Field Reports from the 2026 Amphibian Migration

Final Field Report from A Milestone Year:
100,000 Crossings & Counting…

Note: This report is a work in progress. We’ll remove this note when it’s complete.

Big Smiles for Big Night and a Big Milestone:
100,000+ amphibian rescues since we started keeping good count in 2007! You can find more photos from this year’s Crossing Brigades on Flickr. (photo © Brett Amy Thelen)

This year’s salamander season was punctuated by thunderstorms and late-night rain — which undoubtedly spurred many amphibians to action at times when we humans weren’t there to count them — but we did eke out a few classic Big Nights despite the tricky weather!

From mid-March through early May, more than 400 people volunteered with our Salamander Crossing Brigades, contributing nearly 1,300 volunteer-hours and providing safe passage for 10,024 individual amphibians — including 5,765 spring peepers, 2,258 wood frogs, 891 spotted salamanders, 220 red-backed salamanders, 209 American toads, 162 four-toed salamanders, and 115 Jefferson complex salamanders — at 41 crossing sites in 18 towns throughout the greater Monadnock Region. Three of those crossing sites had more than 1,000 amphibian rescues each — Nelson Road in Nelson (1,105), Glebe Road in Westmoreland (1,155), and North Lincoln Street in Keene (3,410) — and three more topped the 500 mark: Summer Street in Peterborough (528), Forest Lake Road in Winchester (610), and Jordan Road in Keene (651).

All together, this brings our project total to an astounding 107,391 amphibian rescues since 2007! (See below for an infographic detailing this and other successes.)

Our Crossing Brigadiers also documented a sobering 1,029 road-killed amphibians this year, and identified 19 new-to-us amphibian road crossing locations in 15 towns across New Hampshire that we’ll add to our map of crossing sites for next spring.

Click on the image for a more detailed view of this infographic celebrating 20 years — and 100,000 crossings! — with the Salamander Brigades. (infographic © Michelle Aldredge, Nate Marchessault & Brett Amy Thelen)

Big Night Detours

In Keene, amphibians were afforded even greater protection, as the Harris Center worked with the City of Keene to close the North Lincoln Street and Jordan Road crossing sites to vehicles on five migration nights — ensuring safe passage even after our Crossing Brigadiers had gone home for the night. This was the eighth season of Big Night detours at North Lincoln Street, and the fifth year at Jordan Road. To our knowledge, Keene is still the only community in New Hampshire to close roads for the protection of migrating amphibians. It’s an honor to partner with them on this forward-thinking conservation effort.

New Hampshire’s First Salamander Tunnels

Amphibian conservation in the Monadnock Region also took a huge leap forward this spring with the announcement that plans are underway for New Hampshire’s very first amphibian underpasses and accompanying guide walls at our Jordan Road crossing site in Keene. This site was chosen because of the presence of Jefferson complex salamanders, which are a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in the Granite State — and because of our many years of community science data collection at this crossing site, as well as our collaboration with the City of Keene on the Big Night detours. NH Fish and Game, the City of Keene, and the Harris Center will partner on the project, which is supported with grant funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s America’s Ecosystem Restoration Initiative.

In a case of art imitating life imitating art, plans are now underway for New Hampshire’s very first amphibian underpasses at our Jordan Road crossing site in Keene — not unlike the story told in Safe Crossing by Kari Percival! (illustration © Kari Percival/Chronicle Books)

Salamander Brigades in the News (& the Arts!)

Our efforts made headlines again in 2026, in part because of the tunnel project — including stories in the New Hampshire Union Leader, New Hampshire Bulletin, and Brattleboro Reformer, as well as features on the New England Weekend and BirdHugger podcasts. We even got a nod in an Associated Press story about frog patrols in Poland — the only US-based project to make the cut!

We were also the subject of a very special performance by the Keene Elementary Band. Composed by Keene Elementary Band director Kimberly Clark in collaboration with her 4th and 5th grade students, Big Night brings the sounds and spirit of the spring migration to life through music inspired by chorusing peepers, pattering rain, slithering salamanders, and even impatient drivers honking in their cars. You can watch the debut performance here:

We Can Be Heroes…

Since 2007, you and 2.500 of your salamander-loving neighbors have helped more than 100,ooo amphibians survive the most dangerous journey of their lives. There’s a word for people like you. It’s “hero.” (photo © Brett Amy Thelen)

Many years ago, a fellow Crossing Brigade volunteer wrote us to say, “[This is] the heart of why we keep doing fieldwork in sometimes miserable conditions: it’s important for the earth; it feels really good to be doing something positive; and it’s a hoot to know there are other slimy-fingered loonies out there in the middle of the night sharing the thrills and the heartaches.” We return to her message every spring — and this year, with the advent of the tunnel project and the crossing of our 100,000th critter, we take even greater joy and pride in what our community of Crossing Brigadiers has built together over the past two decades. Rainy night after rainy night, we’re grateful to be out there with you all, sharing the thrills and the heartaches.

It takes a community to cross 100,000 critters.
(photos © Sarah Wilson & Brett Amy Thelen)

Special Thanks To:

• Harris Center ecologist Nate Marchessault for many late nights on the salamander beat, and for his essential help with data management, volunteer coordination, and countless other behind-the-scenes tasks;
• Interns Keith O’Donnell, Parker Root, Grace Todd-Rogers, and Lena Goins (pictured, bottom right) for their enthusiastic assistance at the Keene crossings;
• Harris Center teacher-naturalists Karen Rent, Jenna Spear, and Susie Spikol for so skillfully guiding our youngest Brigadiers at the North Lincoln Street crossing site in Keene;
• The Keene Department of Public Works for their support of the Big Night detours at North Lincoln Street and Jordan Road, and their invaluable partnership on the Jordan Road tunnel project;
• NH Fish and Game for their vision, leadership, and partnership in bringing the Granite State’s first amphibian tunnels to Keene; and
• Site Coordinators Cathleen Calmer, Lindsay Carter, Heidi Colburn, Donna Crane, Cheri Domina, Nicole Forsyth, Kathy Huston, Dana Kedziora, Caitlyn Parmelee, Lisa Ramey, Kathy Schillemat, Liza Serenqua, Sarah Thomas, and Sarah Wilson (pictured, top right) for their heart, dedication, and care, on Big Nights and beyond.

