in the last 24 hours. The rainfall has been pushed back even later and the temperatures don't seem like they will get as warm as forecast earlier. When it does finally start raining they look to be in the upper 30's too which is cold. Dave also checked Beekman and there has been a lot of melting in the last 48 hours but the woods still have a decent amount of snow. He also lifted a bunch of logs and it is still pretty cold under them and there weren't any red backed salamanders or other fauna normally found before the spotteds move. The vernal pools have also melted a bit and now have a very narrow fringe of open water which is a good sign that things are progressing along.
Based on Friends' observation in the last 12 years we may see a large migration this weekend. Or not...
Beekman Road will remain open tonight, but will most likely be closed tomorrow. An update will be published here.
Salamander Migration 2015 (2)
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 12, 2015 at 2:35 PM
The Friends EBEC are continually monitoring the weather forecast and the ground near Beekman Road vernal pools for optimal migration conditions. This weekend is shaping up nicely. Between now and then temps are forecast to be mild or at least near normal. Rainfall is expected to begin late Friday night or very early Saturday morning and continue all day through Saturday, possibly even as late as 9pm. Rainfall totals look high with 3/4 to an inch possible. Humidity Friday night preceding the rain looks relatively high as well. Given all of this and looking ahead 36 hours, the Friends may decide to close the road on Friday night and Saturday night. Friday night probably wouldn't feature much movement except possibly late but we have had a number of evenings when the humidity was high preceding a strong rainy low and saw movement despite not having rain. We will keep checking the weather, Dave Moskowitz will be back at the pools to check ground conditions, to help make a better and more educated decision tomorrow.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS ABOUT SAFETY AND FLASHLIGHTS
Be carful when you park - there is a big ditch next to the parking area at the back to Tamarack - car have been stuck there a few times recently.
Please be aware that Church Lane is very dark and cars move at fast speeds. Use extreme caution when parking or crossing the road and especially be watchful of your children. NEVER WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED - IT IS NOT SAFE!!!
If you come to the road, EVERYONE (Children included) MUST have their OWN flashlight. It will help see things in the dark, make the night much more fun and prevent accidentally stepping on a salamander or spring peeper.
NEVER (AND WE MEAN NEVER) WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED!!!
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 12, 2015 at 2:35 PM
The Friends EBEC are continually monitoring the weather forecast and the ground near Beekman Road vernal pools for optimal migration conditions. This weekend is shaping up nicely. Between now and then temps are forecast to be mild or at least near normal. Rainfall is expected to begin late Friday night or very early Saturday morning and continue all day through Saturday, possibly even as late as 9pm. Rainfall totals look high with 3/4 to an inch possible. Humidity Friday night preceding the rain looks relatively high as well. Given all of this and looking ahead 36 hours, the Friends may decide to close the road on Friday night and Saturday night. Friday night probably wouldn't feature much movement except possibly late but we have had a number of evenings when the humidity was high preceding a strong rainy low and saw movement despite not having rain. We will keep checking the weather, Dave Moskowitz will be back at the pools to check ground conditions, to help make a better and more educated decision tomorrow.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS ABOUT SAFETY AND FLASHLIGHTS
Be carful when you park - there is a big ditch next to the parking area at the back to Tamarack - car have been stuck there a few times recently.
Please be aware that Church Lane is very dark and cars move at fast speeds. Use extreme caution when parking or crossing the road and especially be watchful of your children. NEVER WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED - IT IS NOT SAFE!!!
If you come to the road, EVERYONE (Children included) MUST have their OWN flashlight. It will help see things in the dark, make the night much more fun and prevent accidentally stepping on a salamander or spring peeper.
NEVER (AND WE MEAN NEVER) WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED!!!
Salamander migration 2015 (1)
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 12, 2015 at 6:45 AM
With the warm temperature and rain in the forecast, salamander migration may start soon. Updates and information on road closing will by published here, and on our Facebook and Twitter. PLEASE read the safety reminders below.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS ABOUT SAFETY AND FLASHLIGHTS
Be carful when you park - there is a big ditch next to the parking area at the back to Tamarack - car have been stuck there a few times recently.
Please be aware that Church Lane is very dark and cars move at fast speeds. Use extreme caution when parking or crossing the road and especially be watchful of your children. NEVER WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED - IT IS NOT SAFE!!!
If you come to the road, EVERYONE (Children included) MUST have their OWN flashlight. It will help see things in the dark, make the night much more fun and prevent accidentally stepping on a salamander or spring peeper.
NEVER (AND WE MEAN NEVER) WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED!!!
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 12, 2015 at 6:45 AM
With the warm temperature and rain in the forecast, salamander migration may start soon. Updates and information on road closing will by published here, and on our Facebook and Twitter. PLEASE read the safety reminders below.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS ABOUT SAFETY AND FLASHLIGHTS
Be carful when you park - there is a big ditch next to the parking area at the back to Tamarack - car have been stuck there a few times recently.
Please be aware that Church Lane is very dark and cars move at fast speeds. Use extreme caution when parking or crossing the road and especially be watchful of your children. NEVER WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED - IT IS NOT SAFE!!!
If you come to the road, EVERYONE (Children included) MUST have their OWN flashlight. It will help see things in the dark, make the night much more fun and prevent accidentally stepping on a salamander or spring peeper.
NEVER (AND WE MEAN NEVER) WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED!!!
Salamander migration archive 2014
Salamander update #12 - Beekman Road will be closed tonight for amphibian protection
Posted by Friends EB EC on April 7, 2014 at 3:40 PM
Beekman Road will be closed today, Monday, April 7, for amphibian migration.
The road will be closed from 7pm until 6am tomorrow morning.
It is possible that the whole population of spotted salamanders have already migrated to the vernal pool during previous rainy nights. However, we decided to close the road tonight because the ground is wet, the rain continues, and the temperatures are high enough for amphibian activity, and there may be some individuals still waiting to cross.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS ABOUT SAFETY AND FLASHLIGHTS
Be careful when you park - there is a big ditch next to the parking area at the back to Tamarack - car have been stuck there a few times recently.
Please be aware that Church Lane is very dark and cars move at fast speeds. Use extreme caution when parking or crossing the road and especially be watchful of your children. NEVER WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED - IT IS NOT SAFE!!!
If you come to the road, EVERYONE (Children included) MUST have their OWN flashlight. It will help see things in the dark, make the night much more fun and prevent accidentally stepping on a salamander or spring peeper.
NEVER (AND WE MEAN NEVER) WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED!!!
Posted by Friends EB EC on April 7, 2014 at 3:40 PM
Beekman Road will be closed today, Monday, April 7, for amphibian migration.
The road will be closed from 7pm until 6am tomorrow morning.
It is possible that the whole population of spotted salamanders have already migrated to the vernal pool during previous rainy nights. However, we decided to close the road tonight because the ground is wet, the rain continues, and the temperatures are high enough for amphibian activity, and there may be some individuals still waiting to cross.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS ABOUT SAFETY AND FLASHLIGHTS
Be careful when you park - there is a big ditch next to the parking area at the back to Tamarack - car have been stuck there a few times recently.
Please be aware that Church Lane is very dark and cars move at fast speeds. Use extreme caution when parking or crossing the road and especially be watchful of your children. NEVER WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED - IT IS NOT SAFE!!!
If you come to the road, EVERYONE (Children included) MUST have their OWN flashlight. It will help see things in the dark, make the night much more fun and prevent accidentally stepping on a salamander or spring peeper.
NEVER (AND WE MEAN NEVER) WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED!!!
Salamander Migration Update #11
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 30, 2014 at 1:55 PM
Beekman Road will be closed today, Sunday, March 30, for amphibian migration.
The road will be closed from 7pm until 6am tomorrow morning.
Although there were many spring peepers, no salamanders were found crossing the road yesterday. It is possible that the whole population if spotted salamanders made it to the vernal pool. However, we decided to close the road tonight because the ground is wet, the rain continues, and the temperatures are high enough for amphibian activity, and there may be some individuals still waiting to cross.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS ABOUT SAFETY AND FLASHLIGHTS
NEVER (AND WE MEAN NEVER) WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED!!!
Be careful when you park - there is a big ditch next to the parking area at the back to Tamarack - car have been stuck there a few times recently.
If the road is closed and you come out at night, please be aware that Church Lane is very dark and cars move at fast speeds. Use extreme caution when parking or crossing the road and especially be watchful of your children. NEVER WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED - IT IS NOT SAFE!!!
If you come to the road, EVERYONE (Children included) MUST have their OWN flashlight. It will help see things in the dark, make the night much more fun and prevent accidentally stepping on a salamander or spring peeper.
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 30, 2014 at 1:55 PM
Beekman Road will be closed today, Sunday, March 30, for amphibian migration.
The road will be closed from 7pm until 6am tomorrow morning.
Although there were many spring peepers, no salamanders were found crossing the road yesterday. It is possible that the whole population if spotted salamanders made it to the vernal pool. However, we decided to close the road tonight because the ground is wet, the rain continues, and the temperatures are high enough for amphibian activity, and there may be some individuals still waiting to cross.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS ABOUT SAFETY AND FLASHLIGHTS
NEVER (AND WE MEAN NEVER) WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED!!!
Be careful when you park - there is a big ditch next to the parking area at the back to Tamarack - car have been stuck there a few times recently.
If the road is closed and you come out at night, please be aware that Church Lane is very dark and cars move at fast speeds. Use extreme caution when parking or crossing the road and especially be watchful of your children. NEVER WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED - IT IS NOT SAFE!!!
If you come to the road, EVERYONE (Children included) MUST have their OWN flashlight. It will help see things in the dark, make the night much more fun and prevent accidentally stepping on a salamander or spring peeper.
Salamander Migration Update #10
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 29, 2014 at 1:05 PM
Beekman Road will be closed today, Saturday March 29, for amphibian migration. The road will be closed from 7pm until 6am tomorrow morning.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS ABOUT SAFETY AND FLASHLIGHTS
NEVER (AND WE MEAN NEVER) WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED!!!
If the road is closed and you come out at night, please be aware that Church Lane is very dark and cars move at fast speeds. Use extreme caution when parking or crossing the road and especially be watchful of your children.NEVER WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED - IT IS NOT SAFE!!!
If you come to the road, EVERYONE (Children included) MUST have their OWN flashlight. It will help see things in the dark, make the night much more fun and prevent accidentally stepping on a salamander or spring peeper.
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 29, 2014 at 1:05 PM
Beekman Road will be closed today, Saturday March 29, for amphibian migration. The road will be closed from 7pm until 6am tomorrow morning.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS ABOUT SAFETY AND FLASHLIGHTS
NEVER (AND WE MEAN NEVER) WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED!!!
If the road is closed and you come out at night, please be aware that Church Lane is very dark and cars move at fast speeds. Use extreme caution when parking or crossing the road and especially be watchful of your children.NEVER WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED - IT IS NOT SAFE!!!
If you come to the road, EVERYONE (Children included) MUST have their OWN flashlight. It will help see things in the dark, make the night much more fun and prevent accidentally stepping on a salamander or spring peeper.
Salamander Migration Update #9
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 28, 2014 at 4:35 PM
Beekman Road will remain open to car traffic today, Friday, March 28th. With very little rain in the afternoon, and no rain in the evening, we think the ground will not be wet enough for salamander to move.
We are watching the weather for tomorrow - and as of now we are thinking of closing the road on Saturday, March 29th. Please check the website / Facebook / Twitter for updates.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS ABOUT SAFETY AND FLASHLIGHTS
NEVER (AND WE MEAN NEVER) WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED!!!
If the road is closed and you come out at night, please be aware that Church Lane is very dark and cars move at fast speeds. Use extreme caution when parking or crossing the road and especially be watchful of your children. NEVER WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED - IT IS NOT SAFE!!!
If you come to the road, EVERYONE (Children included) MUST have their OWN flashlight. It will help see things in the dark, make the night much more fun and prevent accidentally stepping on a salamander or spring peeper.
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 28, 2014 at 4:35 PM
Beekman Road will remain open to car traffic today, Friday, March 28th. With very little rain in the afternoon, and no rain in the evening, we think the ground will not be wet enough for salamander to move.
We are watching the weather for tomorrow - and as of now we are thinking of closing the road on Saturday, March 29th. Please check the website / Facebook / Twitter for updates.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS ABOUT SAFETY AND FLASHLIGHTS
NEVER (AND WE MEAN NEVER) WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED!!!
If the road is closed and you come out at night, please be aware that Church Lane is very dark and cars move at fast speeds. Use extreme caution when parking or crossing the road and especially be watchful of your children. NEVER WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED - IT IS NOT SAFE!!!
If you come to the road, EVERYONE (Children included) MUST have their OWN flashlight. It will help see things in the dark, make the night much more fun and prevent accidentally stepping on a salamander or spring peeper.
Salamander Migration Update #8
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 20, 2014 at 7:05 PM
What happened last night? From an ecological perspective, the temperatures were around 40 near dark and the steady rain held off until about 8:30. The afternoon rain that began about 4:00 didn't last long although it certainly increased the humidity and wetted everything down. For anyone arriving just after dark, at first it was simply an empty, cold, wet road. Still fun and exciting but lacking any amphibians. From about 7:30 to 8:30 the rain began again but was generally light and intermittent. But about 8:30 it began to rain steadily and with it there was an evident increase in amphibian movements. Up until that time, other than a wayward spring peeper not much was seen on the road. But with the steady and heavier rain a few spotted salamanders began appearing and so did spring peepers. With the appearance of a few spotted salamanders there were actually screams of joy from some of the kids that dragged their parents out on a school\work night. However, from our observations there wasn't an unhappy adult face in the crowd. About 75 people were walking the road with flashlights and braving the wet chill (that's salamander weather) and reveling in the last night of a long, cold, challenging winter and the advent of spring! It was quite evident from the reactions of so many people that when you see a spotted salamander making its way across Beekman Road even when it is wet and raw, it is worth every second of being out there.
If you weren't able to make it, here is a list of some of the highlights:
Vernal pools are the "oasis in the forest". Over the years we've lost the vast majority in East Brunswick. We are so fortunate to have the ones along Beekman Road protected on County lands. But with Beekman Road crossing through the habitat we need to be vigilant in protecting the species that utilize these last remaining special habitats. Please let the Mayor and Town Council, Police and Public Works know how much you appreciate their efforts. A HUGE kudos is due their unwavering concern and protection of our spotted salamanders, turtles, newts and frogs!
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 20, 2014 at 7:05 PM
What happened last night? From an ecological perspective, the temperatures were around 40 near dark and the steady rain held off until about 8:30. The afternoon rain that began about 4:00 didn't last long although it certainly increased the humidity and wetted everything down. For anyone arriving just after dark, at first it was simply an empty, cold, wet road. Still fun and exciting but lacking any amphibians. From about 7:30 to 8:30 the rain began again but was generally light and intermittent. But about 8:30 it began to rain steadily and with it there was an evident increase in amphibian movements. Up until that time, other than a wayward spring peeper not much was seen on the road. But with the steady and heavier rain a few spotted salamanders began appearing and so did spring peepers. With the appearance of a few spotted salamanders there were actually screams of joy from some of the kids that dragged their parents out on a school\work night. However, from our observations there wasn't an unhappy adult face in the crowd. About 75 people were walking the road with flashlights and braving the wet chill (that's salamander weather) and reveling in the last night of a long, cold, challenging winter and the advent of spring! It was quite evident from the reactions of so many people that when you see a spotted salamander making its way across Beekman Road even when it is wet and raw, it is worth every second of being out there.
If you weren't able to make it, here is a list of some of the highlights:
- Well, for one thing, everyone that came out probably saw a spotted salamander and a spring peeper!
- The Friends led tours to the vernal pools and everyone that came along got to hear spring peepers calling and to see how amazing they are.
- Denise Contrino, our incredibly amazing town-centric Town Council member came out and saw her first ever spotted salamander. We appropriately named it "Denise".
- The 4th graders in town are studying vernal pools and salamanders as part of an amazing grant awarded by the EB Education Foundation and they showed up en masse. We typically reserve the wods en masse for spotted salamander migrations but it was equally appropriate for them last night. They all came with an incredible knowledge of the importance and ecology of vernal pools and asked amazing questions too!
Vernal pools are the "oasis in the forest". Over the years we've lost the vast majority in East Brunswick. We are so fortunate to have the ones along Beekman Road protected on County lands. But with Beekman Road crossing through the habitat we need to be vigilant in protecting the species that utilize these last remaining special habitats. Please let the Mayor and Town Council, Police and Public Works know how much you appreciate their efforts. A HUGE kudos is due their unwavering concern and protection of our spotted salamanders, turtles, newts and frogs!
Salamander Migration Update #7
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 19, 2014 at 7:30 AM
Beekman Road will be closed tonight. According to the NOAA forecast today looks to be damp with some light precipitation in the afternoon transitioning to rain after dark. Temperatures will be just above 40. With the big night exactly one week ago it is hard to know what might move on these subsequent rain events. But spotted salamander and frog migrations to vernal pools tend to occur in waves so we close the road to insure we don't miss any.
Here is the latest NOAA forecast for today/tonight:
Today Scattered sprinkles and flurries before 2pm, then a chance of rain showers. Cloudy, with a high near 43. Southeast wind 8 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Tonight Showers, mainly before 3am. Low around 38. Southeast wind 8 to 10 mph becoming southwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS ABOUT SAFETY AND FLASHLIGHTS
NEVER (AND WE MEAN NEVER) WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED!!!
If the road is closed and you come out at night, please be aware that Church Lane is very dark and cars move at fast speeds. Use extreme caution when parking or crossing the road and especially be watchful of your children. NEVER WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED - IT IS NOT SAFE!!!
If you come to the road, EVERYONE (Children included) MUST have their OWN flashlight. It will help see things in the dark, make the night much more fun and prevent accidentally stepping on a salamander or spring peeper.
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 19, 2014 at 7:30 AM
Beekman Road will be closed tonight. According to the NOAA forecast today looks to be damp with some light precipitation in the afternoon transitioning to rain after dark. Temperatures will be just above 40. With the big night exactly one week ago it is hard to know what might move on these subsequent rain events. But spotted salamander and frog migrations to vernal pools tend to occur in waves so we close the road to insure we don't miss any.
Here is the latest NOAA forecast for today/tonight:
Today Scattered sprinkles and flurries before 2pm, then a chance of rain showers. Cloudy, with a high near 43. Southeast wind 8 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Tonight Showers, mainly before 3am. Low around 38. Southeast wind 8 to 10 mph becoming southwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS ABOUT SAFETY AND FLASHLIGHTS
NEVER (AND WE MEAN NEVER) WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED!!!
If the road is closed and you come out at night, please be aware that Church Lane is very dark and cars move at fast speeds. Use extreme caution when parking or crossing the road and especially be watchful of your children. NEVER WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED - IT IS NOT SAFE!!!
If you come to the road, EVERYONE (Children included) MUST have their OWN flashlight. It will help see things in the dark, make the night much more fun and prevent accidentally stepping on a salamander or spring peeper.
Salamander Migration Update #6
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 18, 2014 at 7:40 AM
Since the big night last Wednesday, there hasn't really been any combination of temperature and precipitation to suggest another migratory movement or much amphibian activity. But all that may change tomorrow if the NOAA forecast pans out:
A chance of showers after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45. Southeast wind 7 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Wednesday Night Showers likely, mainly before 2am. Cloudy, with a low around 36. Southeast wind 7 to 10 mph becoming southwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
So we are closely monitoring the conditions and will decide whether to close Beekman Road sometime tomorrow. With the big migration last week we don't know what to expect on the next few warmish rainy nights. Typically in mid-March and April these kind of nights are excellent for stimulating amphibian activity. Spotted salamander migrations often occur in waves and the migration we saw last Wednesday night may have been just the first of a few.
A VERY IMPORTANT SAFETY REMINDER -
READ THIS! READ THIS! READ THIS! READ THIS! READ THIS! READ THIS! READ THIS! READ THIS!
NEVER (AND WE MEAN NEVER) WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED!!!
If the road is closed and you come out at night, please be aware that Church Lane is very dark and cars move at fast speeds. Use extreme caution when parking or crossing the road and especially be watchful of your children. NEVER WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED - IT IS NOT SAFE!!!
If you come to the road, EVERYONE MUST have their OWN flashlight. It will help see things in the dark, make the night much more fun and prevent accidentally stepping on a salamander or spring peeper.
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 18, 2014 at 7:40 AM
Since the big night last Wednesday, there hasn't really been any combination of temperature and precipitation to suggest another migratory movement or much amphibian activity. But all that may change tomorrow if the NOAA forecast pans out:
A chance of showers after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45. Southeast wind 7 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Wednesday Night Showers likely, mainly before 2am. Cloudy, with a low around 36. Southeast wind 7 to 10 mph becoming southwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
So we are closely monitoring the conditions and will decide whether to close Beekman Road sometime tomorrow. With the big migration last week we don't know what to expect on the next few warmish rainy nights. Typically in mid-March and April these kind of nights are excellent for stimulating amphibian activity. Spotted salamander migrations often occur in waves and the migration we saw last Wednesday night may have been just the first of a few.
A VERY IMPORTANT SAFETY REMINDER -
READ THIS! READ THIS! READ THIS! READ THIS! READ THIS! READ THIS! READ THIS! READ THIS!
NEVER (AND WE MEAN NEVER) WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED!!!
If the road is closed and you come out at night, please be aware that Church Lane is very dark and cars move at fast speeds. Use extreme caution when parking or crossing the road and especially be watchful of your children. NEVER WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED - IT IS NOT SAFE!!!
If you come to the road, EVERYONE MUST have their OWN flashlight. It will help see things in the dark, make the night much more fun and prevent accidentally stepping on a salamander or spring peeper.
Salamander Migration Update #5
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 12, 2014 at 10:35 PM
Tonight was amazing! The salamanders surprised us with one of the best nights ever. So much for our earlier post that it might not be a big night because of the temperature and lack of rainfall. As it turned out, bands of heavy steady rain began to fall right after dark and the temperature held pretty steady near 60. That was apparently the right combination and a big trigger for a big migration. When my daughter and I left at 10 PM we had counted 81 spotted salamanders, countless spring peepers, a few green frogs, a Pickerel frog and the first wood frog I've ever seen on the road. There were even choruses of spring peepers at the pools. Tonight just goes to show how difficult it is to predict when the salamanders might cross and why we close the road even when we aren't sure. There will certainly be other nights of movement this spring, but tonight was a biggie for sure. Luckily we decided to close the road and a huge number of salamanders were able to safely cross tonight. Everyone that came out was treated to quite the show. Here are a few photos from tonight. See you on the next warm rainy night out on Beekman.
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 12, 2014 at 10:35 PM
Tonight was amazing! The salamanders surprised us with one of the best nights ever. So much for our earlier post that it might not be a big night because of the temperature and lack of rainfall. As it turned out, bands of heavy steady rain began to fall right after dark and the temperature held pretty steady near 60. That was apparently the right combination and a big trigger for a big migration. When my daughter and I left at 10 PM we had counted 81 spotted salamanders, countless spring peepers, a few green frogs, a Pickerel frog and the first wood frog I've ever seen on the road. There were even choruses of spring peepers at the pools. Tonight just goes to show how difficult it is to predict when the salamanders might cross and why we close the road even when we aren't sure. There will certainly be other nights of movement this spring, but tonight was a biggie for sure. Luckily we decided to close the road and a huge number of salamanders were able to safely cross tonight. Everyone that came out was treated to quite the show. Here are a few photos from tonight. See you on the next warm rainy night out on Beekman.
Salamander Migration Update #4
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 12, 2014 at 5:15 PM
Beekman Road will be closed tonight. However, as often happens in March, the forecast has not really panned out as predicted. This morning NOAA was calling for rain by 1 PM and steady heavy rain by late afternoon with imbedded thunderstorms in the evening. While we have had some light rain it hasn't been very heavy. So our thoughts are that tonight will not be the "big night". We have seen movement on these type of nights, but with falling temperatures predicted for tonight, it just may become too cold too fast and not feature enough rain for much of anything. But then again, maybe there will be salamanders and our prediction is wrong
Regardless, we always try and err on the side of the salamanders. Since each female can carry hundreds of eggs, we don't want to take a chance and not close the road on nights when they might migrate. The loss of a single female means the potential loss of many salamanders to the overall population. Predicting the migration is simply an educated guess and we do the best we can. We close the road on multiple nights each spring when we think they may migrate just to be sure.
READ THIS! READ THIS! READ THIS! READ THIS! READ THIS! READ THIS! READ THIS! READ THIS!
NEVER (AND WE MEAN NEVER) WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED!!!
If the road is closed and you come out at night, please be aware that Church Lane is very dark and cars move at fast speeds. Use extreme caution when parking or crossing the road and especially be watchful of your children. NEVER WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED - IT IS NOT SAFE!!!
If you come to the road, EVERYONE MUST have their OWN flashlight. It will help see things in the dark, make the night much more fun and prevent accidentally stepping on a salamander or spring peeper.