We couldn’t do it without you — and we wouldn’t want to try!

Site-by-Site Counts & More Photos

Be sure to visit our Flickr feed for more photos from this season’s Crossing Brigades, and read on for site-by-site details from each crossing, listed in alphabetical order by town and road.

Concord

After years of being in the spotlight, wood frogs have grown quite patient with the paparazzi. (photo © Malachy Duggan)

Fisk Road. Over the course of two early-season outings at Fisk Road, three Brigadiers crossed 4 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 3 four-toed salamanders, 6 red-backed salamanders, 3 wood frogs (+3 dead), and 2 spring peepers (+6 dead).
Total: 18 live + 10 dead

Hoit Road. A solo Brigadier spent a night at this lesser-visited site, where he crossed 7 wood frogs (+5 dead) and 8 spring peepers (+4 dead).
Total: 15 live +9 dead

Long Pond Road. One longtime salamander steward patrolled Long Pond Road on two different nights, collectively crossing 16 spotted salamanders (+5 dead), 1 Jefferson complex salamander, and 1 four-toed salamander.
Total: 18 live + 5 dead

Dublin

Lower Jaffrey Road. Three frog fans spent a half-hour exploring this new-to-us site. Despite less-than-ideal conditions, they helped 2 wood frogs (+1 dead) along on their journeys.
Total: 2 live + 1 dead

Upper Jaffrey Road. One dedicated salamander shepherd patrolled Upper Jaffrey Road in the vicinity of the Learned Road wetland on two different nights, providing safe passage for 14 spotted salamanders (+2 dead), 1 Eastern newt, 1 four-toed salamander, 22 red-backed salamanders (+3 dead), 2 wood frogs (+2 dead), 15 spring peepers (+7 dead), 4 gray tree frogs, 2 green frogs, and 2 American toads.
Total: 63 live + 14 dead

Valley Road. An intrepid toad protector took to Valley Road on two separate nights, crossing 5 Eastern newts (+1 dead), 2 wood frogs, 4 spring peepers (+1 dead), 2 gray tree frogs (+1 dead), and 22 American toads (+5 dead) in just one hour of surveying.
Total: 30 live + 7 dead

Hancock

Antrim Road. A father-son team conducted their annual salamander search along Antrim Road, providing safe passage for 5 red-backed salamanders and 24 spring peepers in one hour on patrol.
Total: 29 live

Route 137. In a single hour on Route 137 near the DPW building, a family of naturalists crossed 1 spotted salamander (+3 dead), 1 Eastern newt, 1 four-toed salamander, 3 red-backed salamanders, 5 wood frogs (+5 dead), 39 spring peepers (+26 dead), 3 pickerel frogs, 2 green frogs (+6 dead), 1 bullfrog (+1 dead), and 3 American toads — ten species in all! This site could use more help in 2027.
Total: 59 live + 41 dead

Harrisville

We dare you to look at a spotted salamander without smiling. (Spoiler alert: it can’t be done.)
(photo © Carolyn Wiley)

Breed Road at Child’s Bog. A longtime Brigadier spent short stints at Child’s Bog on two different nights, where she provided safe passage for 1 Eastern newt (+1 dead), 1 wood frog, 3 spring peepers, 1 gray tree frog, 4 green frogs, 3 bullfrogs (+2 dead), and 19 American toads (+4 dead).
Total: 32 live + 7 dead

Nelson Road. That same Brigadier passed through Nelson Road on her way home from other crossing sites on two nights, crossing 10 spotted salamanders, 2 wood frogs (+1 dead), 2 bullfrogs (+3 dead), and 1 American toad along the way. Many live peepers — and dead of other species — went uncounted on these late-night drive-throughs.
Total: 15 live + at least 4 dead

Henniker

Old West Hopkinton Road. Two frog fans spent two nights at Old West Hopkinton Road, where they provided safe passage for 7 spotted salamanders, 5 red-backed salamanders, 5 wood frogs (+1 dead), and 16 spring peepers (+6 dead).
Total: 33 live + 7 dead

River Road. The River Road crew — 15 Brigadiers strong! — spent six nights on patrol, collectively crossing 29 spotted salamanders (+2 dead), 2 Jefferson complex salamanders (+1 dead), 7 Eastern newts, 4 four-toed salamanders, 8 red-backed salamanders, 42 wood frogs (+5 dead), 100 spring peepers (+7 dead), 2 pickerel frogs, 10 gray tree frogs (+2 dead), 1 green frog, 1 bullfrog, and 5 American toads, and recording 1 dead unidentifiable amphibian. That’s twelve different species!
Total: 211 live + 19 dead

Jaffrey

“I don’t care what the salamanders say.
This is no time for smiling!”
(photo © Nate Marchessault)

Dublin Road. A bicycling Brigadier covered two sections of Dublin Road on wheels, crossing 8 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 2 red-backed salamanders, 24 wood frogs (+5 dead), 25 spring peepers, 1 pickerel frog, and 2 American toads in one night.
Total: 62 live + 6 dead

Gilmore Pond Road. That same volunteer then moved on to Gilmore Pond Road, where they crossed 3 spotted salamanders and 1 wood frog in just 15 minutes.
Total: 4 live

Gilson Road. Their free-wheeling route also included a couple of hours on Gilson Road, where they provided safe passage for 4 spotted salamanders, 2 four-toed salamanders, 6 red-backed salamanders, 8 wood frogs, and 21 spring peepers. The bicycle adventure continues on Route 124 and Sawtelle Road, below.
Total: 41 live

Proctor and Harkness Roads. A dynamic duo spent one early-season migration night exploring this new-to-us crossing site (on foot), providing safe passage for 7 wood frogs (+1 dead) and 11 spring peepers (+1 dead).
Total: 18 live + 2 dead

Route 124. The bicycling Brigadier from above inadvertently ventured onto Route 124 during their late-night adventure, where they crossed 1 spotted salamander (+1 dead) and 1 wood frog before steering themselves back toward quieter roads.
Total: 2 live + 1 dead

Route 137. Seven salamander superheroes spent four nights investigating this site near the Hope Baptist Church, where they collectively crossed 30 spotted salamanders (+3 dead), 7 Eastern newts (+1 dead), 3 red-backed salamanders, 104 wood frogs (+5 dead), 86 spring peepers (+3 dead), 3 pickerel frogs, and 5 unidentified live amphibians (+20 dead).
Total: 238 live + 32 dead

Sawtelle Road. To complete their route, the biking Brigadier (see above) spent 15 minutes at Sawtelle Road, counting and crossing 5 spotted salamanders and 1 wood frog.
Total: 6 live

Keene

This is a look we like to call Salamander Chic: fetching and highly visible! (photo © Katherine Stewart)

Arch Street. A dashing duo spent one night on patrol at Arch Street, crossing 6 spotted salamanders, 34 wood frogs (+15 dead), and 1 American toad.
Total: 41 live + 15 dead

Court Street and East Surry Road. Three caring amphibian lovers took to Court Street and East Surry Road on five separate nights, collectively providing safe passage for 3 spotted salamanders, 1 Eastern newt (+1 dead), 10 red-backed salamanders, 65 wood frogs (+23 dead), 61 spring peepers (+22 dead), 16 gray tree frogs (+2 dead), 10 green frogs (+1 dead), 1 bullfrog, 22 American toads, and 2 unidentified live amphibians (+4 dead).
Total: 191 live + 53 dead

Eastern Avenue. Three brave Brigadiers patrolled Eastern Avenue on as many nights, crossing 92 wood frogs (+65 dead), 6 spring peepers (+16 dead), 5 green frogs (+4 dead), and 2 American toads, and recording 2 dead gray tree frogs. This site needs more help in 2027, but it is not kid-friendly!
Total: 105 live + 87 dead

Keene is the first community in the Granite State to close roads for the protection of migrating amphibians. We hope they won’t be the last. (photo © Brett Amy Thelen)

Jordan Road. The Jordan Road crew — an impressive 39 Crossing Brigadiers strong! — spent a solid eight nights on patrol; thanks to our ongoing partnership with the City of Keene, the road was closed to through-traffic on five of those nights. Collectively, these intrepid Brigadiers crossed 98 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), a record 108 Jefferson complex salamanders (+6 dead), 1 Eastern newt (+1 dead), 1 two-lined salamander, 46 red-backed salamanders, 205 wood frogs (+3 dead), 157 spring peepers (+13 dead), 29 gray tree frogs (+2 dead), 2 green frogs, 2 American toads, and 2 unidentified live amphibians (+1 dead). The Jefferson salamander count is particularly notable, as it’s nearly double our previous season record for Jefferson salamanders, going all the way back to 2005!
Total: 651 live + 27 dead

North Lincoln Street. At North Lincoln Street, 148 volunteers and visitors (!!!) spent eight nights on amphibian patrol from mid-March through early May. Thanks to our ongoing partnership with the City of Keene, the road was closed to vehicles to protect migrating amphibians and provide a safe place for people to witness the magic of the migration on five of those nights. Collectively, this caring community counted and crossed 42 spotted salamanders, 47 Eastern newts (+26 dead), 18 red-backed salamanders, 751 wood frogs (+12 dead), 2,479 spring peepers (+25 dead), 38 gray tree frogs (+1 dead), 7 green frogs (+1 dead), 11 bullfrogs, and 17 American toads. Many additional amphibians surely made their way — uncounted, but protected by the road closures — after our Brigadiers had gone home for the night.
Total: 3,410 live + 65 dead

Lempster

“First ever yellow spotted and I’m in love.❤️”
— new Crossing Brigade volunteer Kate Medeiros
(We told you that would happen…)
(photo © Dana Kedziora)

Allen Road. A mother-daughter duo spent a night investigating this new-to-us crossing site, providing safe passage for 4 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 4 red-backed salamanders, 1 live wood frog (+1 dead), and 12 spring peepers.
Total: 21 live + 2 dead

Mountain Road. The same intergenerational team of salamander lovers patrolled Mountain Road on four additional nights, crossing 2 spotted salamanders, 2 Eastern newts (+1 dead), 1 two-lined salamander, 9 red-backed salamanders (+1 dead), 12 wood frogs (+4 dead), 17 spring peepers (+4 dead), 3 green frogs (+1 dead), 1 bullfrog, and 1 American toad, and recording 1 unidentified dead amphibian.
Total: 48 live + 12 dead

Nelson

Granite Lake Road. A solo salamander steward conducted a short, early-season survey on Granite Lake Road, counting 1 dead four-toed salamander, 1 dead wood frog, and 2 dead spring peepers in 15 minutes of searching.
Total: 4 dead

Nelson Road. In Nelson Village, a dozen dedicated Brigadiers spent six nights on patrol. Together, they crossed 103 spotted salamanders (+12 dead), 12 Eastern newts (+24 dead), 7 red-backed salamanders, 31 wood frogs (+4 dead), 930 spring peepers (+104 dead), 3 pickerel frogs, 1 green frog, and 18 American toads (+1 dead). Many dead went uncounted on late-night pass-throughs. This site needs more help in 2027!
Total: 1,105 live + 145 dead

New Ipswich

Thayer Road. Over the course of four nights, a caring couple crossed 2 spotted salamanders, 5 red-backed salamanders, 20 wood frogs (+9 dead), 7 spring peepers (+2 dead), 3 pickerel frogs, 5 green frogs, and 18 American toads (+2 dead) at this close-to-home crossing.
Total: 60 live + 13 dead

Newport

Oak Street. A dynamic duo spent one night on patrol at Oak Street, where they shepherded 1 spotted salamander, 1 Eastern newt (+1 dead), 2 wood frogs (+1 dead), 6 spring peepers, 1 pickerel frog, and 2 American toads in just one hour.
Total: 13 live + 2 dead

Peterborough

Sand Hill Road. A solo Brigadier crossed 6 wood frogs (+4 dead) in just 15 minutes of searching at Sand Hill.
Total: 6 live + 4 dead

Summer Street. The dedicated Summer Street crew— a robust 32 Brigadiers strong! — spent seven impressive nights on patrol, providing safe passage for 38 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 6 Eastern newts (+1 dead), 4 red-backed salamanders, 231 wood frogs (+33 dead), 215 spring peepers (+17 dead), 6 gray tree frogs (+2 dead), 9 green frogs (+1 dead), 1 bullfrog, and 18 American toads (+3 dead). Heartfelt thanks, as always, to the Peterborough Conservation Commission and Peterborough DPW for the official “Salamander Crossing” and “Volunteers Ahead” road signs they provide for this site!
Total: 528 live + 58 dead