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 12, 2014 at 5:15 PM
Beekman Road will be closed tonight. However, as often happens in March, the forecast has not really panned out as predicted. This morning NOAA was calling for rain by 1 PM and steady heavy rain by late afternoon with imbedded thunderstorms in the evening. While we have had some light rain it hasn't been very heavy. So our thoughts are that tonight will not be the "big night". We have seen movement on these type of nights, but with falling temperatures predicted for tonight, it just may become too cold too fast and not feature enough rain for much of anything. But then again, maybe there will be salamanders and our prediction is wrong
Regardless, we always try and err on the side of the salamanders. Since each female can carry hundreds of eggs, we don't want to take a chance and not close the road on nights when they might migrate. The loss of a single female means the potential loss of many salamanders to the overall population. Predicting the migration is simply an educated guess and we do the best we can. We close the road on multiple nights each spring when we think they may migrate just to be sure.
READ THIS! READ THIS! READ THIS! READ THIS! READ THIS! READ THIS! READ THIS! READ THIS!
NEVER (AND WE MEAN NEVER) WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED!!!
If the road is closed and you come out at night, please be aware that Church Lane is very dark and cars move at fast speeds. Use extreme caution when parking or crossing the road and especially be watchful of your children. NEVER WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED - IT IS NOT SAFE!!!
If you come to the road, EVERYONE MUST have their OWN flashlight. It will help see things in the dark, make the night much more fun and prevent accidentally stepping on a salamander or spring peeper.
Salamander Migration Update #3
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 11, 2014 at 11:55 AM
For anyone that has the pleasure to walk outside today in the brilliant sunshine and wonderful and long overdue warmth it is very evident that big changes are happening and fast. While we are going to face some colder temperatures Thursday, today is a harbinger of things to come. Eight days ago when I visited the vernal pools they were frozen solid and the ground was completely snow covered. Yesterday I checked the vernal pools and the snow was almost entirely gone. The larger vernal pool was 1/3 open water and the smaller vernal pool had a narrow open water fringe (see photos below). I turned over a bunch of logs but found nothing, not even a Red-backed salamander. Still, there were no frost crystals and the leaf duff was nice and moist and not frozen.
Despite the ridiculously cold and snowy winter we've had, the weather is shaping up to be very interesting for tomorrow. Today may have record-breaking temperatures and tomorrow is also going to be moderate during the day, although the temperature will be falling steadily from the afternoon into the evening. Tomorrow also looks pretty wet with mid-afternoon rain, possibly a good soaker, through early evening. NOAA has indicated that the rain may transition to sleet or snow but that won't likely happen until well after dark if there is still moisture left in the storm system.
So, what does this all mean regarding the potential for some salamander migration tomorrow? Well, this is the fun and the stress of trying to predict what nature will do! But, I would say that despite the really cold weather we've had, we should definitely keep an eye on tomorrow over the next few weather model forecast runs. We want to watch the timing of the rain and the temperature profiles toward dark. At this point I would say there is a better than even chance we should close the road even if it turns out only to be for safety sake (the salamanders of course).
NEVER (AND WE MEAN NEVER) WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED!!!
If the road is closed and you come out at night, please be aware that Church Lane is very dark and cars move at fast speeds. Use extreme caution when parking or crossing the road and especially be watchful of your children. NEVER WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED - IT IS NOT SAFE!!!
If you come to the road, EVERYONE MUST have their own flashlight. It will help see things in the dark, make the night much more fun and prevent accidentally stepping on a salamander or spring peeper.
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 11, 2014 at 11:55 AM
For anyone that has the pleasure to walk outside today in the brilliant sunshine and wonderful and long overdue warmth it is very evident that big changes are happening and fast. While we are going to face some colder temperatures Thursday, today is a harbinger of things to come. Eight days ago when I visited the vernal pools they were frozen solid and the ground was completely snow covered. Yesterday I checked the vernal pools and the snow was almost entirely gone. The larger vernal pool was 1/3 open water and the smaller vernal pool had a narrow open water fringe (see photos below). I turned over a bunch of logs but found nothing, not even a Red-backed salamander. Still, there were no frost crystals and the leaf duff was nice and moist and not frozen.
Despite the ridiculously cold and snowy winter we've had, the weather is shaping up to be very interesting for tomorrow. Today may have record-breaking temperatures and tomorrow is also going to be moderate during the day, although the temperature will be falling steadily from the afternoon into the evening. Tomorrow also looks pretty wet with mid-afternoon rain, possibly a good soaker, through early evening. NOAA has indicated that the rain may transition to sleet or snow but that won't likely happen until well after dark if there is still moisture left in the storm system.
So, what does this all mean regarding the potential for some salamander migration tomorrow? Well, this is the fun and the stress of trying to predict what nature will do! But, I would say that despite the really cold weather we've had, we should definitely keep an eye on tomorrow over the next few weather model forecast runs. We want to watch the timing of the rain and the temperature profiles toward dark. At this point I would say there is a better than even chance we should close the road even if it turns out only to be for safety sake (the salamanders of course).
NEVER (AND WE MEAN NEVER) WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED!!!
If the road is closed and you come out at night, please be aware that Church Lane is very dark and cars move at fast speeds. Use extreme caution when parking or crossing the road and especially be watchful of your children. NEVER WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED - IT IS NOT SAFE!!!
If you come to the road, EVERYONE MUST have their own flashlight. It will help see things in the dark, make the night much more fun and prevent accidentally stepping on a salamander or spring peeper.
Salamander Migration Update #2
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 4, 2014 at 7:40 AM
Once again we are thrust into a deep freeze with temperatures that are well-below normal and highly unusual for this time of the year. But Daylight Savings time is this weekend and with it a forecast for moderating temperatures to slightly below or near normal for the first time in weeks. Hopefully this will spell the end of the seemingly never-ending cold we've had this winter and we can finally get on to spring time fun - like salamanders and spring peepers! It doesn't take much to make things happen this time of the year and despite the cold, the salamander migration can't be too far off. Just a few days of warmer weather coupled with rain and the salamanders will have the triggers they need to head to the vernal pools to breed.
Spotted salamanders typically migrate when there is a sustained period of at least a few days of temperatures near 50 along with some rain and high humidity. There is also a need for open water at the vernal pools so that the migrating salamanders can slip into the pool. On Sunday I visited the pools and they were frozen end to end. According to WeatherUnderground the long-range forecast for the next 10 days doesn't seem to feature many days with temperatures near 50, in fact only one day will be in the high 40's. Most days have very cold nights and daytime highs in the upper 30's or low 40's. It is a long way off but believe it or not, there is even a forecast for a rather sizeable accumulating snow for Tuesday/Wednesday. For anyone interested in seeing what is going on at other vernal pools in the east check out Amphibian Tracker where people post what they are seeing - https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=214851865952293876825.0004eefde6632301e7528&dg=feature ;
Last year at this time we had already closed the road a few times and were waiting for the "big night". If you have never been to our Beekman Road closings or seen a spotted salamander migrate, make this the year! To give you a sense of what it is all about check out the Salamander Migration Updates from last year @ http://www.friendsebec.com/apps/blog/show/24838765-salamander-thoughts-by-hannah-moskowitz ;
Stay tuned, so much more to come! Here are a few photos from the vernal pools on Sunday.
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 4, 2014 at 7:40 AM
Once again we are thrust into a deep freeze with temperatures that are well-below normal and highly unusual for this time of the year. But Daylight Savings time is this weekend and with it a forecast for moderating temperatures to slightly below or near normal for the first time in weeks. Hopefully this will spell the end of the seemingly never-ending cold we've had this winter and we can finally get on to spring time fun - like salamanders and spring peepers! It doesn't take much to make things happen this time of the year and despite the cold, the salamander migration can't be too far off. Just a few days of warmer weather coupled with rain and the salamanders will have the triggers they need to head to the vernal pools to breed.
Spotted salamanders typically migrate when there is a sustained period of at least a few days of temperatures near 50 along with some rain and high humidity. There is also a need for open water at the vernal pools so that the migrating salamanders can slip into the pool. On Sunday I visited the pools and they were frozen end to end. According to WeatherUnderground the long-range forecast for the next 10 days doesn't seem to feature many days with temperatures near 50, in fact only one day will be in the high 40's. Most days have very cold nights and daytime highs in the upper 30's or low 40's. It is a long way off but believe it or not, there is even a forecast for a rather sizeable accumulating snow for Tuesday/Wednesday. For anyone interested in seeing what is going on at other vernal pools in the east check out Amphibian Tracker where people post what they are seeing - https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=214851865952293876825.0004eefde6632301e7528&dg=feature ;
Last year at this time we had already closed the road a few times and were waiting for the "big night". If you have never been to our Beekman Road closings or seen a spotted salamander migrate, make this the year! To give you a sense of what it is all about check out the Salamander Migration Updates from last year @ http://www.friendsebec.com/apps/blog/show/24838765-salamander-thoughts-by-hannah-moskowitz ;
Stay tuned, so much more to come! Here are a few photos from the vernal pools on Sunday.
Salamander Migration Update #1
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 28, 2014 at 10:10 AM
It's hard to believe that a year has passed since the last salamander migration! This will be the 11th year we have been protecting the spotted salamanders and frogs along Beekman Road during their spring migrations to the vernal pools to breed. We are deeply thankful for the unerring support of the Mayor, Town Council, Police and Public Works for their help protecting the only remaining population of spotted salamanders in town.
Despite the Polar Vortex, continual snow cover since early January, abnormally cold temperatures and yet another snowstorm on its way, there are many signs of spring poking through outside. I recently saw two male Red-winged blackbirds on territory, maple tree buds are swelling, the sun angle and strength is increasing and the days are noticeably longer. As the proverb says "March may come in like a lion, but rest assured it will go out like a lamb". And somewhere in that time frame we will all be treated to another awe-inspiring salamander migration on some raw rainy night when spring peepers are popping along the road like popcorn.
As we've done for many years, we will be trying to predict the migration as best as possible so we can close the road. The migration is a complex mix of factors related to air and soil temperature, rainfall, seasonality and soil moisture. We do our best to understand these various factors and couple that with what we and other field biologists are seeing in vernal pools around the rest of the state. Admittedly, predicting the migration is a little bit of guesswork coupled with science - both fun and stressful. We will be writing these updates with our thoughts so everyone can see what factors we are considering.
Stay tuned, much more to come!
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 28, 2014 at 10:10 AM
It's hard to believe that a year has passed since the last salamander migration! This will be the 11th year we have been protecting the spotted salamanders and frogs along Beekman Road during their spring migrations to the vernal pools to breed. We are deeply thankful for the unerring support of the Mayor, Town Council, Police and Public Works for their help protecting the only remaining population of spotted salamanders in town.
Despite the Polar Vortex, continual snow cover since early January, abnormally cold temperatures and yet another snowstorm on its way, there are many signs of spring poking through outside. I recently saw two male Red-winged blackbirds on territory, maple tree buds are swelling, the sun angle and strength is increasing and the days are noticeably longer. As the proverb says "March may come in like a lion, but rest assured it will go out like a lamb". And somewhere in that time frame we will all be treated to another awe-inspiring salamander migration on some raw rainy night when spring peepers are popping along the road like popcorn.
As we've done for many years, we will be trying to predict the migration as best as possible so we can close the road. The migration is a complex mix of factors related to air and soil temperature, rainfall, seasonality and soil moisture. We do our best to understand these various factors and couple that with what we and other field biologists are seeing in vernal pools around the rest of the state. Admittedly, predicting the migration is a little bit of guesswork coupled with science - both fun and stressful. We will be writing these updates with our thoughts so everyone can see what factors we are considering.
Stay tuned, much more to come!
Salamander migration archive 2013
Salamander Migration Update - #18
Posted by Friends EB EC on April 1, 2013 at 7:05 AM
Councilman Jim Wendell found a large female as she came out to the road on her way to the pools. His son Matthew found many spring peeper and carefully removed them from the road.
The rain that started late in the afternoon brought a few salamanders and people to Beekman Road yesterday. Over the three hours we walked along the road we saw six large spotted salamander females crossing the road and heading into the woods toward the vernal pools. Near the pool the spring peepers and chorus frogs were so loud it was hard to have a conversation.
Many people joined us with flashlights and umbrellas to search for amphibian. Councilman Jim Wendell, his wife Barbara and their two sons told us they were excited to finally see the famous East Brunswick salamanders! People came East and South Brunswick, and even from Plainsboro and Marlboro. Lisa and Rob saw the Facebook update from the Road and decided to come see for themselves. After walking for a while we found another female for them to see.
We have not seen any egg masses in the pools yet, and we simply can't tell if the migration is over. We do not speak Salamander and cannot ask them... The road will be closed for one or two more nights. As always - information will be posted here and an email will be sent to all Friends members (membership is always Free).
To learn more about New Jersey amphibians and to hear their calls - check out the NJDEP webpage.
Safety Comes First (for us and the amphibians): NEVER venture onto the road if it is not closed! Always park along and cross Church Lane very carefully. It is dark and cars drive fast and don't expect people out there at night. EVERYONE should have their OWN flashlight. Walk carefully and watch for amphibians. A car or foot on one and the results are largely the same.
Posted by Friends EB EC on April 1, 2013 at 7:05 AM
Councilman Jim Wendell found a large female as she came out to the road on her way to the pools. His son Matthew found many spring peeper and carefully removed them from the road.
The rain that started late in the afternoon brought a few salamanders and people to Beekman Road yesterday. Over the three hours we walked along the road we saw six large spotted salamander females crossing the road and heading into the woods toward the vernal pools. Near the pool the spring peepers and chorus frogs were so loud it was hard to have a conversation.
Many people joined us with flashlights and umbrellas to search for amphibian. Councilman Jim Wendell, his wife Barbara and their two sons told us they were excited to finally see the famous East Brunswick salamanders! People came East and South Brunswick, and even from Plainsboro and Marlboro. Lisa and Rob saw the Facebook update from the Road and decided to come see for themselves. After walking for a while we found another female for them to see.
We have not seen any egg masses in the pools yet, and we simply can't tell if the migration is over. We do not speak Salamander and cannot ask them... The road will be closed for one or two more nights. As always - information will be posted here and an email will be sent to all Friends members (membership is always Free).
To learn more about New Jersey amphibians and to hear their calls - check out the NJDEP webpage.
Safety Comes First (for us and the amphibians): NEVER venture onto the road if it is not closed! Always park along and cross Church Lane very carefully. It is dark and cars drive fast and don't expect people out there at night. EVERYONE should have their OWN flashlight. Walk carefully and watch for amphibians. A car or foot on one and the results are largely the same.
Salamander Migration Update - #17
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 31, 2013 at 8:45 AM
Beekman Road is likely to be closed tonight with the warm rain expected for this afternoon and evening. We are monitoring the weather closely. While we suspect that the salamander migration to the pools is complete, it is possible there could be some stragglers, or some non-breeding wanderers (not every individual in the population breeds every year) or even some movement back across the road to the summering habitat. But there may also be frog movement to the pools and in the surrounding woodland habitat as many frog species breed later than the spotted salamanders (our vernal pools have green frogs, bullfrogs, northern gray treefrogs, spring peepers, chorus frogs and pickerel frogs). Rainy spring nights are often fun amphibian nights.
Safety Comes First (for us and the amphibians): NEVER venture onto the road if it is not closed! Always park along and cross Church Lane very carefully. It is dark and cars drive fast and don't expect people out there at night. EVERYONE should have their OWN flashlight. Walk carefully and watch for amphibians. A car or foot on one and the results are largely the same.
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 31, 2013 at 8:45 AM
Beekman Road is likely to be closed tonight with the warm rain expected for this afternoon and evening. We are monitoring the weather closely. While we suspect that the salamander migration to the pools is complete, it is possible there could be some stragglers, or some non-breeding wanderers (not every individual in the population breeds every year) or even some movement back across the road to the summering habitat. But there may also be frog movement to the pools and in the surrounding woodland habitat as many frog species breed later than the spotted salamanders (our vernal pools have green frogs, bullfrogs, northern gray treefrogs, spring peepers, chorus frogs and pickerel frogs). Rainy spring nights are often fun amphibian nights.
Safety Comes First (for us and the amphibians): NEVER venture onto the road if it is not closed! Always park along and cross Church Lane very carefully. It is dark and cars drive fast and don't expect people out there at night. EVERYONE should have their OWN flashlight. Walk carefully and watch for amphibians. A car or foot on one and the results are largely the same.
Guest post & Video: Saving Amphibians on the Open Road By Kelly Rypkema
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 19, 2013 at 7:40 PM
I remember the first time I saw a tadpole in mid-metamorphosis. It still had that small fishy mouth, and swimming tail…and then these strange little legs sticking out. I had studied all that in books, but to see it happening right in front of me was simply mesmerizing. How amazing that a living thing can so completely change its body! We can’t do that!
Since then, I’ve compiled a bucket list of nature experiences that I want to have. I want to see a Peregrine Falcon knock a bird out of the sky. I want to see the Northern Lights. The list goes on. And ever since I first heard about it in college, I’ve wanted to experience an amphibian migration, the kind where thousands of frogs, toads, and salamanders come out at night to travel to their annual meeting at the local breeding pool.
And I wanted to be one of those people who get to carry those amphibians across roads that intersect their path. Well I finally got to check that one off the bucket list thanks to the Amphibian Crossing Project, a program coordinated by the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ.
Video - Click here or on the picture to see what my experience was like.
The crossing site where I was stationed occurs on a heavily trafficked road in Sussex County, New Jersey. And the only way that anyone knows about it is because of the discerning eyes of volunteers - thank Goodness for volunteers! - who noticed a huge number of frogs and salamanders moving en masse across the busy road. It turns out that the area also supports a large population of Jefferson salamanders, a species of special concern in New Jersey.
Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that this site will ever be closed to traffic, but the Conserve Wildlife Foundation is studying it as a possible location for an amphibian culvert system. Special tunnels that allow amphibians to migrate under roadways have been used to good effect in other states like Massachusetts. This would be the first site in New Jersey to use them.
To support such a measure, the Conserve Wildlife Foundation and their partners need to find out as much as possible about the site and the amphibians that live there, so our efforts involve much more than simply ferrying critters across! Decked out in our finest rain gear, thermals, and reflective vests, we mark down how many amphibians we cross – including how many we can’t save, unfortunately – what kinds of amphibians we cross, and how many cars pass through.
My first night as an amphibian crossing guard was a bit unusual. The weather forecast was changing constantly, and when I arrived, there was no rain – or amphibians – to be seen! Still, our small team took up position along the road’s edge, ready for any frogs and salamanders that might step out from the shadowy forest. And they did…in fits and starts, just like the rain. In the end, the team recorded information on more than 1300 frogs, toads, and salamanders that made an appearance that year.
It was admittedly a roller coaster of an experience for me, from my anguish over those I couldn’t reach in time, to my satisfaction from releasing a wriggling salamander safely on the other side of the road. At the end of the long night, I had the distinct pleasure of feeling like I had made a tangible difference. Wow, what must my bucket list have in store for me next? I can’t wait!
----------------------------------------------
Kelly’s experiences as an amphibian crossing guard are captured in “Amphibian Crossing,” a special episode of Nature in a New York Minute. Watch the episode at www.NatureMinute.com.Kelly Rypkema is a biologist and host of the video series Nature in a New York Minute. From communicating with ants to interpreting the secret life of squirrels, Kelly showcases ways to be actively involved with nature – even in the concrete jungle. For nature news and events, follow Kelly on Facebook (Nature Minute) or Twitter (@KellyRypkema), or subscribe to her blog.
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 19, 2013 at 7:40 PM
I remember the first time I saw a tadpole in mid-metamorphosis. It still had that small fishy mouth, and swimming tail…and then these strange little legs sticking out. I had studied all that in books, but to see it happening right in front of me was simply mesmerizing. How amazing that a living thing can so completely change its body! We can’t do that!
Since then, I’ve compiled a bucket list of nature experiences that I want to have. I want to see a Peregrine Falcon knock a bird out of the sky. I want to see the Northern Lights. The list goes on. And ever since I first heard about it in college, I’ve wanted to experience an amphibian migration, the kind where thousands of frogs, toads, and salamanders come out at night to travel to their annual meeting at the local breeding pool.
And I wanted to be one of those people who get to carry those amphibians across roads that intersect their path. Well I finally got to check that one off the bucket list thanks to the Amphibian Crossing Project, a program coordinated by the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ.
Video - Click here or on the picture to see what my experience was like.
The crossing site where I was stationed occurs on a heavily trafficked road in Sussex County, New Jersey. And the only way that anyone knows about it is because of the discerning eyes of volunteers - thank Goodness for volunteers! - who noticed a huge number of frogs and salamanders moving en masse across the busy road. It turns out that the area also supports a large population of Jefferson salamanders, a species of special concern in New Jersey.
Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that this site will ever be closed to traffic, but the Conserve Wildlife Foundation is studying it as a possible location for an amphibian culvert system. Special tunnels that allow amphibians to migrate under roadways have been used to good effect in other states like Massachusetts. This would be the first site in New Jersey to use them.
To support such a measure, the Conserve Wildlife Foundation and their partners need to find out as much as possible about the site and the amphibians that live there, so our efforts involve much more than simply ferrying critters across! Decked out in our finest rain gear, thermals, and reflective vests, we mark down how many amphibians we cross – including how many we can’t save, unfortunately – what kinds of amphibians we cross, and how many cars pass through.
My first night as an amphibian crossing guard was a bit unusual. The weather forecast was changing constantly, and when I arrived, there was no rain – or amphibians – to be seen! Still, our small team took up position along the road’s edge, ready for any frogs and salamanders that might step out from the shadowy forest. And they did…in fits and starts, just like the rain. In the end, the team recorded information on more than 1300 frogs, toads, and salamanders that made an appearance that year.
It was admittedly a roller coaster of an experience for me, from my anguish over those I couldn’t reach in time, to my satisfaction from releasing a wriggling salamander safely on the other side of the road. At the end of the long night, I had the distinct pleasure of feeling like I had made a tangible difference. Wow, what must my bucket list have in store for me next? I can’t wait!
----------------------------------------------
Kelly’s experiences as an amphibian crossing guard are captured in “Amphibian Crossing,” a special episode of Nature in a New York Minute. Watch the episode at www.NatureMinute.com.Kelly Rypkema is a biologist and host of the video series Nature in a New York Minute. From communicating with ants to interpreting the secret life of squirrels, Kelly showcases ways to be actively involved with nature – even in the concrete jungle. For nature news and events, follow Kelly on Facebook (Nature Minute) or Twitter (@KellyRypkema), or subscribe to her blog.
Salamander Migration Update #16 - WOW!
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 13, 2013 at 7:35 AM
It's hard to find a better word for last night than, WOW! Everything came together perfectly, weather, salamanders, frogs and people for a spectacular night on Beekman Road. During the day, above normal temperatures combined with heavy rain setting the stage for what we hoped would be a big night. And for anyone that came out, it would have been very hard to be disappointed. We were a little concerned around 5pm when the rain tapered off and the skies began to clear, but when the first spotted salamander appeared around 7pm, there was hope. Loud choruses of spring peepers carried to the road from the vernal pools but it took another half hour or so for the second spotted salamander to appear. As more and more people began to filter onto the road, so did the spotted salamanders and spring peepers and from there on it was a steady movement of both. Gauging by the vast number of smiles, crouched circles of people and numerous camera flashes, it seems like everyone had a chance to see at least a few spotted salamanders and spring peepers crossing Beekman Road. Most people I spoke with said they saw lots of salamanders and two posted reports from last night both noted seeing 20+. It is hard to estimate how many salamanders may have made their way to the vernal pools last night but it must be in the hundreds, maybe much more when the entire landscape around the pools is figured in. We also tried to estimate the number of people that came out to see the migration and that was easily over 100 too. So all in all, an absolutely amazing and spectacular night. It tooks a few false starts and some patience, but it was worth it!
Huge kudos are due the salamanders and frogs that made the night perfect for everyone, all the people that came out to walk the road, and the Township Administration, Public Works and Police Department for insuring that our last remaining population of spotted salamanders can safely cross Beekman Road year after year.
So, what's next? Since this is only the first night we had significant movement, and spotted salamander migrations often happen in pulses with one big night and then some smaller ones, we will likely close the road a few more times this spring. We are also going to try and merge one of the road closings with a hike to the vernal pools. If you have only been to the road, but have never ventured through the woods and been up close to the spring peeper choruses, you will be in for quite a treat. It's hard to believe how those tiny frogs can make so much noise!
Stay tuned, there is much more to come...at the vernal pools, Moth Nights, Farmers Markets, Nature Author talk, Butterfly Park....
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 13, 2013 at 7:35 AM
It's hard to find a better word for last night than, WOW! Everything came together perfectly, weather, salamanders, frogs and people for a spectacular night on Beekman Road. During the day, above normal temperatures combined with heavy rain setting the stage for what we hoped would be a big night. And for anyone that came out, it would have been very hard to be disappointed. We were a little concerned around 5pm when the rain tapered off and the skies began to clear, but when the first spotted salamander appeared around 7pm, there was hope. Loud choruses of spring peepers carried to the road from the vernal pools but it took another half hour or so for the second spotted salamander to appear. As more and more people began to filter onto the road, so did the spotted salamanders and spring peepers and from there on it was a steady movement of both. Gauging by the vast number of smiles, crouched circles of people and numerous camera flashes, it seems like everyone had a chance to see at least a few spotted salamanders and spring peepers crossing Beekman Road. Most people I spoke with said they saw lots of salamanders and two posted reports from last night both noted seeing 20+. It is hard to estimate how many salamanders may have made their way to the vernal pools last night but it must be in the hundreds, maybe much more when the entire landscape around the pools is figured in. We also tried to estimate the number of people that came out to see the migration and that was easily over 100 too. So all in all, an absolutely amazing and spectacular night. It tooks a few false starts and some patience, but it was worth it!
Huge kudos are due the salamanders and frogs that made the night perfect for everyone, all the people that came out to walk the road, and the Township Administration, Public Works and Police Department for insuring that our last remaining population of spotted salamanders can safely cross Beekman Road year after year.
So, what's next? Since this is only the first night we had significant movement, and spotted salamander migrations often happen in pulses with one big night and then some smaller ones, we will likely close the road a few more times this spring. We are also going to try and merge one of the road closings with a hike to the vernal pools. If you have only been to the road, but have never ventured through the woods and been up close to the spring peeper choruses, you will be in for quite a treat. It's hard to believe how those tiny frogs can make so much noise!
Stay tuned, there is much more to come...at the vernal pools, Moth Nights, Farmers Markets, Nature Author talk, Butterfly Park....
Salamander Migration Update - #14
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 11, 2013 at 6:15 AM
We expect that Beekman Road will be closed tomorrow night. Forecasts have coalesced around an area of heavy rain and above normal temperatures beginning in the early morning hours Tuesday (around 4am right now) and continuing all day until dark. This is exactly the kind of weather we look for to trigger the migration. We can't guarantee anything, but the warm temperatures over the weekend and again today coupled with significant rain tomorrow sure look good. Since weather forecasts are simply predictions based on models, we will post another update tomorrow.
If we close the road and you come out a few very important reminders:
Use extreme caution crossing Church Lane.
Dress for wet, raw weather.
Each person should have a flashlight with a good strong light.
Walk carefully and be on the lookout for tiny spring peepers and of course salamanders.
Let others know what you find so they can share in the fun.
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 11, 2013 at 6:15 AM
We expect that Beekman Road will be closed tomorrow night. Forecasts have coalesced around an area of heavy rain and above normal temperatures beginning in the early morning hours Tuesday (around 4am right now) and continuing all day until dark. This is exactly the kind of weather we look for to trigger the migration. We can't guarantee anything, but the warm temperatures over the weekend and again today coupled with significant rain tomorrow sure look good. Since weather forecasts are simply predictions based on models, we will post another update tomorrow.
If we close the road and you come out a few very important reminders:
Use extreme caution crossing Church Lane.
Dress for wet, raw weather.
Each person should have a flashlight with a good strong light.
Walk carefully and be on the lookout for tiny spring peepers and of course salamanders.
Let others know what you find so they can share in the fun.
Salamanders in the news!
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 10, 2013 at 11:05 PM
The recent road closing attracted lots of attention from the news media. Although the salamanders did not move on the nights the road was closed, the story of the East Brunswick Amphibian Protection Project was featured in news articles and videos. To see some of the articles and videos about the project since it started in 2005 - Click here.
To get email with information on road closing and other Friends projects - join the Friends, it's easy, free and your information will never be shared. Click here!
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 10, 2013 at 11:05 PM
The recent road closing attracted lots of attention from the news media. Although the salamanders did not move on the nights the road was closed, the story of the East Brunswick Amphibian Protection Project was featured in news articles and videos. To see some of the articles and videos about the project since it started in 2005 - Click here.
To get email with information on road closing and other Friends projects - join the Friends, it's easy, free and your information will never be shared. Click here!
Salamander Migration Update - #13
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 10, 2013 at 8:20 AM
We've had a few false starts over the past two weeks with the weather not panning out as forecast, but our eyes are on Tuesday night right now. If the forecast holds and I was a betting man (I'm not), I'd double down on Tuesday night for the salamander migration to occur. Of course, the odds are always in favor of the House and even sure hands sometimes lose, but the forecast between now and then really looks good to trigger movement. Yesterday was beautiful and warm. All the snow melted and saturated the ground. Today and tomorrow are forecast to be above-normal and nighttime lows for Monday night are expected to remain above freezing. Sometime very late Monday night after midnight, rain is forecast to begin and continue through late afternoon on Tuesday. The rain may be heavy at times with totals now predicted between 1/2" and 3/4". That would be a good soaking rain. Temperatures on Tuesday are forecast to be in the low to mid-50's. All of these factors are what we want to see to trigger the salamanders to migrate. Of course as we've seen, forecasts can fizzle and leave us walking an empty road, but from the vantage point of Sunday morning, I'm thinking this would be a good bet to place. Stay tuned...
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 10, 2013 at 8:20 AM
We've had a few false starts over the past two weeks with the weather not panning out as forecast, but our eyes are on Tuesday night right now. If the forecast holds and I was a betting man (I'm not), I'd double down on Tuesday night for the salamander migration to occur. Of course, the odds are always in favor of the House and even sure hands sometimes lose, but the forecast between now and then really looks good to trigger movement. Yesterday was beautiful and warm. All the snow melted and saturated the ground. Today and tomorrow are forecast to be above-normal and nighttime lows for Monday night are expected to remain above freezing. Sometime very late Monday night after midnight, rain is forecast to begin and continue through late afternoon on Tuesday. The rain may be heavy at times with totals now predicted between 1/2" and 3/4". That would be a good soaking rain. Temperatures on Tuesday are forecast to be in the low to mid-50's. All of these factors are what we want to see to trigger the salamanders to migrate. Of course as we've seen, forecasts can fizzle and leave us walking an empty road, but from the vantage point of Sunday morning, I'm thinking this would be a good bet to place. Stay tuned...
Salamander Migration Update #11 ??????????
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 6, 2013 at 7:30 AM
I think the Magic 8 Ball says it all for today. If I could find my Ouija Board that might help too. As we have said many times, predicting salamander migrations is difficult. Migration requires a combination of weather and ecological mechanisms. Yesterday I read an excellent paper on spotted salamander migration triggers: The effects of temperature and precipitation on the breeding migration of the spotted salamander (AMBYSTOMA MACULATUM). Sexton, O. J., C. Phillips, and J. E. Bramble. 1990. Copeia 1990:781-787. In this paper, the authors outline the following conditions that were important in their study:
3 day mean temperature of 41.9° F / 5.5° C
Soil temperature @ 30 cm greater than 39.2° F / 2.13° C
At least 0.16 inches / 0.4 cm of rainfall
A reversal of the soil temperature profile (surface is warmer than sub-surface)
I suspect we have not quite reached these thresholds yet along Beekman Road but we must be close. The scientists also found secondary factors that were less important but still influential related to lower air and soil temperatures. We have almost certainly reached those which is probably why we have seen some early movement of a few males. Today's weather forecast is as problematic as we've seen over the past week or so. There will be rain, but the temperatures are forecast to be right around 40 and they will likely be dropping at some point in the late afternoon or early evening when the precipitation is expected to turn to heavy wet snow. I don't expect that there will be a large movement tonight given what I'm seeing with the weather, but I also suspect we probably have to make a late call on this one as we see what develops. And the same may be true of tomorrow as well. We don’t want to close the road and inconvenience drivers for no reason but of course we also don’t want to not close the road and have movement.
I think the latest NOAA forecast from 3:57am gives a good sense of where things are:
NEAR TERM /UNTIL 6 PM THIS EVENING...
AFTER DAYS OF ANTICIPATION, THE STORM THAT HAS BEEN WELL DISCUSSED,
BUT NOT NECESSARILY WELL MODELED IS BEGINNING TO IMPACT THE AREA.
LATEST RADAR IMAGERY SHOWED PRECIPITATION, MAINLY IN THE FORM OF RAIN
AFFECTING THE MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE AND SOUTHERN AND CENTRAL DELAWARE.
NORMALLY, AS WE GET CLOSER TO THE EVENT, CONFIDENCE INCREASES.
HOWEVER, THIS IS ONE OF THOSE ANOMALOUS EVENTS, WHERE THAT IS NOT
NECESSARILY THE CASE. WHILE OVERALL, THE MODELS HAVE A DECENT HANDLE
ON THE TRACK OF THE LOW, THERE ARE ENOUGH DIFFERENCES IN THE
INDIVIDUAL DETAILS TO CONTRIBUTE TO INCREASED UNCERTAINTY.
THE GENERAL FORECAST RATIONALE REMAINS THE SAME. PRECIPITATION WILL BE MAINLY
RAIN SOUTH OF I-95 TODAY AND GENERALLY SNOW NORTH OF THERE. ITS MARCH, AND WITH
THE HIGHER SUN ANGLE, IT WILL BE TOUGH FOR IT TO ACCUMULATE MUCH
DURING THE DAY ON TREATED SURFACES UNLESS IT COMES DOWN HEAVY.
THE FORECAST BECOMES MORE PROBLEMATIC THIS EVENING. THE PRECIPITATION SHOULD
TRANSITION TO SNOW AND THEN ITS JUST A QUESTION OF HOW MUCH PRECIPITATION IS
LEFT. SO IT REMAINS TO BE SEEN HOW MUCH PRECIPITATION IS LEFT AND OF COURSE, WHAT THE
TEMPS ARE.
The weekend and next week feature a decidedly warmer trend, so stay tuned....
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 6, 2013 at 7:30 AM
I think the Magic 8 Ball says it all for today. If I could find my Ouija Board that might help too. As we have said many times, predicting salamander migrations is difficult. Migration requires a combination of weather and ecological mechanisms. Yesterday I read an excellent paper on spotted salamander migration triggers: The effects of temperature and precipitation on the breeding migration of the spotted salamander (AMBYSTOMA MACULATUM). Sexton, O. J., C. Phillips, and J. E. Bramble. 1990. Copeia 1990:781-787. In this paper, the authors outline the following conditions that were important in their study:
3 day mean temperature of 41.9° F / 5.5° C
Soil temperature @ 30 cm greater than 39.2° F / 2.13° C
At least 0.16 inches / 0.4 cm of rainfall
A reversal of the soil temperature profile (surface is warmer than sub-surface)
I suspect we have not quite reached these thresholds yet along Beekman Road but we must be close. The scientists also found secondary factors that were less important but still influential related to lower air and soil temperatures. We have almost certainly reached those which is probably why we have seen some early movement of a few males. Today's weather forecast is as problematic as we've seen over the past week or so. There will be rain, but the temperatures are forecast to be right around 40 and they will likely be dropping at some point in the late afternoon or early evening when the precipitation is expected to turn to heavy wet snow. I don't expect that there will be a large movement tonight given what I'm seeing with the weather, but I also suspect we probably have to make a late call on this one as we see what develops. And the same may be true of tomorrow as well. We don’t want to close the road and inconvenience drivers for no reason but of course we also don’t want to not close the road and have movement.
I think the latest NOAA forecast from 3:57am gives a good sense of where things are:
NEAR TERM /UNTIL 6 PM THIS EVENING...
AFTER DAYS OF ANTICIPATION, THE STORM THAT HAS BEEN WELL DISCUSSED,
BUT NOT NECESSARILY WELL MODELED IS BEGINNING TO IMPACT THE AREA.
LATEST RADAR IMAGERY SHOWED PRECIPITATION, MAINLY IN THE FORM OF RAIN
AFFECTING THE MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE AND SOUTHERN AND CENTRAL DELAWARE.
NORMALLY, AS WE GET CLOSER TO THE EVENT, CONFIDENCE INCREASES.
HOWEVER, THIS IS ONE OF THOSE ANOMALOUS EVENTS, WHERE THAT IS NOT
NECESSARILY THE CASE. WHILE OVERALL, THE MODELS HAVE A DECENT HANDLE
ON THE TRACK OF THE LOW, THERE ARE ENOUGH DIFFERENCES IN THE
INDIVIDUAL DETAILS TO CONTRIBUTE TO INCREASED UNCERTAINTY.
THE GENERAL FORECAST RATIONALE REMAINS THE SAME. PRECIPITATION WILL BE MAINLY
RAIN SOUTH OF I-95 TODAY AND GENERALLY SNOW NORTH OF THERE. ITS MARCH, AND WITH
THE HIGHER SUN ANGLE, IT WILL BE TOUGH FOR IT TO ACCUMULATE MUCH
DURING THE DAY ON TREATED SURFACES UNLESS IT COMES DOWN HEAVY.
THE FORECAST BECOMES MORE PROBLEMATIC THIS EVENING. THE PRECIPITATION SHOULD
TRANSITION TO SNOW AND THEN ITS JUST A QUESTION OF HOW MUCH PRECIPITATION IS
LEFT. SO IT REMAINS TO BE SEEN HOW MUCH PRECIPITATION IS LEFT AND OF COURSE, WHAT THE
TEMPS ARE.
The weekend and next week feature a decidedly warmer trend, so stay tuned....
Salamander Migration Update #10 - Where's the Pepto?
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 5, 2013 at 8:05 AM
It's Salamander Migration Quiz time - This should be very easy to answer for anyone that was on Beekman Road last week and that has been following along with these posts. Okay, so here is the quiz question: "What do the following all have in common? Pepto Bismol, Rolaids, Tums, Pepcid, Mylanta, Nexium..." If you answered, "they are all needed by anyone trying to predict the salamander migration this year", you are correct!
Once again, the weather forecast is very complex and complicates predicting what might happen. I suspect everyone knows that a very strong coastal low will be off the New Jersey coast Wednesday into early Thursday. It is expected to have loads of moisture with it. But there are many uncertainties about the storm and therefore, if it will trigger any salamander movement tomorrow evening. There are questions about the actual track of the storm, when the precipitation will start, whether central New Jersey will get mostly rain or snow, when rain might change to snow, temperatures aloft versus near the ground and a whole host of other meteorological factors that just can't be pinned down at this point. From culling through numerous weather outlets, It seems like East Brunswick is likely to see a cold heavy rain at some point tomorrow that will then eventually change to a heavy wet accumulating snow. Temperatures are forecast for tomorrow afternoon somewhere around 40 and then dropping into the mid 30's during the night. My gut still tells me that air and ground temperatures will be too cold tomorrow, especially given how cold it has been this week. Nonetheless, we are carefully monitoring the situation and will likely decide what to do about closing the road tomorrow afternoon when we see what is happening. Stay tuned...in the meantime, here is the latest NOAA forecast discussion (these are always a good read):
EARLY WEDNESDAY MORNING, AN INTENSIFYING LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM WILL BE
FOUND OVER EASTERN VIRGINIA. WHILE THERE IS FAIRLY GOOD MODEL
AGREEMENT IN THE CENTER OF LOW PRESSURE TAKING MOST OF WEDNESDAY
INTO WEDNESDAY NIGHT TO SLOWLY TRACK OFFSHORE, THERE ARE DIFFERENCES
IN THE INTENSITY OF THE LOW PRESSURE AND ALSO THE THERMAL FIELDS
OVER OUR FORECAST AREA WHICH WILL ULTIMATELY DETERMINE THE TIMING OF
THE CHANGEOVER FROM RAIN TO SNOW FOR OUR AREA. THE NAM GIVES A
COLDER SOLUTION AS COMPARED TO THE GFS, AND NAM BUFKIT SOUNDINGS
ALSO SHOW GOOD DENDRITIC GROWTH FROM WEDNESDAY INTO WEDNESDAY NIGHT,
ESPECIALLY FOR SOUTHWEST PORTIONS OF OUR CWA. HOWEVER, BOUNDARY
LAYER TEMPERATURES WILL PLAY A BIG ROLE IN DETERMINING THE
CHANGEOVER FROM RAIN TO SNOW AND HOW LONG AN ACCUMULATING WET SNOW
WILL LAST. AS THE PRECIPITATION SHIELD OVERSPREADS OUR SOUTHWEST
ZONES EARLY WEDNESDAY MORNING, PORTIONS OF OUR SOUTHERN DELMARVA
WILL LIKELY SEE A RAIN/SNOW MIX AT THE ONSET, WITH MORE IN THE WAY
OF JUST SNOW SEEN FARTHER NORTH ALONG THE MARYLAND/DELAWARE/SE
PENNSYLVANIA BORDER. A FEW INCHES OF WET SNOW MAY ACCUMULATE IN THIS
VICINITY DURING THE FIRST HALF OF WEDNESDAY. ELSEWHERE THROUGH
PORTIONS OF SOUTHERN DE AND SOUTHERN NJ, MODERATE TO AT TIMES HEAVY
RAIN IS EXPECTED DURING MUCH OF THE DAYTIME WEDNESDAY. BY LATE
WEDNESDAY INTO WEDNESDAY NIGHT, A CHANGEOVER TO RAIN/SNOW AND
EVENTUALLY JUST WET SNOW IS EXPECTED FOR THESE AREAS. THE GFS
CONTINUES TO SHOW A BANDING FEATURE OVER OUR SOUTHERN CWA INTO
WEDNESDAY NIGHT, WHICH WOULD LEAD TO HEAVIER PRECIP RATES, AND THE
NAM ALSO SHOWS SIGNIFICANT WRAP-AROUND PRECIP ON THE NORTHWEST SIDE
OF THE LOW PRESSURE CENTER.
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 5, 2013 at 8:05 AM
It's Salamander Migration Quiz time - This should be very easy to answer for anyone that was on Beekman Road last week and that has been following along with these posts. Okay, so here is the quiz question: "What do the following all have in common? Pepto Bismol, Rolaids, Tums, Pepcid, Mylanta, Nexium..." If you answered, "they are all needed by anyone trying to predict the salamander migration this year", you are correct!
Once again, the weather forecast is very complex and complicates predicting what might happen. I suspect everyone knows that a very strong coastal low will be off the New Jersey coast Wednesday into early Thursday. It is expected to have loads of moisture with it. But there are many uncertainties about the storm and therefore, if it will trigger any salamander movement tomorrow evening. There are questions about the actual track of the storm, when the precipitation will start, whether central New Jersey will get mostly rain or snow, when rain might change to snow, temperatures aloft versus near the ground and a whole host of other meteorological factors that just can't be pinned down at this point. From culling through numerous weather outlets, It seems like East Brunswick is likely to see a cold heavy rain at some point tomorrow that will then eventually change to a heavy wet accumulating snow. Temperatures are forecast for tomorrow afternoon somewhere around 40 and then dropping into the mid 30's during the night. My gut still tells me that air and ground temperatures will be too cold tomorrow, especially given how cold it has been this week. Nonetheless, we are carefully monitoring the situation and will likely decide what to do about closing the road tomorrow afternoon when we see what is happening. Stay tuned...in the meantime, here is the latest NOAA forecast discussion (these are always a good read):
EARLY WEDNESDAY MORNING, AN INTENSIFYING LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM WILL BE
FOUND OVER EASTERN VIRGINIA. WHILE THERE IS FAIRLY GOOD MODEL
AGREEMENT IN THE CENTER OF LOW PRESSURE TAKING MOST OF WEDNESDAY
INTO WEDNESDAY NIGHT TO SLOWLY TRACK OFFSHORE, THERE ARE DIFFERENCES
IN THE INTENSITY OF THE LOW PRESSURE AND ALSO THE THERMAL FIELDS
OVER OUR FORECAST AREA WHICH WILL ULTIMATELY DETERMINE THE TIMING OF
THE CHANGEOVER FROM RAIN TO SNOW FOR OUR AREA. THE NAM GIVES A
COLDER SOLUTION AS COMPARED TO THE GFS, AND NAM BUFKIT SOUNDINGS
ALSO SHOW GOOD DENDRITIC GROWTH FROM WEDNESDAY INTO WEDNESDAY NIGHT,
ESPECIALLY FOR SOUTHWEST PORTIONS OF OUR CWA. HOWEVER, BOUNDARY
LAYER TEMPERATURES WILL PLAY A BIG ROLE IN DETERMINING THE
CHANGEOVER FROM RAIN TO SNOW AND HOW LONG AN ACCUMULATING WET SNOW
WILL LAST. AS THE PRECIPITATION SHIELD OVERSPREADS OUR SOUTHWEST
ZONES EARLY WEDNESDAY MORNING, PORTIONS OF OUR SOUTHERN DELMARVA
WILL LIKELY SEE A RAIN/SNOW MIX AT THE ONSET, WITH MORE IN THE WAY
OF JUST SNOW SEEN FARTHER NORTH ALONG THE MARYLAND/DELAWARE/SE
PENNSYLVANIA BORDER. A FEW INCHES OF WET SNOW MAY ACCUMULATE IN THIS
VICINITY DURING THE FIRST HALF OF WEDNESDAY. ELSEWHERE THROUGH
PORTIONS OF SOUTHERN DE AND SOUTHERN NJ, MODERATE TO AT TIMES HEAVY
RAIN IS EXPECTED DURING MUCH OF THE DAYTIME WEDNESDAY. BY LATE
WEDNESDAY INTO WEDNESDAY NIGHT, A CHANGEOVER TO RAIN/SNOW AND
EVENTUALLY JUST WET SNOW IS EXPECTED FOR THESE AREAS. THE GFS
CONTINUES TO SHOW A BANDING FEATURE OVER OUR SOUTHERN CWA INTO
WEDNESDAY NIGHT, WHICH WOULD LEAD TO HEAVIER PRECIP RATES, AND THE
NAM ALSO SHOWS SIGNIFICANT WRAP-AROUND PRECIP ON THE NORTHWEST SIDE
OF THE LOW PRESSURE CENTER.
Salamander migration archive 2012
Salamander Migration Update #25
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 24, 2012 at 5:40 PM
Beekman Road will be closed tonight starting at 7pm.
So, if you come out, please dont come before then.
NOAA and Weather.com both have rain the forecast for tonight.
If anything moves tonight, we expect it would be with the rain, after dark. But its just a guess. Spotted salamanders migration may be over for this year. We found salamander egg masses in the large vernal pool a few days ago, and we do not know if there are more individuals who did not make to the pool yet. We expect to see spring peepers and other frogs. If you see anything tonight, please let us know - write to us to [email protected].
If you come out tonight, please be aware that Church Lane is very dark and cars move at fast speeds. Use extreme caution when parking or crossing the road and especially be watchful of your children. If you come to the road, EVERYONE should have a flashlight. It will help see things in the dark, make the night much more fun and prevent accidentally stepping on a salamander or spring peeper.
NEVER WALK ALONG BEEKMAN ROAD IF IT IS NOT CLOSED, IT SIMPLY IS NOT SAFE!
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 24, 2012 at 5:40 PM
Beekman Road will be closed tonight starting at 7pm.
So, if you come out, please dont come before then.
NOAA and Weather.com both have rain the forecast for tonight.
If anything moves tonight, we expect it would be with the rain, after dark. But its just a guess. Spotted salamanders migration may be over for this year. We found salamander egg masses in the large vernal pool a few days ago, and we do not know if there are more individuals who did not make to the pool yet. We expect to see spring peepers and other frogs. If you see anything tonight, please let us know - write to us to [email protected].
If you come out tonight, please be aware that Church Lane is very dark and cars move at fast speeds. Use extreme caution when parking or crossing the road and especially be watchful of your children. If you come to the road, EVERYONE should have a flashlight. It will help see things in the dark, make the night much more fun and prevent accidentally stepping on a salamander or spring peeper.
NEVER WALK ALONG BEEKMAN ROAD IF IT IS NOT CLOSED, IT SIMPLY IS NOT SAFE!
Salamander Migration Update #24
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 16, 2012 at 8:15 PM
Wow...it happened again! Dry air made its way into our area about mid-day and pushed out any chance of late day showers. The clouds that hung around all day, coupled with an east wind off the ocean, also depressed temperatures and we never got the showers or drizzle that was forecast. So, once again, conditions that favor a salamander migration just didn't pan out. As Yogi Berra once said "It's Deja Vu all over again". This weekend we are going to see if there are egg masses in the vernal pools and whether the salamanders might have snuck in on the rains that came late at night. Stay tuned, we will let everybody know what we find and what it might mean for the rest of the migration season ...
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 16, 2012 at 8:15 PM
Wow...it happened again! Dry air made its way into our area about mid-day and pushed out any chance of late day showers. The clouds that hung around all day, coupled with an east wind off the ocean, also depressed temperatures and we never got the showers or drizzle that was forecast. So, once again, conditions that favor a salamander migration just didn't pan out. As Yogi Berra once said "It's Deja Vu all over again". This weekend we are going to see if there are egg masses in the vernal pools and whether the salamanders might have snuck in on the rains that came late at night. Stay tuned, we will let everybody know what we find and what it might mean for the rest of the migration season ...
Salamander Migration Update #23
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 16, 2012 at 8:25 AM
Yesterday we wrestled with the decision about whether to close the road or not and finally decided not to. It stayed dry (ish) until about 7:30 when a light mist overtook East Brunswick. This developed into a heavier mist with an occasional drop or two throughout the night. We checked the road at 7:45 and again at 9 and although the spring peepers were in huge loud choruses, there were no salamanders out on the road. We also checked the road this morning and there were no road kills.
One very encouraging note is that for the first time in the past 8 years, we now have spring peepers calling from the small pool at the intersection of Church and Beekman. Hopefully that is the result of our road closing efforts allowing the frog population to rebound and colonize other wetlands in the area.
So, what is on tap for today? We are carefully watching the weather and will decide alter today whether we should close the road or not. The forecasts are all over the place. The on-duty NOAA meteorologist summed up the complexities really well in his discussion from 4:30AM this morning...here is a snipet from that:
NEAR TERM /UNTIL 6 PM THIS EVENING.