Sullivan

Valley Road. One frog protector patrolled Valley Road on three different nights, crossing 5 spotted salamanders, 3 Eastern newts (+1 dead), 1 four-toed salamander, 52 wood frogs (+4 dead), 130 spring peepers (+13 dead), and 1 American toad. He also recorded 1 unidentified roadkill.
Total: 192 live + 17 dead

Swanzey

The tiniest, sweetest, cutest, dearest, most adorable gray tree frog in the whole entire world (objectively speaking, of course…)
(photo © Nate Marchessault)

Matthews Road. One brave Brigadier provided safe passage for 5 spotted salamanders (+3 dead) and 2 wood frogs (+12 dead) — and counted 13 road-killed spring peepers — on a single night in March. These numbers do not reflect the fullness of amphibian activity at this site, which is often quite busy with both cars and critters. This site needs more help in 2027, but it is absolutely not kid-friendly.
Total: 7 live + 28 dead

Swanzey Lake Road. Over the course of four evenings, five frog fans provided safe passage for 55 spotted salamanders (+12 dead), 17 four-toed salamanders (+2 dead), 1 two-lined salamander, 5 red-backed salamanders, 25 wood frogs (+17 dead), 97 spring peepers (+50 dead), 1 green frog (+4 dead), 1 bullfrog, and 6 American toads (+5 dead). They also found 1 dead Eastern newt, 1 dead pickerel frog, 2 dead gray tree frogs, and 5 unidentified roadkills. This site needs more help in 2027!
Total: 208 live + 99 dead

Walpole

Wilson Road. One salamander steward explored this new-to-us site, where they crossed 21 spotted salamanders, 1 wood frog, 3 spring peepers, and 1 pickerel frog in just over an hour of searching on a single night.
Total: 26 live

Westmoreland

Glebe Road. The Glebe Road crew — 19 Brigadiers strong! — spent three nights on patrol, collectively crossing a stunning 248 spotted salamanders (+6 dead), 25 Eastern newts (+5 dead), 2 four-toed salamanders, 23 red-backed salamanders (+1 dead), 1 wood frog, 843 spring peepers (+54 dead), 1 pickerel frog, 1 green frog, 2 bullfrogs, 8 American toads, and 1 unidentified live amphibian.
Total: 1,155 live + 56 dead

River Road. Seven busy Brigadiers spent two nights on patrol at River Road, providing safe passage for 18 spotted salamanders, 4 Jefferson complex salamanders, 1 Eastern newt, 356 wood frogs (+10 dead), and 61 spring peepers.
Total: 440 live + 10 dead

Wilton

Whiting Hill Road. Over the course of seven nights, the dedicated Wilton crew — 36 Brigadiers strong! — crossed 18 spotted salamanders, 11 Eastern newts, 6 four-toed salamanders, 6 red-backed salamanders (+2 dead), 21 wood frogs (+2 dead), 182 spring peepers (+23 dead), 6 pickerel frogs, 2 gray tree frogs (+1 dead), 25 green frogs (+2 dead), 1 bullfrog (+2 dead), and 28 American toads (+1 dead) — 11 species in all.
Total: 306 live + 33 dead

Winchester

Forest Lake Road. Fourteen dedicated Brigadiers spent a commendable seven nights on patrol at Forest Lake Road, where they provided safe passage for 90 spotted salamanders (+3 dead), 16 Eastern newts (+35 dead), a stunning 124 four-toed salamanders (+12 dead), 1 two-lined salamander, 23 red-backed salamanders (+2 dead), 133 wood frogs (+27 dead), 205 spring peepers (+38 dead), 1 pickerel frog, 4 gray tree frogs, 2 green frogs, and 11 American toads (+2 dead). They also recorded 4 unidentified roadkills.
Total: 610 live + 123 dead

Further Afield

Our friends at the Squam Salamander Brigade coordinated 30 volunteers, who crossed nearly 1,000 amphibians over the course of five nights in Moultonborough, and 17 Brigadiers with the Green Mountain Conservation Group provided safe passage for more than 300 amphibians in Tamworth. In their first season of coordinating crossing efforts, 8 volunteers with the Nashua Conservation Commission also saved nearly 100 amphibians over the course of three nights.

We also received reports from folks in Auburn, Hampstead, Portsmouth, and Thornton, who collectively crossed scores of additional amphibians. Although we don’t include counts from outside of southwestern New Hampshire in our project totals, we remain grateful for these grassroots efforts. The salamanders do, too!

A Peeper Postscript

Praise for the small, but mighty peepers, who pushed us across the 10k finish line! (photo © Brett Amy Thelen)

Dwindling amphibian activity despite classic Big Night weather conditions — and the widespread movement of spotted salamanders, Jefferson salamanders, and wood frogs away from their breeding wetlands over the last few migration nights — are sure signs that it’s time to bring the Crossing Brigades to a close for another season…but were we really going to wrap things up when we were just 107 rescues away from the 10,000-crossing mark for the season? No, no, we were not.

Although it rained all day on May 9, precipitation moved out of the area several hours before nightfall and temperatures were on the chilly side after dark. Despite these less-than-ideal conditions, a small but determined group of Crossing Brigadiers scoured wet roads on Saturday night, intent on crossing the season’s 10,000th amphibian. In the end, it was the tiniest creature — the cold-hearty, ever-adaptable peeper — who took us across the finish line.

Together, 9 Crossing Brigade volunteers provided safe passage for 129 individual amphibians — 126 of which were peepers — at 3 crossing sites on May 9, bringing our season total to (drum roll, please…) 10,022 amphibian rescues. Well done, friends!

Read on for site-by-site details, listed alphabetically by town:

Nelson

Nelson Road. A trio of longtime Brigadiers searched Nelson Road for an hour and a half, crossing 1 Eastern newt (+2 dead) and 112 spring peepers (+6 dead), for a total of 113 live amphibians (+8 dead). The resident beaver took umbrage at their endeavors, tail-slapping repeatedly at the slightest approach. At dusk, they were also serenaded by a bittern glunk-de-glunking.

Henry David Thoreau, on the peeper’s first song each spring:
“All nature rejoices with one joy. If the [peeper] has revived again may not I?”
(photo © Malachy Duggan)

Peterborough

Summer Street. Four determined Brigadiers spent an hour and a half patrolling Summer Street, where they provided safe passage for 13 spring peepers.