IF THE WESTERLIES WERE DISPLACED JUST A LITTLE BIT MORE TO THE
NORTH, THEN THE PATTERN ALOFT WOULD LOOK RATHER MORE LIKE EARLY
SUMMER THAN VERY LATE WINTER TODAY. THAT`S JUST A SNARKY WAY OF
SAYING THAT THE DYNAMICS ON TAP FOR TODAY ARE NOT VERY IMPRESSIVE.
DURING THE AFTERNOON. THE SUN ANGLE STILL IS FAIRLY LOW; THE DAYS
STILL AREN`T ALL THAT LONG, AND THE TRAPPED COOL AIR IN PLACE LIKELY
IS GOING TO TAKE ITS TIME MAKING WHAT MAY ONLY BE A PARTIAL EXIT. WE
THEREFORE HAVE NOT MUCH EXCEEDED THE CHANCE POPS THAT STAT GUIDANCE
GIVES US; WE ONLY MENTION ISOLATED THUNDER FROM MID MORNING ONWARD;
WE KEEP THE CLOUDS AROUND WELL INTO THE DAY, AND WE FAVOR THE COLDER
GUIDANCE (THE MET) EVERYWHERE EXCEPT FAR WEST.-- End Changed Discussion --
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 16, 2012 at 8:25 AM
Yesterday we wrestled with the decision about whether to close the road or not and finally decided not to. It stayed dry (ish) until about 7:30 when a light mist overtook East Brunswick. This developed into a heavier mist with an occasional drop or two throughout the night. We checked the road at 7:45 and again at 9 and although the spring peepers were in huge loud choruses, there were no salamanders out on the road. We also checked the road this morning and there were no road kills.
One very encouraging note is that for the first time in the past 8 years, we now have spring peepers calling from the small pool at the intersection of Church and Beekman. Hopefully that is the result of our road closing efforts allowing the frog population to rebound and colonize other wetlands in the area.
So, what is on tap for today? We are carefully watching the weather and will decide alter today whether we should close the road or not. The forecasts are all over the place. The on-duty NOAA meteorologist summed up the complexities really well in his discussion from 4:30AM this morning...here is a snipet from that:
NEAR TERM /UNTIL 6 PM THIS EVENING.
IF THE WESTERLIES WERE DISPLACED JUST A LITTLE BIT MORE TO THE
NORTH, THEN THE PATTERN ALOFT WOULD LOOK RATHER MORE LIKE EARLY
SUMMER THAN VERY LATE WINTER TODAY. THAT`S JUST A SNARKY WAY OF
SAYING THAT THE DYNAMICS ON TAP FOR TODAY ARE NOT VERY IMPRESSIVE.
DURING THE AFTERNOON. THE SUN ANGLE STILL IS FAIRLY LOW; THE DAYS
STILL AREN`T ALL THAT LONG, AND THE TRAPPED COOL AIR IN PLACE LIKELY
IS GOING TO TAKE ITS TIME MAKING WHAT MAY ONLY BE A PARTIAL EXIT. WE
THEREFORE HAVE NOT MUCH EXCEEDED THE CHANCE POPS THAT STAT GUIDANCE
GIVES US; WE ONLY MENTION ISOLATED THUNDER FROM MID MORNING ONWARD;
WE KEEP THE CLOUDS AROUND WELL INTO THE DAY, AND WE FAVOR THE COLDER
GUIDANCE (THE MET) EVERYWHERE EXCEPT FAR WEST.-- End Changed Discussion --
Salamander Migration Update #22
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 15, 2012 at 2:05 PM
Predicting the salamander migration this year has been nothing short of frustrating and difficult. Field biologists across the state are all talking about it, so we are not alone. It has been quite dry for the past month, something that is not typical for late February and March. But last night, a colleague of mine found Blue spotted salamanders and eggs in some vernal pools in Morris County, so despite the dry weather things are happening.
In our area, each time the forecast is for rain in the afternoon or early evening, by the time we get close, the rain gets pushed back or taken out altogether. This seems to be happening again today. We may still close the road tonight if the rain actually happens before midnight, but it will probably be a last minute decision unless it rains this afternoon. We are also closely watching tomorrow's weather. Right now tomorrow looks promising but who knows what subsequent forecast models or the weather will actually be? Stay tuned and Crinkleroot help!!!
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 15, 2012 at 2:05 PM
Predicting the salamander migration this year has been nothing short of frustrating and difficult. Field biologists across the state are all talking about it, so we are not alone. It has been quite dry for the past month, something that is not typical for late February and March. But last night, a colleague of mine found Blue spotted salamanders and eggs in some vernal pools in Morris County, so despite the dry weather things are happening.
In our area, each time the forecast is for rain in the afternoon or early evening, by the time we get close, the rain gets pushed back or taken out altogether. This seems to be happening again today. We may still close the road tonight if the rain actually happens before midnight, but it will probably be a last minute decision unless it rains this afternoon. We are also closely watching tomorrow's weather. Right now tomorrow looks promising but who knows what subsequent forecast models or the weather will actually be? Stay tuned and Crinkleroot help!!!
Salamander Migration Update #21
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 13, 2012 at 8:00 AM
With the warm rain last night and early this morning the vernal pools on Beekman are finally filled with large robust choruses of spring peepers and chorus frogs! I drove the road for about an hour this morning before first light and there was a single spotted salamander that I moved and literally dozens and dozens of spring peepers hopping around. I also saw two pickerel frogs and a vole. We are carefully watching the weather forecasts and if it rains again this afternoon or early evening we will close the road. We are also closely monitoring Friday's forecast. At this point the weather on Friday looks dynamite with a warm wet day. So stay tuned.
NOAA hourly forecast
If you come out when the road is closed, please be aware that Church Lane is very dark and cars move at fast speeds. Use extreme caution when parking or crossing the road and especially be watchful of your children. If you come to the road, EVERYONE should have a flashlight. It will help see things in the dark, make the night much more fun and prevent accidentally stepping on a salamander or spring peeper.
NEVER WALK ALONG BEEKMAN ROAD IF IT IS NOT CLOSED, IT SIMPLY IS NOT SAFE!
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 13, 2012 at 8:00 AM
With the warm rain last night and early this morning the vernal pools on Beekman are finally filled with large robust choruses of spring peepers and chorus frogs! I drove the road for about an hour this morning before first light and there was a single spotted salamander that I moved and literally dozens and dozens of spring peepers hopping around. I also saw two pickerel frogs and a vole. We are carefully watching the weather forecasts and if it rains again this afternoon or early evening we will close the road. We are also closely monitoring Friday's forecast. At this point the weather on Friday looks dynamite with a warm wet day. So stay tuned.
NOAA hourly forecast
If you come out when the road is closed, please be aware that Church Lane is very dark and cars move at fast speeds. Use extreme caution when parking or crossing the road and especially be watchful of your children. If you come to the road, EVERYONE should have a flashlight. It will help see things in the dark, make the night much more fun and prevent accidentally stepping on a salamander or spring peeper.
NEVER WALK ALONG BEEKMAN ROAD IF IT IS NOT CLOSED, IT SIMPLY IS NOT SAFE!
Salamander Migration Update #20
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 9, 2012 at 11:05 PM
What happened last night? Simple...We Goofed! We watched the weather all day yesterday and with each forecast the rain was pushed back and compressed. Late in the day, Liti and I spoke and we decided to keep the road closed on the outside chance that there would still be a decent rain for at least a short period late at night. It's been so dry for the past few weeks, we are hanging on every potential rainfall with the hope that the salamanders will take advantage of it and move. But alas, the road closing was likely nothing more than an inconvenience for drivers last night. The rain never really came except for a very brief shower or two very late at night. At 11:30PM my deck was dry and it wasn't raining and at 6AM it was barely wet. Oh well, such is nature and we are sorry if the road closing was a pain for anyone last night. We always hate closing it for nothing, even knowing that we always err on the side of caution for the salamanders and frogs. Here is a link to yesterday's weather.
The weather for the next week looks dry with only a shot at showers mid-week. We really need rain!
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 9, 2012 at 11:05 PM
What happened last night? Simple...We Goofed! We watched the weather all day yesterday and with each forecast the rain was pushed back and compressed. Late in the day, Liti and I spoke and we decided to keep the road closed on the outside chance that there would still be a decent rain for at least a short period late at night. It's been so dry for the past few weeks, we are hanging on every potential rainfall with the hope that the salamanders will take advantage of it and move. But alas, the road closing was likely nothing more than an inconvenience for drivers last night. The rain never really came except for a very brief shower or two very late at night. At 11:30PM my deck was dry and it wasn't raining and at 6AM it was barely wet. Oh well, such is nature and we are sorry if the road closing was a pain for anyone last night. We always hate closing it for nothing, even knowing that we always err on the side of caution for the salamanders and frogs. Here is a link to yesterday's weather.
The weather for the next week looks dry with only a shot at showers mid-week. We really need rain!
Salamander Migration Update #18
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 8, 2012 at 6:05 PM
Beekman Road will be closed tonight but not until sometime between 6;30 and 7. So, if you come out, please dont come before then.
NOAA and Weather.com both have rainin the forecast from about 8 or 9 tonight until early morning. The rain should be showery at first and then moderately heavy after that for a short time. If anything moves tonight, we expect it would be with the rain, sometime well after dark. But its just a guess. Spotted salamanders will also move sometimes on warm humid nights preceding rain but the largest and most significant movements to the vernal pools are almost always in the rain. Obviously if you've been outside today,warmth is not an issue!
If you come out tonight (or any night when the road is closed), please be aware that Church Lane is very dark and cars move at fast speeds. Use extreme caution when parking or crossing the road and especially be watchful of your children. If you come to the road, EVERYONE should have a flashlight. It will help see things in the dark, make the night much more fun and prevent accidentally stepping on a salamander or spring peeper.
NEVER WALK ALONG BEEKMAN ROAD IF IT IS NOT CLOSED, IT SIMPLY IS NOT SAFE!
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 8, 2012 at 6:05 PM
Beekman Road will be closed tonight but not until sometime between 6;30 and 7. So, if you come out, please dont come before then.
NOAA and Weather.com both have rainin the forecast from about 8 or 9 tonight until early morning. The rain should be showery at first and then moderately heavy after that for a short time. If anything moves tonight, we expect it would be with the rain, sometime well after dark. But its just a guess. Spotted salamanders will also move sometimes on warm humid nights preceding rain but the largest and most significant movements to the vernal pools are almost always in the rain. Obviously if you've been outside today,warmth is not an issue!
If you come out tonight (or any night when the road is closed), please be aware that Church Lane is very dark and cars move at fast speeds. Use extreme caution when parking or crossing the road and especially be watchful of your children. If you come to the road, EVERYONE should have a flashlight. It will help see things in the dark, make the night much more fun and prevent accidentally stepping on a salamander or spring peeper.
NEVER WALK ALONG BEEKMAN ROAD IF IT IS NOT CLOSED, IT SIMPLY IS NOT SAFE!
Salamander Migration Update #19
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 8, 2012 at 5:55 PM
So, the weatherman has struck again in what seems like a story we've heard a number of times this year. Rain forecast early in the day has basically petered out with each subsequent model run. This morning, rain was forecast to start sometime close to dark and then be over by about 5AM. With the latest forecast, the rain is now forecast to start sometime well after dark and end by 4ish. These conditions are unlikely to trigger a big migration, if any at all. But you never know. And of course, as always, let us know if you find something. However the road will be closed, so feel free to take a walk and enjoy being out! And please, heed the safety warnings:
If you come out tonight (or any night when the road is closed), please beware that Church Lane is very dark and cars move at fast speeds. Use extreme caution when parking or crossing the road and especially be watchful of your children. If you come to the road, EVERYONE should have a flashlight. It will help see things in the dark, make the night much more fun and prevent accidentally stepping on a salamander or spring peeper.
NEVER WALK ALONG BEEKMAN ROAD IF IT IS NOT CLOSED, IT SIMPLY IS NOT SAFE!
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 8, 2012 at 5:55 PM
So, the weatherman has struck again in what seems like a story we've heard a number of times this year. Rain forecast early in the day has basically petered out with each subsequent model run. This morning, rain was forecast to start sometime close to dark and then be over by about 5AM. With the latest forecast, the rain is now forecast to start sometime well after dark and end by 4ish. These conditions are unlikely to trigger a big migration, if any at all. But you never know. And of course, as always, let us know if you find something. However the road will be closed, so feel free to take a walk and enjoy being out! And please, heed the safety warnings:
If you come out tonight (or any night when the road is closed), please beware that Church Lane is very dark and cars move at fast speeds. Use extreme caution when parking or crossing the road and especially be watchful of your children. If you come to the road, EVERYONE should have a flashlight. It will help see things in the dark, make the night much more fun and prevent accidentally stepping on a salamander or spring peeper.
NEVER WALK ALONG BEEKMAN ROAD IF IT IS NOT CLOSED, IT SIMPLY IS NOT SAFE!
Salamander Migration Update #17
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 4, 2012 at 3:25 PM
Just a quick update. Friday night we closed the road because rain was forecast to come in after dark and continue through early Saturday. Reports from the road just after dark were that there was nothing moving at that time. If anyone was at the road later in the evening please let us know what you saw. Reports from elsewhere around the state where rain started earlier in the evening were that some spotted salamanders moved overnight. So, we probably had some movement too. The next substantial warmish rain would seem to be a good bet for a big migration whenever it finally occurs. So far the upcoming week looks dry.
It's funny how we had the earliest salamander we've ever found on Beekman Road in mid-February and everything was pointing toward a super early migration with the crazy mild winter. And then nature works its way back to normal and here we are in early March waiting for a big night. It also just might be that this year the migration will be extremely spread out occuring in smaller waves of movement over a larger number of nights. Only time will tell, but if nothing else it's exciting to see what will happen!
Yesterday I went to the pools and looked beneath a lot of logs and didn't find a single spotted salamander. But I did hear the first small chorus of spring peepers, which in years past has been a precursor of the spotted salamander migration.
Here is a photo from yesterday from the bigger pool.
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 4, 2012 at 3:25 PM
Just a quick update. Friday night we closed the road because rain was forecast to come in after dark and continue through early Saturday. Reports from the road just after dark were that there was nothing moving at that time. If anyone was at the road later in the evening please let us know what you saw. Reports from elsewhere around the state where rain started earlier in the evening were that some spotted salamanders moved overnight. So, we probably had some movement too. The next substantial warmish rain would seem to be a good bet for a big migration whenever it finally occurs. So far the upcoming week looks dry.
It's funny how we had the earliest salamander we've ever found on Beekman Road in mid-February and everything was pointing toward a super early migration with the crazy mild winter. And then nature works its way back to normal and here we are in early March waiting for a big night. It also just might be that this year the migration will be extremely spread out occuring in smaller waves of movement over a larger number of nights. Only time will tell, but if nothing else it's exciting to see what will happen!
Yesterday I went to the pools and looked beneath a lot of logs and didn't find a single spotted salamander. But I did hear the first small chorus of spring peepers, which in years past has been a precursor of the spotted salamander migration.
Here is a photo from yesterday from the bigger pool.
Beekman returns home
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 3, 2012 at 9:00 PM
Option Green presentation last Thursday. On Friday, Max and Matt, fourth graders in Bowne-Munro school, released Beekman in the woods near Beekman Road, the salamander’s namesake. See pictures of Matt, Max and Beekman’s great adventure near the vernal pools.
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 3, 2012 at 9:00 PM
Option Green presentation last Thursday. On Friday, Max and Matt, fourth graders in Bowne-Munro school, released Beekman in the woods near Beekman Road, the salamander’s namesake. See pictures of Matt, Max and Beekman’s great adventure near the vernal pools.
Salamander Migration Update #16
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 2, 2012 at 12:00 PM
Beekman Road will be closed tonight. The latest NOAA forecast is for rain developing shortly after dark and temperatures about 44 degrees. This is a close call in terms of weather as we would prefer to see rain in the afternoon too. There is also a bit of disagreement between the various weather outlets on the start time of the rain. But we've decided to close the road to err on the side of caution. Field biologists around the state that we have been talking to have all been commenting on how difficult it has been this year to predict the migration and activity at vernal pools. Note that the road may be closed later than normal and that if there is any movement we are not expecting until well after dark. But of course, what the heck do we know, we are just making an educated guess!
If you come out tonight, please be aware that Church Lane is very dark and cars move at fast speeds. Use extreme caution when parking or crossing the road and especially be watchful of your children. If you come to the road, EVERYONE should have a flashlight. It will help see things in the dark, make the night much more fun and prevent accidentally stepping on a salamander or spring peeper.
NEVER WALK ALONG BEEKMAN ROAD IF IT IS NOT CLOSED, IT SIMPLY IS NOT SAFE!
AS THE FORECAST INCLUDES A CHANCE OF THUNDERSTORMS, IF YOU ARE OUT TONIGHT AND IT BEGINS TO LIGHTNING OR WEATHER CONDITIONS SEEM OTHERWISE UNSAFE, PLEASE LEAVE THE ROAD IMMEDIATELY.
The latest NOAA forecast for East Brunswick is on the NOAA website.
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 2, 2012 at 12:00 PM
Beekman Road will be closed tonight. The latest NOAA forecast is for rain developing shortly after dark and temperatures about 44 degrees. This is a close call in terms of weather as we would prefer to see rain in the afternoon too. There is also a bit of disagreement between the various weather outlets on the start time of the rain. But we've decided to close the road to err on the side of caution. Field biologists around the state that we have been talking to have all been commenting on how difficult it has been this year to predict the migration and activity at vernal pools. Note that the road may be closed later than normal and that if there is any movement we are not expecting until well after dark. But of course, what the heck do we know, we are just making an educated guess!
If you come out tonight, please be aware that Church Lane is very dark and cars move at fast speeds. Use extreme caution when parking or crossing the road and especially be watchful of your children. If you come to the road, EVERYONE should have a flashlight. It will help see things in the dark, make the night much more fun and prevent accidentally stepping on a salamander or spring peeper.
NEVER WALK ALONG BEEKMAN ROAD IF IT IS NOT CLOSED, IT SIMPLY IS NOT SAFE!
AS THE FORECAST INCLUDES A CHANCE OF THUNDERSTORMS, IF YOU ARE OUT TONIGHT AND IT BEGINS TO LIGHTNING OR WEATHER CONDITIONS SEEM OTHERWISE UNSAFE, PLEASE LEAVE THE ROAD IMMEDIATELY.
The latest NOAA forecast for East Brunswick is on the NOAA website.
Beekman the salamander
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 1, 2012 at 9:40 PM
A young male salamander was a guest at the Vernal Pool presentation, an Option Green event that took place on March 1st at the Cultural Arts Center. What's a good name for a spotted salamander who lives on Beekman road? It was not easy to chose the best name from the list of name suggested by the salamander's friends in East Brunswick.
Some of the names suggested were: Neon, Sally Joe, Spot, Swimmer, Dottie, Flying Alpacka, Mr. Sanders, Squiggles, Stanley, Beakman & Scaly Sally.
After consulting with Crinkleroot, our salamander spokesman, we chose the name Beekman, suggested by Mrs. Peterson's 5th grade students at Lawrence Brook School. After the presentation and naming ceremony, Beekman had a fun time playing with his new friends. Tomorrow evening Beekman will be taken back to his home at the Beekman Road vernal pool where he can be together with his relatives and friends in his natural environment.
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 1, 2012 at 9:40 PM
A young male salamander was a guest at the Vernal Pool presentation, an Option Green event that took place on March 1st at the Cultural Arts Center. What's a good name for a spotted salamander who lives on Beekman road? It was not easy to chose the best name from the list of name suggested by the salamander's friends in East Brunswick.
Some of the names suggested were: Neon, Sally Joe, Spot, Swimmer, Dottie, Flying Alpacka, Mr. Sanders, Squiggles, Stanley, Beakman & Scaly Sally.
After consulting with Crinkleroot, our salamander spokesman, we chose the name Beekman, suggested by Mrs. Peterson's 5th grade students at Lawrence Brook School. After the presentation and naming ceremony, Beekman had a fun time playing with his new friends. Tomorrow evening Beekman will be taken back to his home at the Beekman Road vernal pool where he can be together with his relatives and friends in his natural environment.
Salamander Migration Update #15
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 1, 2012 at 12:50 PM
So what happened last night? Well, we had one male spotted salamander and a few spring peepers cross Beekman Road, at least while we were there. Certainly not the migration event we were hoping for. The forecast all day was for rain and temperatures in the mid to upper 40's, but we never got there. Although it was quite wet, the rain petered out to mist and occasional drizzle and the temperatures held steady at about 42 degrees. It seems like it was just a bit too cold to trigger much movement and maybe not enough rain fell. We spent some time looking under logs in the woods and it was surprisingly dry beneath them, so maybe the rain just wasn't heavy enough to soak the forest floor into the ground where the salamanders are burrowed. But with each road closing we learn something new. So the lack of a big migration movement was in many ways as interesting as if we had seen many salamanders, maybe just not as much fun. We are carefully watching the weather for Friday and Saturday. Both days are forecast for warm weather and rain, although the timing of the rain maybe a bit imperfect. Keep an eye on the updates over the next 24 hours.
Join us tonight at the Cultural Arts Center on Cranbury Road at 7PM for a presentation on our vernal pools and salamanders and frogs and why we have worked so hard over the past 8 years to protect them...
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 1, 2012 at 12:50 PM
So what happened last night? Well, we had one male spotted salamander and a few spring peepers cross Beekman Road, at least while we were there. Certainly not the migration event we were hoping for. The forecast all day was for rain and temperatures in the mid to upper 40's, but we never got there. Although it was quite wet, the rain petered out to mist and occasional drizzle and the temperatures held steady at about 42 degrees. It seems like it was just a bit too cold to trigger much movement and maybe not enough rain fell. We spent some time looking under logs in the woods and it was surprisingly dry beneath them, so maybe the rain just wasn't heavy enough to soak the forest floor into the ground where the salamanders are burrowed. But with each road closing we learn something new. So the lack of a big migration movement was in many ways as interesting as if we had seen many salamanders, maybe just not as much fun. We are carefully watching the weather for Friday and Saturday. Both days are forecast for warm weather and rain, although the timing of the rain maybe a bit imperfect. Keep an eye on the updates over the next 24 hours.
Join us tonight at the Cultural Arts Center on Cranbury Road at 7PM for a presentation on our vernal pools and salamanders and frogs and why we have worked so hard over the past 8 years to protect them...
East Brunswick Salamanders
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 29, 2012 at 9:45 PM
Learn more about our spotted salamander population. Click on the Salamander Crossing page of the Friends' website to read about the amphibian community of the Beekman Road's vernal pools and about the Amphibian Protection Plan. Meet Crinkleroot, our spokesman who can speak Salamander. See how the area has changed in the last 80 years, find a map of the area and directions, and links to award and media coverage of the salamander migration across Beekman Road. It is all on the Salamander Crossing page.
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 29, 2012 at 9:45 PM
Learn more about our spotted salamander population. Click on the Salamander Crossing page of the Friends' website to read about the amphibian community of the Beekman Road's vernal pools and about the Amphibian Protection Plan. Meet Crinkleroot, our spokesman who can speak Salamander. See how the area has changed in the last 80 years, find a map of the area and directions, and links to award and media coverage of the salamander migration across Beekman Road. It is all on the Salamander Crossing page.
Salamander Migration Update #14
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 29, 2012 at 8:25 AM
Beekman Road will DEFINITELY be closed tonight. The weather forecast is for a soaking rain with temperatures in the 40's.
Today: Rain, with thunderstorms also possible after 3pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 44. East wind between 6 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tonight: Periods of rain, mainly before 5am. Low around 42. East wind between 5 and 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
If you come out tonight, please be aware that Church Lane is very dark and cars move at fast speeds. Use extreme caution when parking or crossing the road and especially be watchful of your children. If you come to the road, EVERYONE should have a flashlight. It will help see things in the dark, make the night much more fun and prevent accidentally stepping on a salamander or spring peeper.
AS THE FORECAST INCLUDES A CHANCE OF THUNDERSTORMS, IF YOU ARE OUT TONIGHT AND IT BEGINS TO LIGHTNING OR WEATHER CONDITIONS SEEM OTHERWISE UNSAFE, PLEASE LEAVE THE ROAD IMMEDIATELY.
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 29, 2012 at 8:25 AM
Beekman Road will DEFINITELY be closed tonight. The weather forecast is for a soaking rain with temperatures in the 40's.
Today: Rain, with thunderstorms also possible after 3pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 44. East wind between 6 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tonight: Periods of rain, mainly before 5am. Low around 42. East wind between 5 and 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
If you come out tonight, please be aware that Church Lane is very dark and cars move at fast speeds. Use extreme caution when parking or crossing the road and especially be watchful of your children. If you come to the road, EVERYONE should have a flashlight. It will help see things in the dark, make the night much more fun and prevent accidentally stepping on a salamander or spring peeper.
AS THE FORECAST INCLUDES A CHANCE OF THUNDERSTORMS, IF YOU ARE OUT TONIGHT AND IT BEGINS TO LIGHTNING OR WEATHER CONDITIONS SEEM OTHERWISE UNSAFE, PLEASE LEAVE THE ROAD IMMEDIATELY.
Salamander Migration Update #12
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 26, 2012 at 9:15 AM
I'm going to let the NOAA meteorologists explain the complexity of predicting what might happen and when this week by simply copying and posting their latest forecast update. The highlights are the potential for significant rain mid-week from a storm system that is still west of the West Coast and the uncertain location of a warm front in our area at that time period. So, all in all, its just too early to know how the weather will shape up this week but there is plenty to keep an eye on. At this point, Wednesday is the target, but forecasts of how western storm systems will impact the east coast are notoriously difficult to predict this far out. The Friends also has a free talk (by me) about the salamanders and vernal pools on Thursday at 7PM at the Cultural Arts Center. Keep an eye on the Friends website for updates, or better yet, join the Friends for the latest information. If the weather turns out to be perfect on Thursday for a migration, we just might have to move the talk to Beekman Road! Here is the NOAA forecast with all of its caveats, hedging, model issues and guesses:
THE SHORT WAVE TRIGGERING THE MIDWEEK EVENT IS STILL WELL WEST OF
THE WEST COAST...SO TIMING HERE IS STILL A BIT PROBLEMATIC.
HOWEVER...MODELS ARE COMING AROUND TO A SLOWER/COLDER SOLUTION (WITH
THE 0000 UTC GFS STILL PROBABLY A BIT TOO WARM). IT APPEARS AS
THOUGH A WEAK SURFACE WAVE WILL DEVELOP ON THE WARM FRONT...PROBABLY
KEEPING IT SOUTH OF THE AREA THROUGH WEDNESDAY. HOWEVER...THIS IS
STILL A FEW DAYS AWAY...AND THE POSITION OF THE WARM FRONT IS STILL
UNCERTAIN. IT WILL HAVE A MAJOR IMPACT ON THE FORECAST FOR WEDNESDAY
AND THURSDAY...WHEN AND WHERE A SECONDARY DEVELOPS WEDNESDAY NIGHT AND THURSDAY IS
PROBLEMATIC AT BEST. THERE IS NOT A CONSENSUS ON THIS YET. THE
POTENTIAL EXISTS FOR WINTRY PRECIPITATION ACROSS NORTHERN AREAS
WEDNESDAY NIGHT AND THE FIRST PART OF THURSDAY...BUT MUCH HINGES ON
THE PLACEMENT OF THE LOW. COLD AIR WILL BE AVAILABLE JUST TO THE
NORTHWEST OF THE AREA...BUT JUST WHERE THIS WILL BE IMPORTANT IS
STILL A BIG QUESTION MARK. FOR NOW...NOT MUCH WAS CHANGED FROM THE
PREVIOUS FORECAST. AS MENTIONED EARLIER...THE TRIGGERING SYSTEM FOR
THIS EVENT IS STILL WEST OF THE EVEN THE WEST COAST...SO STAY TUNED.
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 26, 2012 at 9:15 AM
I'm going to let the NOAA meteorologists explain the complexity of predicting what might happen and when this week by simply copying and posting their latest forecast update. The highlights are the potential for significant rain mid-week from a storm system that is still west of the West Coast and the uncertain location of a warm front in our area at that time period. So, all in all, its just too early to know how the weather will shape up this week but there is plenty to keep an eye on. At this point, Wednesday is the target, but forecasts of how western storm systems will impact the east coast are notoriously difficult to predict this far out. The Friends also has a free talk (by me) about the salamanders and vernal pools on Thursday at 7PM at the Cultural Arts Center. Keep an eye on the Friends website for updates, or better yet, join the Friends for the latest information. If the weather turns out to be perfect on Thursday for a migration, we just might have to move the talk to Beekman Road! Here is the NOAA forecast with all of its caveats, hedging, model issues and guesses:
THE SHORT WAVE TRIGGERING THE MIDWEEK EVENT IS STILL WELL WEST OF
THE WEST COAST...SO TIMING HERE IS STILL A BIT PROBLEMATIC.
HOWEVER...MODELS ARE COMING AROUND TO A SLOWER/COLDER SOLUTION (WITH
THE 0000 UTC GFS STILL PROBABLY A BIT TOO WARM). IT APPEARS AS
THOUGH A WEAK SURFACE WAVE WILL DEVELOP ON THE WARM FRONT...PROBABLY
KEEPING IT SOUTH OF THE AREA THROUGH WEDNESDAY. HOWEVER...THIS IS
STILL A FEW DAYS AWAY...AND THE POSITION OF THE WARM FRONT IS STILL
UNCERTAIN. IT WILL HAVE A MAJOR IMPACT ON THE FORECAST FOR WEDNESDAY
AND THURSDAY...WHEN AND WHERE A SECONDARY DEVELOPS WEDNESDAY NIGHT AND THURSDAY IS
PROBLEMATIC AT BEST. THERE IS NOT A CONSENSUS ON THIS YET. THE
POTENTIAL EXISTS FOR WINTRY PRECIPITATION ACROSS NORTHERN AREAS
WEDNESDAY NIGHT AND THE FIRST PART OF THURSDAY...BUT MUCH HINGES ON
THE PLACEMENT OF THE LOW. COLD AIR WILL BE AVAILABLE JUST TO THE
NORTHWEST OF THE AREA...BUT JUST WHERE THIS WILL BE IMPORTANT IS
STILL A BIG QUESTION MARK. FOR NOW...NOT MUCH WAS CHANGED FROM THE
PREVIOUS FORECAST. AS MENTIONED EARLIER...THE TRIGGERING SYSTEM FOR
THIS EVENT IS STILL WEST OF THE EVEN THE WEST COAST...SO STAY TUNED.
Salamander Migration Update #11
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 24, 2012 at 11:45 PM
On the night of Friday, February 24th, between 6:30pm and 8:30pm, six large males were seen on Beekman Road. Also on the road were 10 spring peeper and about 20 people of all ages.
It is difficult to predict, but after seeing a few males crossing this week, we think that the next rainy night a larger number of spotted salamander will migrate to the vernal pools to start breeding. And it may happen soon… follow the updates on conditions and road closing and join us at Beekman Road for a rainy night migration party with salamanders and the people who love them.
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 24, 2012 at 11:45 PM
On the night of Friday, February 24th, between 6:30pm and 8:30pm, six large males were seen on Beekman Road. Also on the road were 10 spring peeper and about 20 people of all ages.
It is difficult to predict, but after seeing a few males crossing this week, we think that the next rainy night a larger number of spotted salamander will migrate to the vernal pools to start breeding. And it may happen soon… follow the updates on conditions and road closing and join us at Beekman Road for a rainy night migration party with salamanders and the people who love them.
Salamander Migration Update #10
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 24, 2012 at 4:55 PM
Moderately heavy rain moving through EB now. Not sure what tonight will bring in terms of salamanders, but isn't that the real fun of all of this? If we knew exactly what would happen, it would take the anticipation out the whole thing. It's much more interesting to try and figure out how the weather and season might combine to trigger the migration then to just show up knowing what will happen each year. And then when the salamanders finally make an appearance, it's just amazing and we never tire of it. Each time is as exciting as the first. So, if you come out and don't see any salamanders, don't be discouraged. Just try again on the next raw rainy night. And PLEASE be sure that anyone coming has a flashlight. It is safer and more fun that way.
The latest NOAA forecast is:
.NEAR TERM /UNTIL 6 AM SATURDAY MORNING/...
-- Changed Discussion --
A WARM FRONT WHICH HAS MOVED NORTH INTO SOUTHERN DELAWARE AND THE
ADJACENT SECTION OF MARYLAND/S EASTERN SHORE WON/T HAVE TIME TO
ADVANCE MUCH FURTHER BEFORE A COLD FRONT MOVES IN FROM THE WEST.
TEMPERATURES AT 3 PM RANGE FROM 64 IN GEORGETOWN TO 45 IN WILMINGTON
TO 33 IN MOUNT POCONO. THERE IS A CONCERN FOR SEVERE WEATHER IN THE
FAR SOUTHERN PORTION OF DELAWARE LATE THIS AFTERNOON...BUT TIME IS
RUNNING SHORT. A TORNADO WATCH HAS BEEN ISSUED JUST TO OUR SOUTH BUT
GIVEN THE ABOVE CIRCUMSTANCES NO WATCH IS EXPECTED IN THIS CWA. AS
THE FRONT APPROACHES...WINDS WILL INCREASE THEN CHANGE TO A WESTERLY
DIRECTION. A WIND ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT AND HAS BEEN EXTENDED IN
TIME THROUGH 7 PM SATURDAY. GUSTS OVER 40 MPH ARE POSSIBLE THIS
EVENING BEFORE DIMINISHING DURING THE LATE OVERNIGHT HOURS. A FEW
RUMBLES OF THUNDER CANNOT BE RULED OUT BUT HAVE GENERALLY NOT BEEN
INCLUDED WITH THE GRIDS. TEMPERATURES WILL COOL DOWN...WITH LOWS
RANGING FROM THE MID 20S NORTH TO UPPER 30S SOUTH.
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 24, 2012 at 4:55 PM
Moderately heavy rain moving through EB now. Not sure what tonight will bring in terms of salamanders, but isn't that the real fun of all of this? If we knew exactly what would happen, it would take the anticipation out the whole thing. It's much more interesting to try and figure out how the weather and season might combine to trigger the migration then to just show up knowing what will happen each year. And then when the salamanders finally make an appearance, it's just amazing and we never tire of it. Each time is as exciting as the first. So, if you come out and don't see any salamanders, don't be discouraged. Just try again on the next raw rainy night. And PLEASE be sure that anyone coming has a flashlight. It is safer and more fun that way.
The latest NOAA forecast is:
.NEAR TERM /UNTIL 6 AM SATURDAY MORNING/...
-- Changed Discussion --
A WARM FRONT WHICH HAS MOVED NORTH INTO SOUTHERN DELAWARE AND THE
ADJACENT SECTION OF MARYLAND/S EASTERN SHORE WON/T HAVE TIME TO
ADVANCE MUCH FURTHER BEFORE A COLD FRONT MOVES IN FROM THE WEST.
TEMPERATURES AT 3 PM RANGE FROM 64 IN GEORGETOWN TO 45 IN WILMINGTON
TO 33 IN MOUNT POCONO. THERE IS A CONCERN FOR SEVERE WEATHER IN THE
FAR SOUTHERN PORTION OF DELAWARE LATE THIS AFTERNOON...BUT TIME IS
RUNNING SHORT. A TORNADO WATCH HAS BEEN ISSUED JUST TO OUR SOUTH BUT
GIVEN THE ABOVE CIRCUMSTANCES NO WATCH IS EXPECTED IN THIS CWA. AS
THE FRONT APPROACHES...WINDS WILL INCREASE THEN CHANGE TO A WESTERLY
DIRECTION. A WIND ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT AND HAS BEEN EXTENDED IN
TIME THROUGH 7 PM SATURDAY. GUSTS OVER 40 MPH ARE POSSIBLE THIS
EVENING BEFORE DIMINISHING DURING THE LATE OVERNIGHT HOURS. A FEW
RUMBLES OF THUNDER CANNOT BE RULED OUT BUT HAVE GENERALLY NOT BEEN
INCLUDED WITH THE GRIDS. TEMPERATURES WILL COOL DOWN...WITH LOWS
RANGING FROM THE MID 20S NORTH TO UPPER 30S SOUTH.
Beekman Road will be closed today
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 24, 2012 at 4:05 PM
Beekman Road will be closed today for amphibian migration.
More information on the Salamander page.
If you come out at night, please be aware that Church Lane is very dark and cars move at fast speeds. Use extreme caution when parking or crossing the road and especially be watchful of your children. If you come to the road, EVERYONE should have a flashlight. It will help see things in the dark, make the night much more fun and prevent accidentally stepping on a salamander or spring peeper.
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 24, 2012 at 4:05 PM
Beekman Road will be closed today for amphibian migration.
More information on the Salamander page.
If you come out at night, please be aware that Church Lane is very dark and cars move at fast speeds. Use extreme caution when parking or crossing the road and especially be watchful of your children. If you come to the road, EVERYONE should have a flashlight. It will help see things in the dark, make the night much more fun and prevent accidentally stepping on a salamander or spring peeper.
Salamander Migration Update #9
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 24, 2012 at 2:05 PM
We are still very much on the fence about the potential for any migration tonight. The weather forecast continues to change with each subsequent model run and between weather forecast outlets too. The latest NOAA model from 12:53 today has continued a pattern of downgrading the temperatures and the potential for rain as the afternoon goes on, but they have kept 40+ degree temperatures and potential showers in the forecast through early evening. This makes for a really difficult call about what to do tonight. We will likely make a last minute call on this one later this afternoon. And, there still have been no choruses of spring peepers....Here is the latest NOAA Forecast Discussion:
NEAR TERM /UNTIL 6 PM THIS EVENING/...
-- Changed Discussion --
A WARM FRONT DRAPED OVER THE SOUTHERN DELMARVA IS HAVING A
DIFFICULT TIME MOVING NORTH. AS A RESULT...THE PREVIOUS WARM
TEMPERATURES FORECAST TO OCCUR THIS AFTERNOON PROBABLY WON/T OCCUR.
THEREFORE MAXIMUM TEMPERATURES FOR THIS AFTERNOON (AND ASSOCIATED
HOURLY TEMPERATURES) HAVE BEEN LOWERED. WINDS HAVE ALSO BEEN
ADJUSTED TO KEEP AN EASTERLY COMPONENT ACROSS MOST OF THE CWA
UNTIL THE COLD FRONT APPROACHES FROM THE WEST LATE THIS AFTERNOON.
A FEW LIGHT SHOWERS CAN`T BE RULED OUT ANYWHERE THIS AFTERNOON, SO
THE POP GRIDS HAVE NOT BEEN CHANGED. THUNDERSTORMS (MAINLY
ISOLATED) ARE STILL POSSIBLE SOUTH OF THE I-95 CORRIDOR THIS
AFTERNOON, AND THOSE GRIDS HAVE ALSO BEEN MAINTAINED.
DRASTIC CHANGES ARE IN STORE LATE THIS AFTERNOON AS A COLD FRONT
APPROACHES FROM THE WEST. EASTERLY WINDS WILL START TO SHIFT TO
THE SOUTHEAST AND INCREASE A LITTLE IN SPEED. THEN...AS THE FRONT
ACTUALLY CROSSES THE REGION BETWEEN THE 22Z AND 00Z TIME
FRAME...GUSTS IN EXCESS OF 40 MPH ARE POSSIBLE. WHILE A FEW
RUMBLES OF THUNDER CANNOT BE RULED OUT...MOST AREAS NORTH OF THE
I-95 CORRIDOR SHOULDN/T EXPERIENCE THEM.
-- End Changed Discussion --
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 24, 2012 at 2:05 PM
We are still very much on the fence about the potential for any migration tonight. The weather forecast continues to change with each subsequent model run and between weather forecast outlets too. The latest NOAA model from 12:53 today has continued a pattern of downgrading the temperatures and the potential for rain as the afternoon goes on, but they have kept 40+ degree temperatures and potential showers in the forecast through early evening. This makes for a really difficult call about what to do tonight. We will likely make a last minute call on this one later this afternoon. And, there still have been no choruses of spring peepers....Here is the latest NOAA Forecast Discussion:
NEAR TERM /UNTIL 6 PM THIS EVENING/...
-- Changed Discussion --
A WARM FRONT DRAPED OVER THE SOUTHERN DELMARVA IS HAVING A
DIFFICULT TIME MOVING NORTH. AS A RESULT...THE PREVIOUS WARM
TEMPERATURES FORECAST TO OCCUR THIS AFTERNOON PROBABLY WON/T OCCUR.
THEREFORE MAXIMUM TEMPERATURES FOR THIS AFTERNOON (AND ASSOCIATED
HOURLY TEMPERATURES) HAVE BEEN LOWERED. WINDS HAVE ALSO BEEN
ADJUSTED TO KEEP AN EASTERLY COMPONENT ACROSS MOST OF THE CWA
UNTIL THE COLD FRONT APPROACHES FROM THE WEST LATE THIS AFTERNOON.
A FEW LIGHT SHOWERS CAN`T BE RULED OUT ANYWHERE THIS AFTERNOON, SO
THE POP GRIDS HAVE NOT BEEN CHANGED. THUNDERSTORMS (MAINLY
ISOLATED) ARE STILL POSSIBLE SOUTH OF THE I-95 CORRIDOR THIS
AFTERNOON, AND THOSE GRIDS HAVE ALSO BEEN MAINTAINED.
DRASTIC CHANGES ARE IN STORE LATE THIS AFTERNOON AS A COLD FRONT
APPROACHES FROM THE WEST. EASTERLY WINDS WILL START TO SHIFT TO
THE SOUTHEAST AND INCREASE A LITTLE IN SPEED. THEN...AS THE FRONT
ACTUALLY CROSSES THE REGION BETWEEN THE 22Z AND 00Z TIME
FRAME...GUSTS IN EXCESS OF 40 MPH ARE POSSIBLE. WHILE A FEW
RUMBLES OF THUNDER CANNOT BE RULED OUT...MOST AREAS NORTH OF THE
I-95 CORRIDOR SHOULDN/T EXPERIENCE THEM.
-- End Changed Discussion --
Salamander Migration Update #8
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 24, 2012 at 6:00 AM
It is weather like this that makes us go crazy trying to decide what to do about closing the road at night. It's raining and fairly mild now at 6AM, but the forecast is dicey for the rest of the day. If this was 12 hours later, we would be running to Beekman to see what is moving. All the forecasts have changed a bit since yesterday with lower temperatures and a more prolonged period of showers. Yesterday, forecasts suggested highs near 60 and rapid clearing by afternoon with wind. All a combination for rapid drying by evening. But the latest forecast on NOAA keeps the rain showers in through at least the afternoon and possibly into the evening. If this really pans out, we will probably have to make a last minute decision about closing the road. But in any case, none of this is shaping up for the classic scenario we like to see that typically triggers a big migration. But who knows...So, keep tuned:
Today: Rain, mainly before 10am. High near 48. East wind between 9 and 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Tonight: A chance of showers, mainly before 9pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 35. Breezy, with a west wind 10 to 13 mph increasing to between 20 and 23 mph. Winds could gust as high as 41 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
On another note, check out this very cool site that tracks the migration of frogs and salamanders to the breeding pools. Our lone spotted salamander from this year is the first report in the northeast!
http://hydrodictyon.eeb.uconn.edu/people/urban/index_files/amphibiantracker.htm ;
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 24, 2012 at 6:00 AM
It is weather like this that makes us go crazy trying to decide what to do about closing the road at night. It's raining and fairly mild now at 6AM, but the forecast is dicey for the rest of the day. If this was 12 hours later, we would be running to Beekman to see what is moving. All the forecasts have changed a bit since yesterday with lower temperatures and a more prolonged period of showers. Yesterday, forecasts suggested highs near 60 and rapid clearing by afternoon with wind. All a combination for rapid drying by evening. But the latest forecast on NOAA keeps the rain showers in through at least the afternoon and possibly into the evening. If this really pans out, we will probably have to make a last minute decision about closing the road. But in any case, none of this is shaping up for the classic scenario we like to see that typically triggers a big migration. But who knows...So, keep tuned:
Today: Rain, mainly before 10am. High near 48. East wind between 9 and 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Tonight: A chance of showers, mainly before 9pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 35. Breezy, with a west wind 10 to 13 mph increasing to between 20 and 23 mph. Winds could gust as high as 41 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
On another note, check out this very cool site that tracks the migration of frogs and salamanders to the breeding pools. Our lone spotted salamander from this year is the first report in the northeast!
http://hydrodictyon.eeb.uconn.edu/people/urban/index_files/amphibiantracker.htm ;
Migration Update #7
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 23, 2012 at 6:10 AM
All week we've been watching the weather to see if conditions would be right for closing the road. For the last few days it seemed like Thursday and then Friday would be a good bet for warm temperatures and rain. But with each successive NOAA forecast, the rain gets reduced despite the temperatures remaining way above normal. Yesterday the rain forecast for today was compressed into a period after 1AM and even then, just a light round of drizzle or showers and only for a few hours. Even as late as yesterday, Friday looked like an all day rain event. But this morning, the NOAA forecast runs are for the rain to be light and to end before noon followed by windy and quickly drying conditions. This is not the scenario we like to see for an evening migration. So, for now, we are keeping our eye on each NOAA weather forecast update, but it doesn't look very promising for Friday now. There also isn't much rain in the long range forecasts after that through mid-week. But, today and tomorrow the temperatures should be lovely, salamanders or not, so no sense not enjoying them! And things ARE happening. Yesterday in northern Delaware I saw the first two anglewing butterflies (comma or Question marks) of the year and a garter snake. The anglewing butterflies overwinter as adults and come out on warm late winter or spring days, but February 22 is really pushing it. Garter snakes also often sun themselves outside their winter hibernacula on these warm days, but again February 22 is really early. So, the trend this year continues to be unusually warm and with it an added difficulty predicting our salamander migration beyond the normal complexities we deal with. I guess it just makes it that much more fun to try and figure out what might happen.
SAVE THE DATE: Next Thursday, March 1st from 7-9PM Dave Moskowitz will be giving a talk about our salamanders and frogs and vernal pools at the Cultural Arts Center on Cranbury Road. As with all of our Friends programs, its FREE. Details on the Friends website at www.friendsebec.com
Here is the latest NOAA forecast run from very early this morning:
.LONG TERM /FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY/...
MODELS CONTINUE TO OFFER SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT SOLUTIONS FOR FRIDAYS
SCENARIO. WHAT THEY DO AGREE ON IS THAT THE MAIN LOW WILL CROSS
THE OHIO VALLEY AND MOVE INTO NEW ENGLAND. THIS TIME OF YEAR IT
IS DIFFICULT FOR A WARM FRONT TO JUST RUSH NORTHWARD UP THE EAST
COAST. AND THE MODELS ARE INDEED SLOWING IT`S NORTHWARD PROGRESSION
ONCE IT GETS INTO OUR FORECAST AREA. IT MAY NEVER CLEAR OUR NORTHERN
SECTIONS AND, IF IT DOES, IT WILL RAPIDLY BE FOLLOWED BY THE COLD
FRONT LATE IN THE DAY. ONE THING APPEARS EVIDENT --- SOUTH OF THE
WARM FRONT, TEMPERATURES WILL SOAR. THE GFS BRINGS LOWER 70S INTO
SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY AND MID 70S INTO OUR SOUTHERN DELMARVA AREA.
WE DIDN`T GO QUITE THAT HIGH, BUT USING A BLEND OF THE MET/MAV
BROUGHT HIGHS INTO THE UPPER 60S IN SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY AND INTO
THE LOWER 70S IN THE SOUTHERN DELMARVA REGION. PHILLY SHOULD HAVE
NO TROUBLE GETTING INTO THE MID 60S. THE RAIN ASSOCIATED WITH THIS
SYSTEM WILL BE MOVING OFF TO THE NORTHEAST FRIDAY MORNING. THIS
WILL ALLOW SKIES TO PARTIALLY CLEAR AS WINDS SWING AROUND TO THE
SOUTHWEST AND THEN WEST, AT LEAST IN THE WORLD OF THE GFS/NAM.
THE ECMWF IS SLOWER AND WOULDN`T BRING THE COLD FRONT ACROSS
UNTIL THE EVENING HOURS. WE LEANED AWAY FROM THIS SOLUTION.
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 23, 2012 at 6:10 AM
All week we've been watching the weather to see if conditions would be right for closing the road. For the last few days it seemed like Thursday and then Friday would be a good bet for warm temperatures and rain. But with each successive NOAA forecast, the rain gets reduced despite the temperatures remaining way above normal. Yesterday the rain forecast for today was compressed into a period after 1AM and even then, just a light round of drizzle or showers and only for a few hours. Even as late as yesterday, Friday looked like an all day rain event. But this morning, the NOAA forecast runs are for the rain to be light and to end before noon followed by windy and quickly drying conditions. This is not the scenario we like to see for an evening migration. So, for now, we are keeping our eye on each NOAA weather forecast update, but it doesn't look very promising for Friday now. There also isn't much rain in the long range forecasts after that through mid-week. But, today and tomorrow the temperatures should be lovely, salamanders or not, so no sense not enjoying them! And things ARE happening. Yesterday in northern Delaware I saw the first two anglewing butterflies (comma or Question marks) of the year and a garter snake. The anglewing butterflies overwinter as adults and come out on warm late winter or spring days, but February 22 is really pushing it. Garter snakes also often sun themselves outside their winter hibernacula on these warm days, but again February 22 is really early. So, the trend this year continues to be unusually warm and with it an added difficulty predicting our salamander migration beyond the normal complexities we deal with. I guess it just makes it that much more fun to try and figure out what might happen.
SAVE THE DATE: Next Thursday, March 1st from 7-9PM Dave Moskowitz will be giving a talk about our salamanders and frogs and vernal pools at the Cultural Arts Center on Cranbury Road. As with all of our Friends programs, its FREE. Details on the Friends website at www.friendsebec.com
Here is the latest NOAA forecast run from very early this morning:
.LONG TERM /FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY/...
MODELS CONTINUE TO OFFER SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT SOLUTIONS FOR FRIDAYS
SCENARIO. WHAT THEY DO AGREE ON IS THAT THE MAIN LOW WILL CROSS
THE OHIO VALLEY AND MOVE INTO NEW ENGLAND. THIS TIME OF YEAR IT
IS DIFFICULT FOR A WARM FRONT TO JUST RUSH NORTHWARD UP THE EAST
COAST. AND THE MODELS ARE INDEED SLOWING IT`S NORTHWARD PROGRESSION
ONCE IT GETS INTO OUR FORECAST AREA. IT MAY NEVER CLEAR OUR NORTHERN
SECTIONS AND, IF IT DOES, IT WILL RAPIDLY BE FOLLOWED BY THE COLD
FRONT LATE IN THE DAY. ONE THING APPEARS EVIDENT --- SOUTH OF THE
WARM FRONT, TEMPERATURES WILL SOAR. THE GFS BRINGS LOWER 70S INTO
SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY AND MID 70S INTO OUR SOUTHERN DELMARVA AREA.