Winchester

Forest Lake Road. The stellar Site Coordinators for Forest Lake Road crossed 2 Eastern newts (+11 dead) and 1 spring peeper, for a total of 3 live amphibians (+11 dead) in just under an hour of searching.

Do you have amphibian tallies or photos to share from May 9? We are always happy to update our records as we receive additional reports, so please send them our way!

The (Near-)Final Hurrah

Three cheers for our Keene State College interns, who helped at our Keene crossings on May 6 even though it was finals week! (photo © Brett Amy Thelen)

May 6 brought steady rain and temperatures in the 50s, but amphibian movement was modest at most sites — a sign that migration season is coming to a close. Another sign: although gray tree frogs, American toads, and some amorous peepers were still making their way toward their breeding wetlands, nearly all of the spotted salamanders, Jefferson salamanders, and wood frogs were headed back to the forest, their courtship concluded for another year. 

70 Crossing Brigadiers took to the streets for this last Big(gish) Night of the season, providing safe passage for 1,176 live amphibians — and documenting 126 roadkills — at 13 crossing sites in the Monadnock Region. This brings our season total to 9,893 amphibian rescues. Will we make it to 10,000 before all is said and done?

Read on for site-by-site details, listed alphabetically by town:

Henniker

River Road. Four frog fans spent nearly two hours on patrol at River Road, crossing 8 spotted salamanders, 1 Jefferson complex salamander, 4 Eastern newts, 1 four-toed salamander, 5 red-backed salamanders, 8 wood frogs, 34 spring peepers (+2 dead), 2 pickerel frogs, 10 gray tree frogs (+2 dead), 1 bullfrog, and 4 American toad (+1 unidentified dead), 78 live amphibians (+5 dead) representing 11 species in all. The four-toed salamander was a little jittery and detached its tail as a defense mechanism, but don’t worry — amphibians possess the miraculous superpower of regeneration, so the tail will grow back!

Jaffrey

Route 137. Two salamander stewards patrolled Route 137 near the Hope Baptist Church, crossing 22 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 5 Eastern newts (+1 dead), 3 red-backed salamanders, 11 wood frogs, 33 spring peepers, and 3 unidentified amphibians, for a total of 77 live amphibians (+2 dead) in two hours of searching.

One could argue that gray tree frogs are the most adorable of all the frogs.
(photo © Brett Amy Thelen)

Keene

Court Street and East Surry Road. A dedicated mother-daughter duo provided safe passage for 1 spotted salamander, 4 red-backed salamanders, 4 wood frogs (+1 dead), 17 spring peepers (+11 dead), 11 gray tree frogs (+2 dead), 3 green frogs, 2 American toads, and 2 unidentified amphibians (+4 unidentified dead), for a total of 44 live amphibians (+18 dead) between 7:50 and 9:20 p.m.

Jordan Road. Seven stalwart salamander stewards provided safe passage for 4 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 4 Jefferson complex salamanders, 12 red-backed salamanders, 28 wood frogs, 84 spring peepers (+8 dead), 26 gray tree frogs (+2 dead), and 2 green frogs, for a total of 158 live amphibians (+11 dead) in just over two hours of searching. Thankfully, the road was once again closed to through-traffic, providing an additional measure of protection for our four-legged friends after our Crossing Brigade crew left for the night.

A young Crossing Brigadier beholds their very first spotted salamander at North Lincoln Street on May 6. They were too nervous to hold such a large creature themselves, but after an adult placed the salamander gently on the other side of the road, the new Brigadier said, “Let’s go find some more….”
(photo © Brett Amy Thelen)

North Lincoln Street. An enthusiastic group of 33 volunteers and visitors celebrated the last Big Night detour of the season at North Lincoln Street, where they counted 22 spotted salamanders, 1 Eastern newt (+2 dead), 5 red-backed salamanders, 18 wood frogs, 76 spring peepers, 34 gray tree frogs (+1 dead), 3 green frogs, 2 bullfrogs, and 4 American toads, for a total of 165 live amphibians (+3 dead) in three hours. They also watched a Barred Owl hunt for amphibians from several roadside perches!

Lempster

Mountain Road. Between 8:20 and 8:40, a solo Brigadier provided safe passage for 1 Eastern newt, 2 red-backed salamanders, 8 spring peepers, and 1 green frog; that’s 12 live amphibians in just 20 minutes!

Nelson

Nelson Road. Three bustling Brigadiers spent three hours on patrol at the Nelson Road wetlands, where they crossed 52 spotted salamanders (+3 dead), 3 red-backed salamanders, 290 spring peepers (+8 dead), 1 pickerel frog, and 8 American toads (+1 dead), and counted 4 dead newts — 354 live amphibians (+16 dead) in all. Many of the peepers were crossing as couples (a.k.a. “peeper stacks” a.k.a. amplexus).

New Ipswich

Thayer Road. Somehow the rain missed New Ipswich during the waking hours — stopping at 6 p.m. and not starting up again until after 10 — but the peeper protectors of Thayer Road did a quick pass in between, just to see. The only amphibians they encountered were the peepers and gray tree frogs singing safely in the wetland.

“A new reign has commenced. Bufo the First has ascended to his throne, the surface of the earth, led into office by the south wind… Attend to his message. Take off your greatcoats, swains! and prepare for the summer campaign. Hop a few paces further toward your goals. The measures I shall advocate are warmth, moisture, and low-flying insects.”
— Henry David Thoreau, May 1857
(photo © Brett Amy Thelen)

Peterborough

Summer Street. The dedicated Summer Street crew — six Brigadiers strong! — spent two hours on patrol, crossing 20 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 1 Eastern newt (+1 dead), 14 wood frogs (+3 dead), 27 spring peepers (+9 dead), 2 gray tree frogs (+2 dead), 9 green frogs (+1 dead), and 13 American toads (+3 dead), 86 live amphbians (+20 dead) in all.