WE DIDN`T GO QUITE THAT HIGH, BUT USING A BLEND OF THE MET/MAV
BROUGHT HIGHS INTO THE UPPER 60S IN SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY AND INTO
THE LOWER 70S IN THE SOUTHERN DELMARVA REGION. PHILLY SHOULD HAVE
NO TROUBLE GETTING INTO THE MID 60S. THE RAIN ASSOCIATED WITH THIS
SYSTEM WILL BE MOVING OFF TO THE NORTHEAST FRIDAY MORNING. THIS
WILL ALLOW SKIES TO PARTIALLY CLEAR AS WINDS SWING AROUND TO THE
SOUTHWEST AND THEN WEST, AT LEAST IN THE WORLD OF THE GFS/NAM.
THE ECMWF IS SLOWER AND WOULDN`T BRING THE COLD FRONT ACROSS
UNTIL THE EVENING HOURS. WE LEANED AWAY FROM THIS SOLUTION.
Salamander Migration Update #6
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 17, 2012 at 7:55 AM
Last night we had the first spotted salamander move across Beekman Road! In the 2 hours after dark, only a single intrepid male was found. But this lone salamander signals what will come over the next few weeks. On one of the next mild rainy nights we should be treated to many more spotted salamanders migrating across Beekman Road as they head to the vernal pools to breed.
Yesterday we hemmed and hawed all day and checked NOAA and Weather.com a hundred times trying to figure out whether we should close the road or not. We knew that temperatures and rainfall were going to be less than originally forecast and a number of other factors made us suspect last night was not going to be a big night. At 3PM, with the help of Steve Gottlieb, we decided that it was best to err on the side of caution and close the road just in case a few very early salamanders decided to make a move. With the one we found, it seems like it was a good decision.
We will continue to post predictions and updates as necessary. We also send out email notices to Friends members when the road will be closed, so consider joining (it's FREE) to get the latest up to date information. We sometimes close the road at the last minute and this is the best way to know what is going on. Here are a few photos from last night of the salamander:
You can tell the salamander is a male by the bulging venter just behind the hind legs. During the breeding season the venter in males is very pronounced and swollen.
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 17, 2012 at 7:55 AM
Last night we had the first spotted salamander move across Beekman Road! In the 2 hours after dark, only a single intrepid male was found. But this lone salamander signals what will come over the next few weeks. On one of the next mild rainy nights we should be treated to many more spotted salamanders migrating across Beekman Road as they head to the vernal pools to breed.
Yesterday we hemmed and hawed all day and checked NOAA and Weather.com a hundred times trying to figure out whether we should close the road or not. We knew that temperatures and rainfall were going to be less than originally forecast and a number of other factors made us suspect last night was not going to be a big night. At 3PM, with the help of Steve Gottlieb, we decided that it was best to err on the side of caution and close the road just in case a few very early salamanders decided to make a move. With the one we found, it seems like it was a good decision.
We will continue to post predictions and updates as necessary. We also send out email notices to Friends members when the road will be closed, so consider joining (it's FREE) to get the latest up to date information. We sometimes close the road at the last minute and this is the best way to know what is going on. Here are a few photos from last night of the salamander:
You can tell the salamander is a male by the bulging venter just behind the hind legs. During the breeding season the venter in males is very pronounced and swollen.
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Salamander Migration Update #5
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 16, 2012 at 3:25 PM
Beekman Road will be closed tonight, but we are not encouraging anyone to come out. Tonight's road closing is really a precautionary measure given the rain and the very screwy winter we have had so far. In every other year since we started the road closings in 2004, we wouldn't even be discussing road closings this early in February. But the unusually mild winter, lack of frozen ground, 4 salamanders a week ago, rain and temperatures in the 40's have made us second guess our gut feeling that it is just too early for much, if any movement. Add in to the equation, that yesterday never reached the high temperatures that were forecast and last night the temperature fell below freezing. And throw in that today's high temperatures and rainfall are below what was forecast, and it all combines to an unlikely evening for much, if anything to happen. And then there is the lack of spring peepers calling that adds just one more negative to the whole equation. Keep an eye on these forecasts as we move through the late winter and early spring to see what is happening with the migration and what we think will happen. As we've said many times before, we are simply guessing what might happen based on a whole lot of parameters. Sometimes we are right on, other times we completely blow it. But we always attempt to err on the side of caution for the salamanders and frogs, so that if we are wrong about their movements, at least they can cross Beekman Road safely.
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 16, 2012 at 3:25 PM
Beekman Road will be closed tonight, but we are not encouraging anyone to come out. Tonight's road closing is really a precautionary measure given the rain and the very screwy winter we have had so far. In every other year since we started the road closings in 2004, we wouldn't even be discussing road closings this early in February. But the unusually mild winter, lack of frozen ground, 4 salamanders a week ago, rain and temperatures in the 40's have made us second guess our gut feeling that it is just too early for much, if any movement. Add in to the equation, that yesterday never reached the high temperatures that were forecast and last night the temperature fell below freezing. And throw in that today's high temperatures and rainfall are below what was forecast, and it all combines to an unlikely evening for much, if anything to happen. And then there is the lack of spring peepers calling that adds just one more negative to the whole equation. Keep an eye on these forecasts as we move through the late winter and early spring to see what is happening with the migration and what we think will happen. As we've said many times before, we are simply guessing what might happen based on a whole lot of parameters. Sometimes we are right on, other times we completely blow it. But we always attempt to err on the side of caution for the salamanders and frogs, so that if we are wrong about their movements, at least they can cross Beekman Road safely.
Salamander Migration Update #4
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 16, 2012 at 8:10 AM
We are carefully watching the weather for today to decide whether to close Beekman Road for salamander migration .With the screwy winter we have had, and 4 salamanders already found last week, we may decide to err on the side of caution and close the road. The latest NOAA forecast run at 6:33 AM today was calling for temperatures above 40F and 80% chance of rain. Please check for updates later today, an announcement on road closing will be posted before 4PM.
If the road is closed and you come out at night, please be aware that Church Lane is very dark and cars move at fast speeds. Use extreme caution when parking or crossing the road and especially be watchful of your children. NEVER WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED - IT IS NOT SAFE!!! If you come to the road, EVERYONE should have a flashlight. It will help see things in the dark, make the night much more fun and prevent accidentally stepping on a salamander or spring peeper.
We encourage everyone interested in the salamander migration to join the Friends (www.friendsebec.com) and follow along with our predictions.
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 16, 2012 at 8:10 AM
We are carefully watching the weather for today to decide whether to close Beekman Road for salamander migration .With the screwy winter we have had, and 4 salamanders already found last week, we may decide to err on the side of caution and close the road. The latest NOAA forecast run at 6:33 AM today was calling for temperatures above 40F and 80% chance of rain. Please check for updates later today, an announcement on road closing will be posted before 4PM.
If the road is closed and you come out at night, please be aware that Church Lane is very dark and cars move at fast speeds. Use extreme caution when parking or crossing the road and especially be watchful of your children. NEVER WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED - IT IS NOT SAFE!!! If you come to the road, EVERYONE should have a flashlight. It will help see things in the dark, make the night much more fun and prevent accidentally stepping on a salamander or spring peeper.
We encourage everyone interested in the salamander migration to join the Friends (www.friendsebec.com) and follow along with our predictions.
Salamander Migration Update #3
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 15, 2012 at 11:10 PM
We are carefully watching the weather for tomorrow to decide whether Beekman Road will be closed or not. The forecast has changed a bit from yesterday with less rain and colder temperatures being predicted and each subsequent forecast run tailing away from really ideal migration weather. Nonetheless, with the screwy winter we have had, and 4 salamanders already found last week, we may decide to err on the side of caution and close the road. At this point it is a very tough call and I am leaning toward too little rain and too cold temperatures for much of a trigger. The latest NOAA forecast run at 9:32AM today was calling for:
Thursday: Rain likely, mainly after 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 44. Calm wind becoming south between 6 and 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Thursday Night: Periods of showers, mainly before 1am. Low around 35. Southwest wind between 3 and 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
This is well below the forecasts earlier in the week of temperatures in the mid-50's to near 60 and a good steady rain developing in the late afternoon into evening.
The NOAA Hourly forecast map can be found at: http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=40.42770&lon=-74.41650&unit=0&lg=english&FcstType=graphical
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 15, 2012 at 11:10 PM
We are carefully watching the weather for tomorrow to decide whether Beekman Road will be closed or not. The forecast has changed a bit from yesterday with less rain and colder temperatures being predicted and each subsequent forecast run tailing away from really ideal migration weather. Nonetheless, with the screwy winter we have had, and 4 salamanders already found last week, we may decide to err on the side of caution and close the road. At this point it is a very tough call and I am leaning toward too little rain and too cold temperatures for much of a trigger. The latest NOAA forecast run at 9:32AM today was calling for:
Thursday: Rain likely, mainly after 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 44. Calm wind becoming south between 6 and 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Thursday Night: Periods of showers, mainly before 1am. Low around 35. Southwest wind between 3 and 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
This is well below the forecasts earlier in the week of temperatures in the mid-50's to near 60 and a good steady rain developing in the late afternoon into evening.
The NOAA Hourly forecast map can be found at: http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=40.42770&lon=-74.41650&unit=0&lg=english&FcstType=graphical
Salamander Migration Update #2 (February 14, 2012)
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 14, 2012 at 4:20 PM
For 8 years the Environmental Commission and Friends of the Commission have been coordinating the efforts to protect spotted salamanders and other amphibians (and an occasional reptile) as they head to the vernal pools to breed. These breeding migrations typically occur at night in March or April on the first few significant rainfall events when temperatures are at or near 50 degrees. Trigger mechanisms for movements include the preceding weather (temperature and rainfall), ground temperatures (the salamanders and frogs overwinter beneath ground or deep in the leaf litter), the timing of the precipitation, and likely other micro-ecological factors. The migration often occurs in waves. Males generally head to the pools first followed by other males and females on subsequent rainfall events. However, there can also be one major event when both males and females move at the same time followed by much smaller movements during subsequent rainfalls. In the past, the earliest we have seen migrations are in the first week of March and sometimes the movements have held off or continued until late March or even April.As everyone knows, this winter has been one of the most unusual in memory. Not only has it featured virtually no snow, but the ground has barely been frozen and average air temperatures have been some of the warmest recorded. With the exception of the current minor cold snap, many days have featured temperatures 5, 10 or even 15 degrees above normal. Equally important nighttime temperatures have also been above normal. We are unsure what impact this will have on the salamander migration this year, but we are expecting an early movement if the weather continues along the same track it has all winter.
We encourage everyone interested in the salamander migration to join the Friends (www.friendsebec.com) and follow along with our predictions. It adds a great element of fun to the migration to try and unravel the complexity of nature and to see just how little we really know about the things that occur around us. We will post updates regularly as we feel are necessary. These updates are the only way to be certain if the road will be open or closed. If the road is closed and you come out at night, please be aware that Church Lane is very dark and cars move at fast speeds. Use extreme caution when parking or crossing the road and especially be watchful of your children. NEVER WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED - IT IS NOT SAFE!!! If you come to the road, EVERYONE should have a flashlight. It will help see things in the dark, make the night much more fun and prevent accidentally stepping on a salamander or spring peeper.
For anyone who has followed our predictions over the past years, it will be evident that we are often just guessing at what will happen. Sometimes we are spot on and salamanders are everywhere, other times we walk Beekman Road on a wet, rainy raw night with nothing crossing at all. As the salamander migration time gets close, these are the days and nights when we check the woods daily and weather-oriented websites like Weather.com and NOAA hourly. We also base our predictions on what other field biologists are saying around the state, and whether other things in nature have happened, such as choruses of spring peepers that seem to always presage the movements.
Given the mild winter we have had so far and that there were already 4 spotted salamanders found near the pools over a week ago, and more than a month earlier than ever before, the police have put out the barriers and we are ready to close the road whenever conditions seem appropriate. Although we have not heard any spring peeper choruses, the weather this week is going to turn quite mild again and we are carefully watching to see if a low will develop and bring a significant rainfall event to the area on Thursday. If this occurs, I suspect we will close the road Thursday evening, if for nothing other than caution. My gut tells me it is still too early, but this year is unusual and seems to beg defiance. We rely extensively on the weather predictions and charts and meteorologist forecast discussions from NOAA to help us assess the upcoming weather. Here is the latest weather graph for Thursday
WEATHER FORECAST FOR THURSDAY
Temperatures will be near or above 60 and rainfall will occur in the afternoon, but the timing and in particular the end of the event is questionable.
Unfortunately, we don’t “speak salamander”, but last year the renowned and award-winning children’s nature writer Jim Arnosky granted us permission to use his awesome woodsman nature character Crinkleroot as our migration spokesman. Crinkleroot lives in the woods and “can speak salamander”! Hopefully Crinkleroot will give us some guidance this year on what the spotted salamanders are thinking...
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 14, 2012 at 4:20 PM
For 8 years the Environmental Commission and Friends of the Commission have been coordinating the efforts to protect spotted salamanders and other amphibians (and an occasional reptile) as they head to the vernal pools to breed. These breeding migrations typically occur at night in March or April on the first few significant rainfall events when temperatures are at or near 50 degrees. Trigger mechanisms for movements include the preceding weather (temperature and rainfall), ground temperatures (the salamanders and frogs overwinter beneath ground or deep in the leaf litter), the timing of the precipitation, and likely other micro-ecological factors. The migration often occurs in waves. Males generally head to the pools first followed by other males and females on subsequent rainfall events. However, there can also be one major event when both males and females move at the same time followed by much smaller movements during subsequent rainfalls. In the past, the earliest we have seen migrations are in the first week of March and sometimes the movements have held off or continued until late March or even April.As everyone knows, this winter has been one of the most unusual in memory. Not only has it featured virtually no snow, but the ground has barely been frozen and average air temperatures have been some of the warmest recorded. With the exception of the current minor cold snap, many days have featured temperatures 5, 10 or even 15 degrees above normal. Equally important nighttime temperatures have also been above normal. We are unsure what impact this will have on the salamander migration this year, but we are expecting an early movement if the weather continues along the same track it has all winter.
We encourage everyone interested in the salamander migration to join the Friends (www.friendsebec.com) and follow along with our predictions. It adds a great element of fun to the migration to try and unravel the complexity of nature and to see just how little we really know about the things that occur around us. We will post updates regularly as we feel are necessary. These updates are the only way to be certain if the road will be open or closed. If the road is closed and you come out at night, please be aware that Church Lane is very dark and cars move at fast speeds. Use extreme caution when parking or crossing the road and especially be watchful of your children. NEVER WALK BEEKMAN ROAD AT NIGHT IF THE ROAD IS NOT CLOSED - IT IS NOT SAFE!!! If you come to the road, EVERYONE should have a flashlight. It will help see things in the dark, make the night much more fun and prevent accidentally stepping on a salamander or spring peeper.
For anyone who has followed our predictions over the past years, it will be evident that we are often just guessing at what will happen. Sometimes we are spot on and salamanders are everywhere, other times we walk Beekman Road on a wet, rainy raw night with nothing crossing at all. As the salamander migration time gets close, these are the days and nights when we check the woods daily and weather-oriented websites like Weather.com and NOAA hourly. We also base our predictions on what other field biologists are saying around the state, and whether other things in nature have happened, such as choruses of spring peepers that seem to always presage the movements.
Given the mild winter we have had so far and that there were already 4 spotted salamanders found near the pools over a week ago, and more than a month earlier than ever before, the police have put out the barriers and we are ready to close the road whenever conditions seem appropriate. Although we have not heard any spring peeper choruses, the weather this week is going to turn quite mild again and we are carefully watching to see if a low will develop and bring a significant rainfall event to the area on Thursday. If this occurs, I suspect we will close the road Thursday evening, if for nothing other than caution. My gut tells me it is still too early, but this year is unusual and seems to beg defiance. We rely extensively on the weather predictions and charts and meteorologist forecast discussions from NOAA to help us assess the upcoming weather. Here is the latest weather graph for Thursday
WEATHER FORECAST FOR THURSDAY
Temperatures will be near or above 60 and rainfall will occur in the afternoon, but the timing and in particular the end of the event is questionable.
Unfortunately, we don’t “speak salamander”, but last year the renowned and award-winning children’s nature writer Jim Arnosky granted us permission to use his awesome woodsman nature character Crinkleroot as our migration spokesman. Crinkleroot lives in the woods and “can speak salamander”! Hopefully Crinkleroot will give us some guidance this year on what the spotted salamanders are thinking...
2012 Salamander Migration Update #1
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 2, 2012 at 12:25 PM
For the past 8 years, the Friends and the Environmental Commission have been protecting what we believe is one of the last remaining and the largest populations of spotted salamanders in East Brunswick. (We have since discovered two other small populations that actually may have been fed by an expansion of the ones we are protecting). Our work has received numerous awards and recognition and a vast amount of media coverage including in the New York Times and even on a radio station in Australia! Since the annual migration is highly dependent on weather and the timing can vary significantly from year to year, we post regular updates on the Friends website with our thoughts and predictions. Normally we start these sometime in late February or early March, but this is the first of 2012 owing to the very unusual and mild winter we are having this year. We encourage everyone interested in the salamander migration to follow the updates. It is a great way to understand the vagaries of nature and also to see the thought process that goes into field biology. We often close the road at a moments notice and it is the best way to know what we expect to happen and if the road will be closed or not. Joining the Friends is the best way to get up to the minute information on road closing. It is FREE and only takes a minute on the website to join www.freewebs.com/friendsebec/jointhefriends.htm.
On rainy nights in March and April we close Beekman Road so that the spotted salamanders (and frogs) can safely cross to the vernal pools they breed in. Unfortunately, Beekman Road divides their habitat and for many of the individuals in the population they must cross the road to get to the vernal pools. Prior to the road closings, there was literally a huge slaughter of salamanders and frogs by cars unknowingly crushing them. If you have never come out on a rainy raw late winter or early spring night to see the salamanders cross, you simply must try to get there. Seeing your first spotted salamander cross the road is just unforgettable.
As everyone knows, this winter has been incredibly mild. Yesterday I was poking around the vernal pools and to my incredible surprise found a number of spotted salamanders. This is at least a month earlier that I can ever recall and seems very consistent with the unusual winter we have been having. We have a big adult salamander for everyone to see tonight. If you have never had an opportunity to see one of these beautiful black salamanders with yellow spots, tonight is your chance! The one we have is about 5 inches long. Spotted salamanders can live up to 30 years. The salamander will be returned to the wild tonight after the talk.
I'm not exactly sure what finding the salamanders yesterday means in terms of the annual migration to the vernal pools this year. But I suspect if the mild weather continues we are looking at an early migration event or at least a punctuated one with an early movement of some individuals. We will post these updates regularly on the Friends website at www.friendsebec.com/salamandercrossing.htm. The website also has all kinds of cool information about the vernal pools and the salamander migrations.
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 2, 2012 at 12:25 PM
For the past 8 years, the Friends and the Environmental Commission have been protecting what we believe is one of the last remaining and the largest populations of spotted salamanders in East Brunswick. (We have since discovered two other small populations that actually may have been fed by an expansion of the ones we are protecting). Our work has received numerous awards and recognition and a vast amount of media coverage including in the New York Times and even on a radio station in Australia! Since the annual migration is highly dependent on weather and the timing can vary significantly from year to year, we post regular updates on the Friends website with our thoughts and predictions. Normally we start these sometime in late February or early March, but this is the first of 2012 owing to the very unusual and mild winter we are having this year. We encourage everyone interested in the salamander migration to follow the updates. It is a great way to understand the vagaries of nature and also to see the thought process that goes into field biology. We often close the road at a moments notice and it is the best way to know what we expect to happen and if the road will be closed or not. Joining the Friends is the best way to get up to the minute information on road closing. It is FREE and only takes a minute on the website to join www.freewebs.com/friendsebec/jointhefriends.htm.
On rainy nights in March and April we close Beekman Road so that the spotted salamanders (and frogs) can safely cross to the vernal pools they breed in. Unfortunately, Beekman Road divides their habitat and for many of the individuals in the population they must cross the road to get to the vernal pools. Prior to the road closings, there was literally a huge slaughter of salamanders and frogs by cars unknowingly crushing them. If you have never come out on a rainy raw late winter or early spring night to see the salamanders cross, you simply must try to get there. Seeing your first spotted salamander cross the road is just unforgettable.
As everyone knows, this winter has been incredibly mild. Yesterday I was poking around the vernal pools and to my incredible surprise found a number of spotted salamanders. This is at least a month earlier that I can ever recall and seems very consistent with the unusual winter we have been having. We have a big adult salamander for everyone to see tonight. If you have never had an opportunity to see one of these beautiful black salamanders with yellow spots, tonight is your chance! The one we have is about 5 inches long. Spotted salamanders can live up to 30 years. The salamander will be returned to the wild tonight after the talk.
I'm not exactly sure what finding the salamanders yesterday means in terms of the annual migration to the vernal pools this year. But I suspect if the mild weather continues we are looking at an early migration event or at least a punctuated one with an early movement of some individuals. We will post these updates regularly on the Friends website at www.friendsebec.com/salamandercrossing.htm. The website also has all kinds of cool information about the vernal pools and the salamander migrations.
Ever Seen A Spotted Salamander?
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 2, 2012 at 9:55 AM
Tonight at the Community Arts Center at 7 p.m., the Friends of the East Brunswick Environmental Commission and the East Brunswick Library are hosting a free talk with the acclaimed nature writer, Dave Wheeler. Dave is the author of Wild New Jersey - Nature Adventures in the Garden State and the founder of the amazing nature-oriented website, Wild New Jersey. Dave will also have his book available and will be signing copies. We also have a big adult salamander for everyone to see tonight.
2012 Salamander Migration Update #1:
For the past 8 years, the Friends and the Environmental Commission have been protecting what we believe is one of the last remaining and the largest populations of spotted salamanders in East Brunswick. (We have since discovered two other small populations that actually may have been fed by an expansion of the ones we are protecting). Our work has received numerous awards and recognition and a vast amount of media coverage including in the New York Times and even on a radio station in Australia! Since the annual migration is highly dependent on weather and the timing can vary significantly from year to year, we post regular updates on the Friends website with our thoughts and predictions. Normally we start these sometime in late February or early March, but this is the first of 2012 owing to the very unusual and mild winter we are having this year. We encourage everyone interested in the salamander migration to follow the updates. It is a great way to understand the vagaries of nature and also to see the thought process that goes into field biology. We often close the road at a moments notice and it is the best way to know what we expect to happen and if the road will be closed or not. Joining the Friends is the best way to get up to the minute information on road closing. It is FREE and only takes a minute on the website to join www.freewebs.com/friendsebec/jointhefriends.htm.
On rainy nights in March and April we close Beekman Road so that the spotted salamanders (and frogs) can safely cross to the vernal pools they breed in. Unfortunately, Beekman Road divides their habitat and for many of the individuals in the population they must cross the road to get to the vernal pools. Prior to the road closings, there was literally a huge slaughter of salamanders and frogs by cars unknowingly crushing them. If you have never come out on a rainy raw late winter or early spring night to see the salamanders cross, you simply must try to get there. Seeing your first spotted salamander cross the road is just unforgettable.
As everyone knows, this winter has been incredibly mild. Yesterday I was poking around the vernal pools and to my incredible surprise found a number of spotted salamanders. This is at least a month earlier that I can ever recall and seems very consistent with the unusual winter we have been having. We have a big adult salamander for everyone to see tonight. If you have never had an opportunity to see one of these beautiful black salamanders with yellow spots, tonight is your chance! The one we have is about 5 inches long. Spotted salamanders can live up to 30 years. The salamander will be returned to the wild tonight after the talk.
I'm not exactly sure what finding the salamanders yesterday means in terms of the annual migration to the vernal pools this year. But I suspect if the mild weather continues we are looking at an early migration event or at least a punctuated one with an early movement of some individuals. We will post these updates regularly on the Friends website at www.friendsebec.com/salamandercrossing.htm. The website also has all kinds of cool information about the vernal pools and the salamander migrations.
Published on the EB Patch, 2/2/12
Save Our Salamanders ResolutionPosted by Friends EB EC on January 20, 2012 at 8:20 PMOn December 19th, 2011, the East Brunswick Town's Council signed AResolution in Support of the Efforts of the East Brunswick EnvironmentalCommission's Beekman Road Vernal Pool Protection Plan (Amphibian Road KillReduction Plan).
The resolution recognizes the Environmental Commission has accepted the significant responsibility to provide leadership in the community which seeks community-based economically sound sustainable solution to strengthen our community.It also acknowledges the recognitions the Amphibian Protection Plan got from the NJDEP (Environmental Excellence Award: Healthy Ecosystems), ANJEC(Environmental Achievement Award), NJ Audubon Society (Outstanding Local Environmental Protection Award) and the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation (H@O Highlands To Ocean Award).
Read more about Beekman Road salamanders on the Friends' Salamander web page.
Starting in February updated on the 2012 salamander migration and road closing will published on Friends News Blog, the Friends Facebook page, and Twitter. During the salamander migration updates will be posted at least daily, so check often.
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 2, 2012 at 9:55 AM
Tonight at the Community Arts Center at 7 p.m., the Friends of the East Brunswick Environmental Commission and the East Brunswick Library are hosting a free talk with the acclaimed nature writer, Dave Wheeler. Dave is the author of Wild New Jersey - Nature Adventures in the Garden State and the founder of the amazing nature-oriented website, Wild New Jersey. Dave will also have his book available and will be signing copies. We also have a big adult salamander for everyone to see tonight.
2012 Salamander Migration Update #1:
For the past 8 years, the Friends and the Environmental Commission have been protecting what we believe is one of the last remaining and the largest populations of spotted salamanders in East Brunswick. (We have since discovered two other small populations that actually may have been fed by an expansion of the ones we are protecting). Our work has received numerous awards and recognition and a vast amount of media coverage including in the New York Times and even on a radio station in Australia! Since the annual migration is highly dependent on weather and the timing can vary significantly from year to year, we post regular updates on the Friends website with our thoughts and predictions. Normally we start these sometime in late February or early March, but this is the first of 2012 owing to the very unusual and mild winter we are having this year. We encourage everyone interested in the salamander migration to follow the updates. It is a great way to understand the vagaries of nature and also to see the thought process that goes into field biology. We often close the road at a moments notice and it is the best way to know what we expect to happen and if the road will be closed or not. Joining the Friends is the best way to get up to the minute information on road closing. It is FREE and only takes a minute on the website to join www.freewebs.com/friendsebec/jointhefriends.htm.
On rainy nights in March and April we close Beekman Road so that the spotted salamanders (and frogs) can safely cross to the vernal pools they breed in. Unfortunately, Beekman Road divides their habitat and for many of the individuals in the population they must cross the road to get to the vernal pools. Prior to the road closings, there was literally a huge slaughter of salamanders and frogs by cars unknowingly crushing them. If you have never come out on a rainy raw late winter or early spring night to see the salamanders cross, you simply must try to get there. Seeing your first spotted salamander cross the road is just unforgettable.
As everyone knows, this winter has been incredibly mild. Yesterday I was poking around the vernal pools and to my incredible surprise found a number of spotted salamanders. This is at least a month earlier that I can ever recall and seems very consistent with the unusual winter we have been having. We have a big adult salamander for everyone to see tonight. If you have never had an opportunity to see one of these beautiful black salamanders with yellow spots, tonight is your chance! The one we have is about 5 inches long. Spotted salamanders can live up to 30 years. The salamander will be returned to the wild tonight after the talk.
I'm not exactly sure what finding the salamanders yesterday means in terms of the annual migration to the vernal pools this year. But I suspect if the mild weather continues we are looking at an early migration event or at least a punctuated one with an early movement of some individuals. We will post these updates regularly on the Friends website at www.friendsebec.com/salamandercrossing.htm. The website also has all kinds of cool information about the vernal pools and the salamander migrations.
Published on the EB Patch, 2/2/12
Save Our Salamanders ResolutionPosted by Friends EB EC on January 20, 2012 at 8:20 PMOn December 19th, 2011, the East Brunswick Town's Council signed AResolution in Support of the Efforts of the East Brunswick EnvironmentalCommission's Beekman Road Vernal Pool Protection Plan (Amphibian Road KillReduction Plan).
The resolution recognizes the Environmental Commission has accepted the significant responsibility to provide leadership in the community which seeks community-based economically sound sustainable solution to strengthen our community.It also acknowledges the recognitions the Amphibian Protection Plan got from the NJDEP (Environmental Excellence Award: Healthy Ecosystems), ANJEC(Environmental Achievement Award), NJ Audubon Society (Outstanding Local Environmental Protection Award) and the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation (H@O Highlands To Ocean Award).
Read more about Beekman Road salamanders on the Friends' Salamander web page.
Starting in February updated on the 2012 salamander migration and road closing will published on Friends News Blog, the Friends Facebook page, and Twitter. During the salamander migration updates will be posted at least daily, so check often.
Salamander migration archive 2011
Today at the vernal pool
Posted by Friends EB EC on July 13, 2011 at 1:27 PM
Posted by Friends EB EC on July 13, 2011 at 1:27 PM
Bushwhacking in the rainforest? No, it was a walk in the woods of East Brunswick...
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I took a walk today to visit what's left of the Beekman road veranl pool. The vegetation around the pool is so thick now, we regreted not bringing a machete... The small pool is dry, the BIG pool is stil there. A lot smaller than it was in the spring, it is full of life. Water plants, frogs, dragonflies....
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That's All Folks?
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 21, 2011 at 10:36 AM
We suspect the salamander migration for this year is over. There is already evidence of abundant breeding in the pools and we are now well past the "big night". We have been carefully watching the forecast over the past few days to see if we would close the road one last time, but the timing of the rain and the temperatures do not seem conducive. Today's rain looks to end too early and Wednesday's forecast while rainy is coupled with temperatures at or below 40 degrees. Studies in New England and elsewhere in the northeast typically found movement to the pools where temperatures were between 42 and 50+ and our temperatures on the next rainfall are expected to be below that at dark. While it is certainly possible that the next few rainfall events that feature good timing and warm temperatures could spell some additional movement for spotted salamanders, it seems like the big bout has already passed. On the bright side, this year we only found one road killed spotted salamander, suggesting that our efforts protected most that migrated.
However, just because the spotted salamander migration appears to be over, the pools have much more to offer as we move through the spring and summer. They are teeming right now with biodiversity including large choruses of spring peepers and New Jersey Chorus frogs on any warm day or evening, green frogs, bullfrogs and pickerel frogs are present too, soon Northern gray treefrogs will be singing from the trees around the pools. Not long from now dragonflies and a host of other invertebrates will be abundant. A nighttime trip now with a good strong flashlight can also reveal fairy shrimp, case-bearing caddisfly larva and over the next few months salamander larva as well. So, dont think of this as the end just because the spotted salamanders have migrated, think of this as the start of a wonderful long season of constant changes at the pools.
Stay tuned for information on some upcoming Friends vernal pool walks this spring...
Yesterday's Tricky ForecastPosted by Friends EB EC on March 16, 2011 at 7:52 AMI agree....here is the latest updated forecast discussion from 3:31PM regarding the timing of precipitation. It looks like our area would be effected after midnight in combination with relatively cold temps and little car traffic on the road, plus a pretty low likelihood of any signifcant movement at this point.
PRECIPITATION SHOULD BEGIN TO MOVE INTO THE AREA AROUND OR SHORTLY BEFORE THE MIDNIGHT HOUR FOR OUR SOUTHWESTERN ZONES AND PROGRESS NORTHEASTWARD AS THE SECONDARY LOW DEVELOPS AND MOVES TOWARD THE AREA.
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Tuesday, March 15, 2011 3:33 PM
Subject: Re: A Tricky Forecast
NOAA has not updated the weather since 11:37 this morning.
does not look like much rain before the middle of the night, so i say not need to close tonight. if it rains a lot during the day tomorrow we can think about closing...
thoughts?
Liti
Original Message:
-----------------
From: Richard Wolfert [email protected]
Date: Tue, 15 Mar 2011 12:12:19 -0400
Subject: Re: A Tricky Forecast
It would seem unlikely that we'll see any movement out of this (but not impossible). Winds will be strong enough and it will have stopped raining long before sunset. The road will probably dry out considerable by then with 10 mph winds and temps still in the mid 50's by 7 PM.
I think we should play it by ear until the afternoon tomorrow but NOT advertise the closing at all.
With no substantial rains in the 10 day forecast, this may be it folks.
Rich
On Mar 15, 2011, at 10:53 AM, David Moskowitz wrote:
That's my thinking too...try and put off the decision to as late in the day as we can...
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Tuesday, March 15, 2011 10:52 AM
Subject: RE: A Tricky Forecast
you said it, Dave - tricky..most of the rain today will start late when the temperature drops... if i were a salamander i wouldn't move. but if the rain starts earlier we should close the road. let's wait before we make a decision about today. Liti
Original Message:
From: David Moskowitz [email protected]
Date: Tue, 15 Mar 2011 14:37:40 +0000
Subject: A Tricky Forecast
I just looked at the forecast (pasted below) and it now looks like the rain may come in a bit earlier tonight but end earlier in the day tomorrow. I've talked to a bunch of my colleagues here and we all think the same thing. If this were to pan out, we should close the road tonight without any real fanfare for possible overnight movement and not tomorrow night as it looks to be drying out by evening. With the shift to daylight savings time there is a longer window until dark now and if it really stops raining by 1 or so, that would leave 5 or 6 hours until dark. Thoughts?
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 21, 2011 at 10:36 AM
We suspect the salamander migration for this year is over. There is already evidence of abundant breeding in the pools and we are now well past the "big night". We have been carefully watching the forecast over the past few days to see if we would close the road one last time, but the timing of the rain and the temperatures do not seem conducive. Today's rain looks to end too early and Wednesday's forecast while rainy is coupled with temperatures at or below 40 degrees. Studies in New England and elsewhere in the northeast typically found movement to the pools where temperatures were between 42 and 50+ and our temperatures on the next rainfall are expected to be below that at dark. While it is certainly possible that the next few rainfall events that feature good timing and warm temperatures could spell some additional movement for spotted salamanders, it seems like the big bout has already passed. On the bright side, this year we only found one road killed spotted salamander, suggesting that our efforts protected most that migrated.
However, just because the spotted salamander migration appears to be over, the pools have much more to offer as we move through the spring and summer. They are teeming right now with biodiversity including large choruses of spring peepers and New Jersey Chorus frogs on any warm day or evening, green frogs, bullfrogs and pickerel frogs are present too, soon Northern gray treefrogs will be singing from the trees around the pools. Not long from now dragonflies and a host of other invertebrates will be abundant. A nighttime trip now with a good strong flashlight can also reveal fairy shrimp, case-bearing caddisfly larva and over the next few months salamander larva as well. So, dont think of this as the end just because the spotted salamanders have migrated, think of this as the start of a wonderful long season of constant changes at the pools.
Stay tuned for information on some upcoming Friends vernal pool walks this spring...
Yesterday's Tricky ForecastPosted by Friends EB EC on March 16, 2011 at 7:52 AMI agree....here is the latest updated forecast discussion from 3:31PM regarding the timing of precipitation. It looks like our area would be effected after midnight in combination with relatively cold temps and little car traffic on the road, plus a pretty low likelihood of any signifcant movement at this point.
PRECIPITATION SHOULD BEGIN TO MOVE INTO THE AREA AROUND OR SHORTLY BEFORE THE MIDNIGHT HOUR FOR OUR SOUTHWESTERN ZONES AND PROGRESS NORTHEASTWARD AS THE SECONDARY LOW DEVELOPS AND MOVES TOWARD THE AREA.
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Tuesday, March 15, 2011 3:33 PM
Subject: Re: A Tricky Forecast
NOAA has not updated the weather since 11:37 this morning.
does not look like much rain before the middle of the night, so i say not need to close tonight. if it rains a lot during the day tomorrow we can think about closing...
thoughts?
Liti
Original Message:
-----------------
From: Richard Wolfert [email protected]
Date: Tue, 15 Mar 2011 12:12:19 -0400
Subject: Re: A Tricky Forecast
It would seem unlikely that we'll see any movement out of this (but not impossible). Winds will be strong enough and it will have stopped raining long before sunset. The road will probably dry out considerable by then with 10 mph winds and temps still in the mid 50's by 7 PM.
I think we should play it by ear until the afternoon tomorrow but NOT advertise the closing at all.
With no substantial rains in the 10 day forecast, this may be it folks.
Rich
On Mar 15, 2011, at 10:53 AM, David Moskowitz wrote:
That's my thinking too...try and put off the decision to as late in the day as we can...
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Tuesday, March 15, 2011 10:52 AM
Subject: RE: A Tricky Forecast
you said it, Dave - tricky..most of the rain today will start late when the temperature drops... if i were a salamander i wouldn't move. but if the rain starts earlier we should close the road. let's wait before we make a decision about today. Liti
Original Message:
From: David Moskowitz [email protected]
Date: Tue, 15 Mar 2011 14:37:40 +0000
Subject: A Tricky Forecast
I just looked at the forecast (pasted below) and it now looks like the rain may come in a bit earlier tonight but end earlier in the day tomorrow. I've talked to a bunch of my colleagues here and we all think the same thing. If this were to pan out, we should close the road tonight without any real fanfare for possible overnight movement and not tomorrow night as it looks to be drying out by evening. With the shift to daylight savings time there is a longer window until dark now and if it really stops raining by 1 or so, that would leave 5 or 6 hours until dark. Thoughts?
What's next?
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 14, 2011 at 3:14 PM
Dave says: So, as you know, the rain last Thursday when conditions seemed perfect for salamanders to move did not result in anything crossing the road. This is not overly surprising as all of the literature and many conversations with other field biologists and what I've seen over the years indicates anything from highly synchronized on one night to punctuated waves across a few weeks. In addition, I've been to the pools 4 times since then and there are egg masses in all of them.
The other day it was also easy to find spotted salamanders of all age classes from juvenile to adult and both male and female beneath logs near the pools. But since then, they have disappeared, likely into the pools or into subterranean burrows and holes. Although there is always the possibility of some more movement to the pools, with evidence of breeding it becomes less likely as time passes on. However, just to be safe, I'd suggest we close the road one more time (it will benefit other amphibians anyway even if spotted salamanders don't cross) on the next rain fall. This looks to be Wednesday. Obviously, if there is any movement we can discuss the need for another closing, but if there isn't any, I'd suggest that be it for 2011. If we close the road, don't come out expecting to see salamanders... We cannot stress enough the unpredictability of these things, and although we try, we do not speak Salamander (yet).
Here is the NOAA forecast as it stand now:
Tuesday Night: Rain, mainly after 2am. Low around 39. East wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Wednesday: Rain, mainly before 2pm. High near 55. East wind around 7 mph becoming southwest. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Wednesday Night: A chance of rain before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 37. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 14, 2011 at 3:14 PM
Dave says: So, as you know, the rain last Thursday when conditions seemed perfect for salamanders to move did not result in anything crossing the road. This is not overly surprising as all of the literature and many conversations with other field biologists and what I've seen over the years indicates anything from highly synchronized on one night to punctuated waves across a few weeks. In addition, I've been to the pools 4 times since then and there are egg masses in all of them.
The other day it was also easy to find spotted salamanders of all age classes from juvenile to adult and both male and female beneath logs near the pools. But since then, they have disappeared, likely into the pools or into subterranean burrows and holes. Although there is always the possibility of some more movement to the pools, with evidence of breeding it becomes less likely as time passes on. However, just to be safe, I'd suggest we close the road one more time (it will benefit other amphibians anyway even if spotted salamanders don't cross) on the next rain fall. This looks to be Wednesday. Obviously, if there is any movement we can discuss the need for another closing, but if there isn't any, I'd suggest that be it for 2011. If we close the road, don't come out expecting to see salamanders... We cannot stress enough the unpredictability of these things, and although we try, we do not speak Salamander (yet).
Here is the NOAA forecast as it stand now:
Tuesday Night: Rain, mainly after 2am. Low around 39. East wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Wednesday: Rain, mainly before 2pm. High near 55. East wind around 7 mph becoming southwest. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Wednesday Night: A chance of rain before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 37. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Vernal Pool Music!
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 12, 2011 at 8:37 PM
Listen to the music of the pool. It is a symphony that will grow in intensity and complexity as the spring unfolds. These are the sounds that we wait all winter for. They only last for a short while so try to take them in if you can. No ticket needed, just a pair of waterproof boots.
Can you distinguish the New Jersey Chorus Frogs from the Spring Peepers? The peepers peep and the chorus frogs sound like running your finger down a comb. The Friends is planning a walk to the pools in the nest few weeks to listen and revel in these sounds of spring. Check the website for details and join us. HAPPY HAPPY SPRING!
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 12, 2011 at 8:37 PM
Listen to the music of the pool. It is a symphony that will grow in intensity and complexity as the spring unfolds. These are the sounds that we wait all winter for. They only last for a short while so try to take them in if you can. No ticket needed, just a pair of waterproof boots.
Can you distinguish the New Jersey Chorus Frogs from the Spring Peepers? The peepers peep and the chorus frogs sound like running your finger down a comb. The Friends is planning a walk to the pools in the nest few weeks to listen and revel in these sounds of spring. Check the website for details and join us. HAPPY HAPPY SPRING!
Last Night?
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 11, 2011 at 7:29 AM
Last night the emergency closing of Church Lane and as a result, the Police using Beekman Road as a bypass, caused a bit of late day panic for the Friends and the Environmental Commission. When we were told at about 3:30 that Beekman wouldn't be closed and worse yet would be the main bypass to divert traffic around the Church Lane closure, all we could think of was spotted salamanders and frogs trying to make the crossing in heavy traffic instead of across a safely closed road.
We have worked so hard all these years to protect the salamanders and frogs that even the loss of one individual is always hard to take. Despite wanting to see more salamanders, we were hoping that the large movement we saw last Sunday was the "Big NIght" and there would be few salamanders crossing the road.
We arrived at the road around 6PM donned in a bright orange safety vest and immediately saw a steady stream of cars being diverted onto Beekman Road. The initial walk up Beekman Road was the worst as we scanned every stick and leaf and unknown object to see if it was a dead squashed amphibian. But, there was nothing dead on the road! For about an hour and a half we walked the road, carefully staying out of the way of all the cars and did not see a single spotted salamander crossing. Unfortunately, the cars did impact a few spring peepers, but while their loss is upsetting, their populations are much larger and more stable then the spotted salamanders. The Police were finally able to close the road at about 7:30 and we felt a great relief that any amphibians that did cross throughout the night would be protected.
So, what did we learn (or because this stuff is always humbling, what do we think we learned)? First, that spotted salamander migrations to our vernal pools can occur in one large synchronized movement as we saw this year, or as we have seen in past years, over a period of nights in waves. This will be important to watch in subsequent years to see which pattern seems to dominate or if neither does. We can then use this information to better predict when the salamanders might migrate.
A quick walk to the vernal pools revealed that the initial stages of mating have occurred as spermatophores were present on the bottom. While there is still much to come in the pools this spring, it is likely that the migration is basically over. For safety sake, we will likely close the road one more time on the next warm rain just to insure this.
The Friends is also considering a nighttime walk to the pools the next time the road is closed, or perhaps even on a non-rainy night or on a nice weekend afternoon when the pools are filled with the sounds of spring. Then we can continue to enjoy what we have all worked so hard to protect for the past 8 years. This has truly been a community-wide effort and everyone that has come out or helped behind the scenes should share in the credit. Let us know if you are interested and stay tuned....
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 11, 2011 at 7:29 AM
Last night the emergency closing of Church Lane and as a result, the Police using Beekman Road as a bypass, caused a bit of late day panic for the Friends and the Environmental Commission. When we were told at about 3:30 that Beekman wouldn't be closed and worse yet would be the main bypass to divert traffic around the Church Lane closure, all we could think of was spotted salamanders and frogs trying to make the crossing in heavy traffic instead of across a safely closed road.
We have worked so hard all these years to protect the salamanders and frogs that even the loss of one individual is always hard to take. Despite wanting to see more salamanders, we were hoping that the large movement we saw last Sunday was the "Big NIght" and there would be few salamanders crossing the road.
We arrived at the road around 6PM donned in a bright orange safety vest and immediately saw a steady stream of cars being diverted onto Beekman Road. The initial walk up Beekman Road was the worst as we scanned every stick and leaf and unknown object to see if it was a dead squashed amphibian. But, there was nothing dead on the road! For about an hour and a half we walked the road, carefully staying out of the way of all the cars and did not see a single spotted salamander crossing. Unfortunately, the cars did impact a few spring peepers, but while their loss is upsetting, their populations are much larger and more stable then the spotted salamanders. The Police were finally able to close the road at about 7:30 and we felt a great relief that any amphibians that did cross throughout the night would be protected.
So, what did we learn (or because this stuff is always humbling, what do we think we learned)? First, that spotted salamander migrations to our vernal pools can occur in one large synchronized movement as we saw this year, or as we have seen in past years, over a period of nights in waves. This will be important to watch in subsequent years to see which pattern seems to dominate or if neither does. We can then use this information to better predict when the salamanders might migrate.
A quick walk to the vernal pools revealed that the initial stages of mating have occurred as spermatophores were present on the bottom. While there is still much to come in the pools this spring, it is likely that the migration is basically over. For safety sake, we will likely close the road one more time on the next warm rain just to insure this.
The Friends is also considering a nighttime walk to the pools the next time the road is closed, or perhaps even on a non-rainy night or on a nice weekend afternoon when the pools are filled with the sounds of spring. Then we can continue to enjoy what we have all worked so hard to protect for the past 8 years. This has truly been a community-wide effort and everyone that has come out or helped behind the scenes should share in the credit. Let us know if you are interested and stay tuned....
IMPORTANT SAFETY UPDATE
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 10, 2011 at 3:14 PM
Due to downed wires we have been notified by the Police Department that Church Lane is closed and Beekman Road is the bypass. As a result, we do not know if Beekman Road will be closed at some point tonight, but regardless we are urging people not to come out to tonight.
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 10, 2011 at 3:14 PM
Due to downed wires we have been notified by the Police Department that Church Lane is closed and Beekman Road is the bypass. As a result, we do not know if Beekman Road will be closed at some point tonight, but regardless we are urging people not to come out to tonight.
A Brief Update
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 8, 2011 at 6:58 PM
Just a quick update. We are carefully watching the weather over the next 36 hours. As it stands right now, we expect Beekman Road will be closed on Thursday night. The forecast looks remarkably like it did for Sunday and Sunday night.
At this point we are up in the air about Wednesday as a number of factors are making it difficult to decide what to do. These factors are
1. the timing of the rain which is still uncertain and likely won't begin in any measurable amount until well after dark;
2. the light rain that is predicted if it even occurs overnight;
3. the temperatures at the time of precipitation which is now predicted at or below 40 degrees and falling.
Since we are now still 24 hours away from dark, we will be monitoring this closely tomorrow and will probably decide mid-day. HOWEVER, IF THE ROAD IS CLOSED WE DO NOT EXPECT ANY SIGNIFICANT MOVEMENT AND ARE NOT ENCOURAGING ANYONE TO COME OUT. WAIT UNTIL THURSDAY AND THE HEAVY WARM RAINS.
With the incredible migration on Sunday night we don't know what to expect on the next rain. It may be that the majority of the population that will breed this year moved on Sunday night. Or, as can happen with spotted salamanders and as we have seen in other years, there can be 2 or 3 waves of movement to the vernal pools. In any case, this may very well be the last time to try and see a spotted salamander this year.
Please remember that if you come, be extremely careful parking and crossing Church Lane, dress for wet, raw weather, and try to have a flashlight for each person (the brighter the better). If you have your own flashlight, not only will it make it much easier to find things on the road and more enjoyable, but you will also lessen the risk of accidentally stepping on a frog or salamander.
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 8, 2011 at 6:58 PM
Just a quick update. We are carefully watching the weather over the next 36 hours. As it stands right now, we expect Beekman Road will be closed on Thursday night. The forecast looks remarkably like it did for Sunday and Sunday night.
At this point we are up in the air about Wednesday as a number of factors are making it difficult to decide what to do. These factors are
1. the timing of the rain which is still uncertain and likely won't begin in any measurable amount until well after dark;
2. the light rain that is predicted if it even occurs overnight;
3. the temperatures at the time of precipitation which is now predicted at or below 40 degrees and falling.
Since we are now still 24 hours away from dark, we will be monitoring this closely tomorrow and will probably decide mid-day. HOWEVER, IF THE ROAD IS CLOSED WE DO NOT EXPECT ANY SIGNIFICANT MOVEMENT AND ARE NOT ENCOURAGING ANYONE TO COME OUT. WAIT UNTIL THURSDAY AND THE HEAVY WARM RAINS.
With the incredible migration on Sunday night we don't know what to expect on the next rain. It may be that the majority of the population that will breed this year moved on Sunday night. Or, as can happen with spotted salamanders and as we have seen in other years, there can be 2 or 3 waves of movement to the vernal pools. In any case, this may very well be the last time to try and see a spotted salamander this year.
Please remember that if you come, be extremely careful parking and crossing Church Lane, dress for wet, raw weather, and try to have a flashlight for each person (the brighter the better). If you have your own flashlight, not only will it make it much easier to find things on the road and more enjoyable, but you will also lessen the risk of accidentally stepping on a frog or salamander.
It Doesn't Get Any Better!
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 7, 2011 at 8:06 AM
Last night was an amazing night for the spotted salamander migration with many dozens crossing the road in just the first few hours after dark. It may very well have been the best night we have ever seen in the 8 years we have been closing the road. I suspect that virtually everyone that came out (and there were probably 75 to 100 people through the night), got to see at least one spotted salamander, if not many more. Not to mention spring peepers, eastern newts, and a pickerel frog. The rain was coming down in waves, but it didn't seem to bother anyone.
BUT, as amazing a show as the salamanders put on for all of us, it is sometimes easy to forget why we close the road. Before the Environmental Commission and Friends began the Beekman Road closings and started the Amphibian Protection Plan, it was migration nights like last night, that must have resulted in extensive car-caused roadkills. In fact, it was a morning after a rainy night like last night 9 years ago when many dead squished spotted salamanders and frogs were found on Beekman Road that caused us to jump into action and ask the Town and Mayor to close the road. With each female spotted salamander capable of laying up to 250 eggs and taking as many as 5 years to reach sexual maturity, the constant impact from cars each spring on the population must have been severe.