Swanzey

One of the season’s last spotties, duly noted, at Glebe Road.
(photo © Liza Serenqua)

Swanzey Lake Road. One salamander superhero single-handedly provided safe passage for 40 spotted salamanders (+8 dead), 5 wood frogs (+2 dead), 13 spring peepers (+4 dead), 1 bullfrog, and 4 American toads (+2 dead), and counted 1 dead Eastern newt and one dead gray tree frog, for a total of 63 live amphibians (+18 dead) in just one hour. One of the toads was hunting worms in the middle of the road instead of migrating, and advised to move along.

Westmoreland

Glebe Road. A terrific trio of longtime Brigadiers spent just under an hour on patrol at Glebe Road, crossing 4 spotted salamanders, 2 red-backed salamanders, 70 spring peepers (+2 dead), 1 pickerel frog, 1 green frog, 1 bullfrog, and 7 American toads, 86 live amphibians (+2 dead) in all.

Wilton

Whiting Hill Road. A dedicated solo Brigadier spent two hours on patrol at Carnival Hill, providing safe passage for 8 wood frogs, 3 spring peepers (+1 dead), 1 pickerel frog, 2 green frogs, and 4 American toads, for a total of 18 live amphibians (+1 dead).

Winchester

A charmer on Forest Lake Road.
(photo © Dana Kedziora)

Forest Lake Road. Five frog fans collectively crossed 2 spotted salamanders, 6 Eastern newts (+20 dead), 2 red-backed salamanders, 7 wood frogs (+5 dead), 10 spring peepers (+1 dead), 3 gray tree frogs, and 5 American toads (+2 dead), and recorded 2 unidentifiable dead amphibians, for a total of 35 live amphibians (+30 dead) in just over an hour.

Further Afield

Our friends with the Squam Salamander Brigade also provided safe passage for nearly 100 amphibians at a crossing site in Moultonborough on May 6. Although we don’t include counts from outside of southwestern New Hampshire in our project totals, we’re cheering these Brigadiers on from afar!

Do you have amphibian tallies or photos to share from May 6? We’ll update this report and the Salamander Crossing Brigade album on Flickr if we receive more counts and photos, so send them our way!

A Surprise Small Night

Spotted salamander eggs have now appeared in many vernal pools throughout the Monadnock Region — a sign of successful crossings!
(photo © Brett Amy Thelen)

Surprise rain swept through at dusk on April 30. Although it ended before last light, the ground stayed wet enough to spur some amphibians — and some astute Crossing Brigade volunteers! — to action in the early part of the evening. All together, 11 Crossing Brigadiers provided safe passage for 458 live amphibians — and documented 99 roadkills — at 6 crossing sites on Thursday, bringing our season total to 8,683 amphibian rescues and counting…

Read on for site-by-site details, listed alphabetically by town:

Henniker

River Road. A dedicated Brigadier patrolled River Road for 40 minutes, but did not find any amphibians crossing the partially-dry pavement.

Keene

Court Street and East Surry Road. A dynamic duo crossed 10 wood frogs, 3 spring peepers (+2 dead), 3 green frogs, and 1 American toad, and found 1 dead Eastern newt, for a total of 17 live amphibians (+3 dead) in 90 minutes of searching. They also saw a skunk!

Peepers were the star of the show on April 30, comprising 94 percent of all amphibians encountered that evening.
(photo © Nate Marchessault)

Jordan Road. A frog-loving family of four spent an hour on patrol at Jordan Road, where they crossed 1 red-backed salamander, 1 wood frog, and 3 spring peepers (+1 dead), and recorded 1 dead Eastern newt, 5 live amphibians (+2 dead) in all.

North Lincoln Street. At North Lincoln Street, one dedicated naturalist provided safe passage for 1 Eastern newt, 24 spring peepers, and 1 gray tree frog, for a total of 26 live amphibians in one hour.

Nelson

Nelson Road got some later rain, and it made all the difference. Between 8:15 and 10:15 p.m., a devoted peeper protector crossed 6 spotted salamanders, 1 Eastern newt (+3 dead), 2 red-backed salamanders, and a whopping 368 spring peepers (+89 dead), 377 live amphibians (+92 dead) in all.

Peterborough

Summer Street. At Summer Street, a terrific twosome provided safe passage for 2 Eastern newts, 32 spring peepers (+2 dead) and 1 American toad, for a total of 35 live amphibians (+2 dead) in an hour on patrol.

Do you have amphibian tallies or photos to share from April 30? We’ll update this report and the Salamander Crossing Brigade album on Flickr if we receive more counts and photos, so send them our way!

After the Storm…

A momentous occasion: Grace’s first spottie!
(photo © Brett Amy Thelen)

At sunset on April 14, a line of intense thunderstorms swept through the Monadnock Region amid unseasonably warm temperatures, sending frogs hopping — and delaying the start of our Salamander Brigade activity until it was safe for humans to go outside. By that time, the rain had tapered off, but there were still plenty of amphibians afoot. Although counts were lower than expected, diversity was high: our Crossing Brigade volunteers documented 13 different species, including a spate of juvenile spotties and wee wood frogs, as well as the first significant movements of American toads and red-backed salamanders. All of the adult wood frogs were leaving the wetlands, their courtship and egg-laying concluded for another year — a sign that we’ve now passed the midway point of the season.

All together, 64 Salamander Brigade volunteers provided safe passage for 1,548 live amphibians — and recorded 313 roadkills — at 17 crossing sites throughout southwestern New Hampshire on April 14, bringing our season total to 8,207 amphibian rescues.

Read on for site-by-site details, listed alphabetically by town:

Dublin

Upper Jaffrey Road. After the storm passed, a solo salamander superhero crossed 6 spotted salamanders, 1 Eastern newt, 22 red-backed salamanders (+2 dead), 1 wood frog (+2 dead), 12 spring peepers (+2 dead), 4 gray tree frogs, 2 green frogs, and 2 American toads, for a nice, round 50 live amphibians (+6 dead) in just under two hours.

Valley Road. One intrepid toad protector provided safe passage for 2 wood frogs, 4 spring peepers (+1 dead), 2 gray tree frogs (+1 dead), and 22 American toads (+5 dead), for a total of 30 live amphibians (+7 dead) in only 30 minutes. He also saw a Barred Owl “feeding on ‘toadkill’….What a sight! So silent when they fly!”