We also shouldn't forget the great behind the scenes effort that goes into closing the road, with extensive coordination between the Police Department, Public Works, Planning and Engineering and even South Brunswick. A special thanks should go to Steve Gottlieb for his work on this effort with little or no fanfare. We should all feel very fortunate that East Brunswick has made a commitment to protecting what may very well be the last population of spotted salamanders in East Brunswick.
So, what is next? We expect we will close the road at least one more time in order to gauge if the migration is over for this year. The NOAA forecast is for rain mid-week, possibly as heavy as last night. If that materializes, the road will almost certainly be closed. Spotted salamanders often migrate to the vernal pools in waves and what we saw last night may have been the second (we had a smaller movement last Monday). However, even if last night was THE major movement, it is not unusual to have smaller movements on subsequent rains. These may be individuals that wont breed this year or just stragglers to the vernal pools. We are also considering some walks to the vernal pools a bit later this spring to explore their sights and sounds and to learn a little about their ecology. We will announce them on the Patch and this website when they are scheduled.
Here is a photo from last night. We saw more spotted salamanders actually walking out of the woods before crossing the road then ever before. And, I suspect, there weren't many other places around New Jersey last night with a similar scene to this one!
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 7, 2011 at 8:06 AM
Last night was an amazing night for the spotted salamander migration with many dozens crossing the road in just the first few hours after dark. It may very well have been the best night we have ever seen in the 8 years we have been closing the road. I suspect that virtually everyone that came out (and there were probably 75 to 100 people through the night), got to see at least one spotted salamander, if not many more. Not to mention spring peepers, eastern newts, and a pickerel frog. The rain was coming down in waves, but it didn't seem to bother anyone.
BUT, as amazing a show as the salamanders put on for all of us, it is sometimes easy to forget why we close the road. Before the Environmental Commission and Friends began the Beekman Road closings and started the Amphibian Protection Plan, it was migration nights like last night, that must have resulted in extensive car-caused roadkills. In fact, it was a morning after a rainy night like last night 9 years ago when many dead squished spotted salamanders and frogs were found on Beekman Road that caused us to jump into action and ask the Town and Mayor to close the road. With each female spotted salamander capable of laying up to 250 eggs and taking as many as 5 years to reach sexual maturity, the constant impact from cars each spring on the population must have been severe.
We also shouldn't forget the great behind the scenes effort that goes into closing the road, with extensive coordination between the Police Department, Public Works, Planning and Engineering and even South Brunswick. A special thanks should go to Steve Gottlieb for his work on this effort with little or no fanfare. We should all feel very fortunate that East Brunswick has made a commitment to protecting what may very well be the last population of spotted salamanders in East Brunswick.
So, what is next? We expect we will close the road at least one more time in order to gauge if the migration is over for this year. The NOAA forecast is for rain mid-week, possibly as heavy as last night. If that materializes, the road will almost certainly be closed. Spotted salamanders often migrate to the vernal pools in waves and what we saw last night may have been the second (we had a smaller movement last Monday). However, even if last night was THE major movement, it is not unusual to have smaller movements on subsequent rains. These may be individuals that wont breed this year or just stragglers to the vernal pools. We are also considering some walks to the vernal pools a bit later this spring to explore their sights and sounds and to learn a little about their ecology. We will announce them on the Patch and this website when they are scheduled.
Here is a photo from last night. We saw more spotted salamanders actually walking out of the woods before crossing the road then ever before. And, I suspect, there weren't many other places around New Jersey last night with a similar scene to this one!
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March 6, 2011
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 6, 2011 at 8:28 AM
Tonight is looking good for salamanders.
Dress for wet weather and bring a flashlight.
Beekman Road map
From NOAA weather forecast:
Today: Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. High near 55. South wind between 9 and 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Tonight: Rain, mainly before 3am. The rain could be heavy at times. Low around 37. North wind between 8 and 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 6, 2011 at 8:28 AM
Tonight is looking good for salamanders.
Dress for wet weather and bring a flashlight.
Beekman Road map
From NOAA weather forecast:
Today: Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. High near 55. South wind between 9 and 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Tonight: Rain, mainly before 3am. The rain could be heavy at times. Low around 37. North wind between 8 and 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
March 4th, 2011
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 4, 2011 at 8:26 AM
Dave says: First off, Happy Friday to everyone! Here are my thoughts on the
potential for migration and what we should do with the road. Check out the
NOAA Hourly Forecast. Saturday looks to be warm, with a chance
of rain in the evening. While the rain isn't certain, with the movement
we saw earlier this week, I would strongly suggest we be conservative
and close the road on Saturday night. The rain may not materialize or
may only come in late, but if it does with warm temperatures there could
easily be some movement. However, the forecast for Sunday is shaping up
for perfect salamander weather! It looks to be rainy and relatively warm
throughout the day with the rain becoming heavier toward dark. In the
past, these conditions have given us some of our best movements of
salamanders and our highest amphibian diversity. It was on an evening
like this last year that Hannah and I were treated to as many as 50
spotted salamanders in liebesspiel or "loveplay", a writhing mass of
salamanders performing in a courtship dance. I've read about this and
always wanted to see it, but neither of us had ever been lucky enough to
see it despite all the rainy evenings we've spent together wandering the
pools. We were mesmerized by it, alternating between watching in stunned
silence and bursts of laughter.
As an aside, I'd highly recommend anyone interested in vernal pools and
wetlands and how they change throughout the year to get two of David
Carroll's awesome books. The first is a SwampWalkers Journal. Not only
is he an incredibly good writer, but also an incredible naturalist and
he illustrates the books with his excellent drawings and paintings. His
book The Year of the Turtle is also incredible and I always pull these
two off the shelf in February or March and reread them cover to cover.
They give me a great perspective on what is happening in the woods and
remind me of how little we really know about these things.
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 4, 2011 at 8:26 AM
Dave says: First off, Happy Friday to everyone! Here are my thoughts on the
potential for migration and what we should do with the road. Check out the
NOAA Hourly Forecast. Saturday looks to be warm, with a chance
of rain in the evening. While the rain isn't certain, with the movement
we saw earlier this week, I would strongly suggest we be conservative
and close the road on Saturday night. The rain may not materialize or
may only come in late, but if it does with warm temperatures there could
easily be some movement. However, the forecast for Sunday is shaping up
for perfect salamander weather! It looks to be rainy and relatively warm
throughout the day with the rain becoming heavier toward dark. In the
past, these conditions have given us some of our best movements of
salamanders and our highest amphibian diversity. It was on an evening
like this last year that Hannah and I were treated to as many as 50
spotted salamanders in liebesspiel or "loveplay", a writhing mass of
salamanders performing in a courtship dance. I've read about this and
always wanted to see it, but neither of us had ever been lucky enough to
see it despite all the rainy evenings we've spent together wandering the
pools. We were mesmerized by it, alternating between watching in stunned
silence and bursts of laughter.
As an aside, I'd highly recommend anyone interested in vernal pools and
wetlands and how they change throughout the year to get two of David
Carroll's awesome books. The first is a SwampWalkers Journal. Not only
is he an incredibly good writer, but also an incredible naturalist and
he illustrates the books with his excellent drawings and paintings. His
book The Year of the Turtle is also incredible and I always pull these
two off the shelf in February or March and reread them cover to cover.
They give me a great perspective on what is happening in the woods and
remind me of how little we really know about these things.
March 3, 2011
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 3, 2011 at 7:37 AM
Dave says: I wanted to give you a heads up as we approach the weekend. I am carefully watching the weather for this weekend.It is shaping up really nicely for Sunday evening. Both rainfall and temperatures are coming together for a wet and warm Sunday and Sunday night,perfect for migration. We need to carefully watch for Saturday evening as well.Right now the forecast is for temps around 50, but the rain is only a chance. If it pans out, it will make sense to close the road on Saturday night as well as a precaution for late overnight movement. From what we are seeing around the state, things are beginning to move on these wetevenings...I've pasted the current NOAA forecast below.
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 3, 2011 at 7:37 AM
Dave says: I wanted to give you a heads up as we approach the weekend. I am carefully watching the weather for this weekend.It is shaping up really nicely for Sunday evening. Both rainfall and temperatures are coming together for a wet and warm Sunday and Sunday night,perfect for migration. We need to carefully watch for Saturday evening as well.Right now the forecast is for temps around 50, but the rain is only a chance. If it pans out, it will make sense to close the road on Saturday night as well as a precaution for late overnight movement. From what we are seeing around the state, things are beginning to move on these wetevenings...I've pasted the current NOAA forecast below.
March 1, 2011
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 1, 2011 at 12:04 PM
Last night signaled the start of the annual spotted salamander migration
to the vernal pools. But there is much more to come, probably with the
next warm rains. Like the first snow drops and red-winged blackbirds, I
think we can all feel comfortable that regardless of what winter will
still throw at us, spring has sprung! The rain during the day and the
unseasonably warm temperatures triggered a few amphibians to leave their
winter refugia and move toward the breeding pools. Although there
weren't a huge number of spotted salamanders crossing last night, I
suspect that everyone that came out saw at least one. We also had spring
peepers, a red eft and what we believe was a New Jersey Chorus frog. The
spotted salamanders were all males. It is not unusual for a few intrepid
males to make the journey to the vernal pools ahead of the majority of
the rest of the population. In the last 8 years that the Environmental
Commission
(http://www.eastbrunswick.org/departments/environmental_commission.asp)
and the Friends (www.friendsebec.com) have been protecting these
amphibians, this was the earliest we have had any significant movement
to the pools. It just shows how much we still have to learn and how
unpredictable nature can be. It is always humbling as too how little we
really know.
Last night the Friends also initiated the first ever Citizen Science
monitoring project to count the migrating frogs and salamanders on our
road with a training and orientation session. We can accommodate a few
more people so anyone interested can still participate by contacting us
at [email protected]
The weather forecast for the rest of the week is seasonal but cold and
dry until the weekend, so we don't expect any movement or road closings
for at least a few days. Check back later this week for an update as
things progress.
Posted by Friends EB EC on March 1, 2011 at 12:04 PM
Last night signaled the start of the annual spotted salamander migration
to the vernal pools. But there is much more to come, probably with the
next warm rains. Like the first snow drops and red-winged blackbirds, I
think we can all feel comfortable that regardless of what winter will
still throw at us, spring has sprung! The rain during the day and the
unseasonably warm temperatures triggered a few amphibians to leave their
winter refugia and move toward the breeding pools. Although there
weren't a huge number of spotted salamanders crossing last night, I
suspect that everyone that came out saw at least one. We also had spring
peepers, a red eft and what we believe was a New Jersey Chorus frog. The
spotted salamanders were all males. It is not unusual for a few intrepid
males to make the journey to the vernal pools ahead of the majority of
the rest of the population. In the last 8 years that the Environmental
Commission
(http://www.eastbrunswick.org/departments/environmental_commission.asp)
and the Friends (www.friendsebec.com) have been protecting these
amphibians, this was the earliest we have had any significant movement
to the pools. It just shows how much we still have to learn and how
unpredictable nature can be. It is always humbling as too how little we
really know.
Last night the Friends also initiated the first ever Citizen Science
monitoring project to count the migrating frogs and salamanders on our
road with a training and orientation session. We can accommodate a few
more people so anyone interested can still participate by contacting us
at [email protected]
The weather forecast for the rest of the week is seasonal but cold and
dry until the weekend, so we don't expect any movement or road closings
for at least a few days. Check back later this week for an update as
things progress.
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February 27, 2011
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 27, 2011 at 12:33 PM
Dave says: Warm weather today combined with rain tonight and tomorrow and high temperatures (60F!) tomorrow may be appropriate for salamanders to migrate. While we have never had salamanders moving so early, if weather conditions continue to be suitable we will likely ask the police to close the road.
Liti says: Walked by the vernal pools this afternoon. Lots of ducks and geese seen and heard. There is still some ice floating on the pool.
...and snow on the side of the road.
With the high temperature and rain in the forecast, migration may start tomorrow. Or not...
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 27, 2011 at 12:33 PM
Dave says: Warm weather today combined with rain tonight and tomorrow and high temperatures (60F!) tomorrow may be appropriate for salamanders to migrate. While we have never had salamanders moving so early, if weather conditions continue to be suitable we will likely ask the police to close the road.
Liti says: Walked by the vernal pools this afternoon. Lots of ducks and geese seen and heard. There is still some ice floating on the pool.
...and snow on the side of the road.
With the high temperature and rain in the forecast, migration may start tomorrow. Or not...
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February 25, 2011
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 25, 2011 at 8:55 AM
Dave says:
I checked the road this morning predawn. It was lightly drizzling and 43 with some ground fog. There were no peepers calling and no road kills of anything. The weather for today is periods of rain mixed with lighter showers and temperatures approaching 60. The rain will taper off at some point later today and be followed by much colder temperatures. Timing is important as it could stop raining early and get cold before dark but I haven't checked the hourly forecast this morning. Nonetheless, given the thoughts of my colleagues at the state, some other conversations with field biologists and Rich and Liti's thoughts, I very comfortable that we should close the road tonight and not take any chances. It may be jumping the gun, but having seen the old slaughters on the road, it isn't worth risking it. And who knows. Maybe it will be like wildebeasts or buffalo tonight...
The weather forecast is for strong winds and rain. If we close the road it will be for the amphibians to cross safely. Tonight will not be a good night for people to watch migration on Beekman Rd.
NOAA weather forecast - Today: Rain before noon, then rain likely and possibly a thunderstorm between noon and 3pm, then a chance of rain and thunderstorms after 3pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 58. Breezy, with a south wind 10 to 13 mph becoming west between 20 and 23 mph. Winds could gust as high as 55 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tonight: A slight chance of showers before 10pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 23. Windy, with a northwest wind 25 to 28 mph decreasing to between 13 and 16 mph. Winds could gust as high as 55 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 25, 2011 at 8:55 AM
Dave says:
I checked the road this morning predawn. It was lightly drizzling and 43 with some ground fog. There were no peepers calling and no road kills of anything. The weather for today is periods of rain mixed with lighter showers and temperatures approaching 60. The rain will taper off at some point later today and be followed by much colder temperatures. Timing is important as it could stop raining early and get cold before dark but I haven't checked the hourly forecast this morning. Nonetheless, given the thoughts of my colleagues at the state, some other conversations with field biologists and Rich and Liti's thoughts, I very comfortable that we should close the road tonight and not take any chances. It may be jumping the gun, but having seen the old slaughters on the road, it isn't worth risking it. And who knows. Maybe it will be like wildebeasts or buffalo tonight...
The weather forecast is for strong winds and rain. If we close the road it will be for the amphibians to cross safely. Tonight will not be a good night for people to watch migration on Beekman Rd.
NOAA weather forecast - Today: Rain before noon, then rain likely and possibly a thunderstorm between noon and 3pm, then a chance of rain and thunderstorms after 3pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 58. Breezy, with a south wind 10 to 13 mph becoming west between 20 and 23 mph. Winds could gust as high as 55 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tonight: A slight chance of showers before 10pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 23. Windy, with a northwest wind 25 to 28 mph decreasing to between 13 and 16 mph. Winds could gust as high as 55 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
February 24, 2011
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 24, 2011 at 10:08 PM
Dave says: The rain is scheduled to begin after dark tonight, pick up in intensity near dawn, rain like hell in the early morning and then continue through the day. It looks like by late afternoon it will be showery, but temperature forecasts keep creeping up, with a high now predicted for 57. I must admit, I have no real sense of whether anything will move, but if it was a few weeks later, I'd say this weather would be perfect. I've attached the NOAA forecast below. I wish I could speak salamander like the woodsman character Crinkle in Jim Aronsky's book...
Tonight: Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. Low around 36. South wind between 5 and 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Friday: Rain, with thunderstorms also possible after 4pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 57. Windy, with a southeast wind 8 to11 mph becoming west between 25 and 28 mph. Winds could gust as high as 55 mph.Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Friday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 7pm. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 25. Windy, with a northwest wind 27 to 30 mph decreasing to between 10 and 13 mph. Winds could gust as high as 55 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Liti says: If the sound of spring peepers is a sign of life in the vernal pools... Lani and I stopped close to the pools this evening and listened. Not a peep. We heard traffic, we heard a goose, but no frogs. I think we have to wait for a while before seeing any movement.
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 24, 2011 at 10:08 PM
Dave says: The rain is scheduled to begin after dark tonight, pick up in intensity near dawn, rain like hell in the early morning and then continue through the day. It looks like by late afternoon it will be showery, but temperature forecasts keep creeping up, with a high now predicted for 57. I must admit, I have no real sense of whether anything will move, but if it was a few weeks later, I'd say this weather would be perfect. I've attached the NOAA forecast below. I wish I could speak salamander like the woodsman character Crinkle in Jim Aronsky's book...
Tonight: Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. Low around 36. South wind between 5 and 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Friday: Rain, with thunderstorms also possible after 4pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 57. Windy, with a southeast wind 8 to11 mph becoming west between 25 and 28 mph. Winds could gust as high as 55 mph.Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Friday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 7pm. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 25. Windy, with a northwest wind 27 to 30 mph decreasing to between 10 and 13 mph. Winds could gust as high as 55 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Liti says: If the sound of spring peepers is a sign of life in the vernal pools... Lani and I stopped close to the pools this evening and listened. Not a peep. We heard traffic, we heard a goose, but no frogs. I think we have to wait for a while before seeing any movement.
February 23, 2011
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 23, 2011 at 10:35 PM
Dave says: I am carefully watching the weather to see what time the rain ends on Friday afternoon, but if it looks like it will extend until dark, I'd suggest we err on the side of caution and close the road.Traditionally we have been very conservative, an approach that I think has been very beneficial to the salamanders and frogs. It might be a jump and we might wind up closing the road for nothing, but let's evaluate more as we move into tomorrow and closer to the precipitation event. 101.5 is predicting warmer temps than NOAA by 5 or 10 degrees so let's see if they come closer together in the next 24 hrs. Predicting this is really fun, just kidding, it actually keeps me up at night!
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 23, 2011 at 10:35 PM
Dave says: I am carefully watching the weather to see what time the rain ends on Friday afternoon, but if it looks like it will extend until dark, I'd suggest we err on the side of caution and close the road.Traditionally we have been very conservative, an approach that I think has been very beneficial to the salamanders and frogs. It might be a jump and we might wind up closing the road for nothing, but let's evaluate more as we move into tomorrow and closer to the precipitation event. 101.5 is predicting warmer temps than NOAA by 5 or 10 degrees so let's see if they come closer together in the next 24 hrs. Predicting this is really fun, just kidding, it actually keeps me up at night!
Update from John Heilferty, DEP, Vernal Pool program
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 23, 2011 at 10:34 PM
Dave says: My hunch has been an early season due to all the snow that has been insulating the ground. But Friday, as you noted, would be quite early. Seems like every season there is an event like is predicted Friday tomake us scratch our heads and consider the possibility (or start to panic), but it always seems to take one "event" more to actually get them moving.
Having said that, the earliest movement I recall in recent years (mid state) was March 5 (2008), and that was based solely on warm temps ~ no precip event. After this winter, it will certainly not take much, and now that you brought the long range forecast to my attention, things are certainly warming up quickly!
I don't carry an auger anymore but I guess if the ground is exposed + has thawed in your project area, you could not rule Friday out (if perhaps only for woodies and peepers). Hopefully Friday is just the wake-up call and something thereafter triggers movement? More rain w/thunderstorms Monday?!? Either way, it's time to charge the flashlights!!
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 23, 2011 at 10:34 PM
Dave says: My hunch has been an early season due to all the snow that has been insulating the ground. But Friday, as you noted, would be quite early. Seems like every season there is an event like is predicted Friday tomake us scratch our heads and consider the possibility (or start to panic), but it always seems to take one "event" more to actually get them moving.
Having said that, the earliest movement I recall in recent years (mid state) was March 5 (2008), and that was based solely on warm temps ~ no precip event. After this winter, it will certainly not take much, and now that you brought the long range forecast to my attention, things are certainly warming up quickly!
I don't carry an auger anymore but I guess if the ground is exposed + has thawed in your project area, you could not rule Friday out (if perhaps only for woodies and peepers). Hopefully Friday is just the wake-up call and something thereafter triggers movement? More rain w/thunderstorms Monday?!? Either way, it's time to charge the flashlights!!
February 20, 2011
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 23, 2011 at 10:31 PM
Dave says: I went to the vernal pools on Friday and looked around for about an hour. The ground was still very cold under the logs but I did find a very active lead backed salamander. Earlier in the day in south Jersey I found a sunning garter snake as well, so stuff is happening. The larger vernal pool is quite dry, with the entire upper area walkable and only a relatively small open water area. Its actually the driest I've seen it in many years at this season, seemingly odd for all the snow we've had. The smaller pool looks normal, but I guess a little low. I'm certain they will fill quickly with any heavy rains as there isnt really any evapotranspiration now. The buffer plantings that we worked on with Rick Lear and Jim Giamarese in the farm field behind the smaller pool seem to have taken really well and look great. The whole edge for a distance of about 75 feet is now stabilized and the heavy siltation\erosion of the past few years is now hopefully remedied. This should significantly benefit the salamanders and frogs by eliminating silt on the egg masses and improving water clarity as well.
As for salamanders, I know it is pushing it, especially with a relatively cool week ahead and snow today, but we should carefully keep an eye on the Thursday to Friday period. The current NOAA forecast is for a soaking rain and temperatures near 45-50. I have yet to hear a spring peeper, or anyone of my colleagues in my office to report any calling frogs or to find any mole salamanders, so I know (I think) it is early, but it certainly bears watching.
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 23, 2011 at 10:31 PM
Dave says: I went to the vernal pools on Friday and looked around for about an hour. The ground was still very cold under the logs but I did find a very active lead backed salamander. Earlier in the day in south Jersey I found a sunning garter snake as well, so stuff is happening. The larger vernal pool is quite dry, with the entire upper area walkable and only a relatively small open water area. Its actually the driest I've seen it in many years at this season, seemingly odd for all the snow we've had. The smaller pool looks normal, but I guess a little low. I'm certain they will fill quickly with any heavy rains as there isnt really any evapotranspiration now. The buffer plantings that we worked on with Rick Lear and Jim Giamarese in the farm field behind the smaller pool seem to have taken really well and look great. The whole edge for a distance of about 75 feet is now stabilized and the heavy siltation\erosion of the past few years is now hopefully remedied. This should significantly benefit the salamanders and frogs by eliminating silt on the egg masses and improving water clarity as well.
As for salamanders, I know it is pushing it, especially with a relatively cool week ahead and snow today, but we should carefully keep an eye on the Thursday to Friday period. The current NOAA forecast is for a soaking rain and temperatures near 45-50. I have yet to hear a spring peeper, or anyone of my colleagues in my office to report any calling frogs or to find any mole salamanders, so I know (I think) it is early, but it certainly bears watching.
February 15, 2011
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 23, 2011 at 10:30 PM
February 15, 2011 Yesterday I took a quick drive along Beekman Road with the car windows
down. I know it is wishful thinking, but with the warm temperatures,
dreams of spring peepers were in my head. Of course, there weren't any,
and the woods and vernal pools are still covered in snow and ice. But it
wont be long now. With temperatures forecast for near 60 degrees later
this week, and March 1st now only two weeks away, the salamander
migration is coming soon. Sure, late February and early March can
feature awful raw winter weather, but those rainy salamander days and
nights are not far off now. The days are getting noticeably longer and
the sun is definitely stronger and warmer. These are all triggers for
the migration. The salamanders are underground patiently waiting for the
right time to begin a migration that has likely gone on to our vernal
pools for hundreds if not thousands of years. This year we are beginning
a Citizen Science monitoring project to count the number of salamanders
and frogs in specific sections along the road. Volunteers are needed and
registration is required. There will only be a limited number of spots
available and they will be given out on a first come first serve basis.
The time commitment will be about 1 hour. We will be employing a method
developed by the New Jersey Endangered and Non-Game Species Program. For
more information contact Dave Moskowitz at [email protected] Dave
Posted by Friends EB EC on February 23, 2011 at 10:30 PM
February 15, 2011 Yesterday I took a quick drive along Beekman Road with the car windows
down. I know it is wishful thinking, but with the warm temperatures,
dreams of spring peepers were in my head. Of course, there weren't any,
and the woods and vernal pools are still covered in snow and ice. But it
wont be long now. With temperatures forecast for near 60 degrees later
this week, and March 1st now only two weeks away, the salamander
migration is coming soon. Sure, late February and early March can
feature awful raw winter weather, but those rainy salamander days and
nights are not far off now. The days are getting noticeably longer and
the sun is definitely stronger and warmer. These are all triggers for
the migration. The salamanders are underground patiently waiting for the
right time to begin a migration that has likely gone on to our vernal
pools for hundreds if not thousands of years. This year we are beginning
a Citizen Science monitoring project to count the number of salamanders
and frogs in specific sections along the road. Volunteers are needed and
registration is required. There will only be a limited number of spots
available and they will be given out on a first come first serve basis.
The time commitment will be about 1 hour. We will be employing a method
developed by the New Jersey Endangered and Non-Game Species Program. For
more information contact Dave Moskowitz at [email protected] Dave