Our Crossing Brigade volunteers moved 113 spotted salamanders to safety on the evening of April 14, including this charmer.
(photo © Brett Amy Thelen)

Hancock

Route 137. A family of naturalists patrolled Route 137 near the DPW building between 8 and 9 p.m., crossing 1 spotted salamander (+3 dead), 1 Eastern newt, 1 four-toed salamander, 3 red-backed salamanders, 5 wood frogs (+5 dead), 39 spring peepers (+26 dead), 3 pickerel frogs, 2 green frogs (+6 dead), 1 bullfrog (+1 dead), and 3 American toads, 59 live amphibians (+41 dead) in all. That’s ten species in just one hour! This site could use more help on future migration nights.

Jaffrey

Route 137. Two amphibian aficianados spent two hours on Route 137 near the Hope Baptist Church, where they crossed 1 spotted salamander, 8 wood frogs, 6 spring peepers, 3 pickerel frogs, and 1 unidentified amphibian (+20 unidentifiable dead), 19 live amphibians (+20 dead) in all.

Henniker

Gray tree frogs live on bark, look like bark, and eat insects that hide in bark — except when they’re migrating to spring wetlands to breed, when their camouflage blends in alarmingly well with paved roads. (photo © Nate Marchessault)

River Road. Four fantastic frog fans provided safe passage for 14 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 1 Jefferson complex salamander (+1 dead), 3 Eastern newts, 2 four-toed salamanders, 3 red-backed salamanders, 27 wood frogs (+5 dead), 22 spring peepers (+5 dead), and 1 American toad (+1 unidentified dead), for a total of 73 live amphibians (+13 dead) between 8:30 and 10 p.m.

Keene

Court Street and East Surry Road. A terrific twosome spent two hours on patrol in north Keene, crossing 2 spotted salamanders, 4 red-backed salamanders, 22 wood frogs (+10 dead), 9 spring peepers, 2 gray tree frogs, 4 green frogs (+1 dead), 1 bullfrog, and 12 American toads, 56 live amphibians (+11 dead) in all. They also saw a sizeable snapping turtle, lumbering back to life after the long winter!

Eastern Avenue. One brave Brigadier came to the aid of the frogs of Eastern Avenue, providing safe passage for 75 wood frogs (+ counting a dismaying 43 dead), 3 spring peepers (+5 dead), 5 green frogs (+4 dead), and 2 American toads, and recording 2 dead gray tree frogs, for a total of 85 live frogs (+54 dead) in the span of two hours. All of the wood frogs were leaving the wetland, so this site may be winding down for the season — but Eastern Ave needs more help in the future. That said, traffic moves very fast here, so it is not a family-friendly site.

A neighbor of the Jordan Road and North Lincoln Street crossings recently wrote us to say, “I am fortunate to live adjacent to Woodlawn Cemetery and can attest to the raucous nighttime jollies that are going on around here, creating a close-our-windows racket as we smile appreciatively at the mighty efforts of the Harris Center to rouse our community in this project.” The wood frog chuckles will have quieted after April 14 — as nearly all of the adult wood frogs were migrating away from the wetlands that night, their courtship concluded for the year — but the spring peepers will be singing for at least another month. 
(photo © Nate Marchessault)

Jordan Road was once again closed to through-traffic to protect migrating amphibians, though the thunderstorm delayed the start of the closures by a half-hour or so. (Humans put up the barricades and signs, and we needed to take shelter from the storm!) The Jordan Road crew — eight Brigadiers strong — got straight to work after that, crossing 25 spotted salamanders, 2 Jefferson complex salamanders, 1 Eastern newt, 21 red-backed salamanders, 76 wood frogs (+1 dead), 24 spring peepers (+1 dead), 3 gray tree frogs, 2 green frogs, 2 American toads, and 2 unidentified live amphibians (+1 unidentified dead), for a total of 158 live amphibians (+3 dead) in just under three hours of searching.

One of several dozen yearling wood frogs found at North Lincoln Street in Keene on April 14.  Click the image for a larger view.
(photo © Brett Amy Thelen)

North Lincoln Street. At North Lincoln Street — where the fourth Big Night detour of the year also got off to a late start due to the storm — a dozen dedicated Brigadiers counted 6 spotted salamanders, 2 Eastern newts (+1 dead), 10 red-backed salamanders, 59 wood frogs (+11 dead), 278 spring peepers (+6 dead), 2 gray tree frogs, 1 green frog, 9 bullfrogs, and 11 American toads, for a total of 378 live amphibians (+18 dead) between 8 and 10:30 p.m. Many of the wood frogs were peeper-sized juveniles, and there was a juvenile spottie as well!

Lempster

Bullfrogs can be a real handful. Literally.
(photo © Kate Medeiros)

Mountain Road. One enthusiastic salamander steward took two shifts on Mountain Road, where she provided safe passage for 2 spotted salamanders, 1 Eastern newt (+1 dead), 1 two-lined salamander, 7 red-backed salamanders (+1 dead), 2 wood frogs, 9 spring peepers (+3 dead), 1 green frog (+1 dead), 1 bullfrog, and 1 American toad (+1 unidentified dead amphibian), for a total of 25 live amphibians (+7 dead) in just over an hour of searching. She was also delighted to discover spotties canoodling in a small, spring-fed pond right in front of her house.

Nelson

Nelson Road. A trio of toad protectors patrolled Nelson Road from 9 to 10:30 p.m., and one more stopped by on her late-night drive home from another crossing. Collectively, they provided safe passage for 23 spotted salamanders (+9 dead), 1 red-backed salamander, 3 wood frogs, 147 spring peepers, 2 pickerel frogs, 1 green frog, and 7 American toads, 184 live amphibians (+9 dead) in all. Many dead went uncounted on the late-night shift.

New Ipswich

A four-toed salamander looks to the future, having made it safely across Swanzey Lake Road with the help of Crossing Brigade volunteers. (photo © Kate McKay)

Thayer Road. A caring couple crossed 2 spotted salamanders, 2 red-backed salamanders, 10 wood frogs (+5 dead), 3 spring peepers (+2 dead), 3 pickerel frogs, 5 green frogs, and 18 toads (+2 dead), for a total of 43 live amphibians (+9 dead). They said, “It was hard to watch from the window as cars kept driving by during the thunderstorm, but we waited until it was safe to venture out! We saw the tiniest peeper we have ever seen and one of the largest green frogs!”

Newport

Oak Street. A dynamic duo spent an hour on patrol at Oak Street, where they shepherded 1 spotted salamander, 1 Eastern newt (+1 dead), 2 wood frogs (+1 dead), 6 spring peepers, 1 pickerel frog, and 2 American toads, 13 live amphibians (+2 dead) in all.

Peterborough

Toads never underestimate their own importance.
(photo © Kate McKay)

Summer Street. At Summer Street, a robust crew of 14 busy Brigadiers crossed 13 spotted salamanders, 2 Eastern newts, 4 red-backed salamanders, 62 wood frogs (+14 dead), 85 spring peepers (+1 dead), 4 gray tree frogs, 1 bullfrog, and 4 American toads, for a total of 175 live amphbians (+15 dead) in just over an hour of searching.

Swanzey

Swanzey Lake Road. Two salamander-loving sisters took the late shift at Swanzey Lake Road, where they provided safe passage for 2 spotted salamanders (+2 dead), 3 four-toed salamanders (+1 dead), 1 two-lined salamander, 5 red-backed salamanders, 5 wood frogs (+11 dead), 12 spring peepers (+29 dead), and 1 American toad (+3 dead). Also among the dead: 1 pickerel frog, 1 gray tree frog, 4 green frogs, and 5 unidentifiable amphibians. All together, that’s 29 live amphibians (+57 dead) between 10 and 11 p.m. Our Swanzey sites need more help on future migration nights.

Wilton

Whiting Hill Road. Four toad lovers spent an impressive three hours on patrol at Carnival Hill, crossing 8 spotted salamanders, 8 Eastern newts, 2 four-toed salamanders, 4 red-backed salamanders, 3 wood frogs, 32 spring peepers (+8 dead), 5 pickerel frogs, 2 gray tree frogs (+1 dead), 17 green frogs (+1 dead), 1 bullfrog (+2 dead), and 24 American toads (+1 dead), 106 live amphibians (+13 dead) in all.

Winchester

The sweetest, cutest, tiniest, most adorable salamander in the whole wide world — or at least in Winchester. 
(photo © Dana Kedziora)

Forest Lake Road. Before the road dried, a dedicated duo provided safe passage for 7 spotted salamanders, 5 Eastern newts (+2 dead), 11 four-toed salamanders (+2 dead), 1 two-lined salamander, 8 red-backed salamanders (+2 dead), 10 wood frogs (+13 dead), 16 spring peepers (+8 dead), 1 gray tree frog, 2 green frogs, and 4 American toad (+1 unidentified dead), for a total of 65 live amphibians (+28 dead) in an hour and a half on patrol.

Further Afield

Our friends at the Green Mountain Conservation Group provided safe passage for more than 200 red-backed salamanders and smaller numbers of other species in Tamworth, and the Squam Salamander Brigade crossed 31 spotted salamanders and more than 200 spring peepers in Moultonborough. In Thornton, a crew investigated a new site on Route 49, where they crossed dozens of amphibians and found a bonus red-bellied snake. Although we don’t include counts from outside of southwestern New Hampshire in our project totals, we are cheering on all of these incredible efforts in other parts of the state!

Do you have amphibian tallies or photos to share from April 14? We’ll update this report and the Salamander Crossing Brigade album on Flickr as we receive more counts and photos, so send ’em our way!

Before the Storm…

March 31 brought widespread thunderstorms — perfectly fine weather if you’re a frog, but not so great for their human helpers. (photo © Brett Amy Thelen)

If what we saw while we hurried home in Tuesday’s lightning storm was any indication, March 31 was likely massive for amphibian movement in many places — but unfortunately the amphibians kicked into high gear just as our Crossing Brigadiers had to head indoors for safety. So, our amphibian counts don’t reflect the magnitude of the migration, but hopefully the lightning and intense downpours helped to keep some drivers off the road, making for safer journeys for our rain-revering wild neighbors.

Even with an early end (or, in some cases, late start) to their amphibian crossing activity, 68 volunteers took to the streets at 19 crossing sites throughout southwestern New Hampshire on March 31, providing safe passage for 1,264 live amphibians and recording 148 roadkills. This brings our season total to 6,592 amphibian rescues — and all of April is still ahead of us!

Read on for site-by-site details, listed alphabetically by town:

Concord

We often say that salamanders make people smile — but it should be noted that frogs make people smile, too.
(photo © Brett Amy Thelen)

Fisk Road. Three salamander lovers spent three hours patrolling Fisk Road in marginal temperatures, crossing 2 spotted salamanders and 1 four-toed salamander and finding 1 dead peeper, 3 live amphibians (+1 dead) in all.

Long Pond Road. With Fisk Road so slow, one Brigadier migrated over to Long Pond Road on an exploratory mission. There, he provided safe passage for 11 spotted salamanders (+4 dead) and 1 four-toed salamander, for a total of 12 live salamanders (+4 dead) in two hours of searching.

Dublin

Upper Jaffrey Road. After the storm moved through, a solo salamander shepherd patrolled Upper Jaffrey Road in the vicinity of the Learned Road wetland, where she crossed 8 spotted salamanders (+2 dead), 1 four-toed salamander, 1 wood frog, and 3 spring peepers (+5 dead), and recorded 1 dead red-backed salamander, for a total of 13 live amphibians (+8 dead) between 9:30 and 11 p.m.

Hancock

Antrim Road. A sweet father-son team conducted their annual patrol along Antrim Road, providing safe passage for 5 red-backed salamanders and 24 spring peepers, for a total of 29 live amphibians in the hour before the storm.

Harrisville

Nelson Road. On her way home from another crossing site, a solo Brigadier stopped to cross 5 live spotted salamanders between the Nelson town line and Child’s Bog. Many frogs went uncounted due to the lightning storm.

Henniker

Teamwork makes the dream work at River Road in Henniker!
(photo © Heidi Colburn)

Old West Hopkinton Road. A terrific twosome spent an hour on patrol at Old West Hopkinton Road, where they crossed 2 spotted salamanders, 4 red-backed salamanders, and 6 spring peepers (+3 dead), 12 live amphibians (+3 dead) in all.

River Road. A hearty crew of ten squeezed in three hours at River Road before the thunderstorms eventually rolled into Henniker. Together, they provided safe passage for 7 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 1 four-toed salamander, 7 wood frogs, 44 spring peepers, and 1 green frog, 60 live amphibians (+1 dead) in all.

Jaffrey

Route 137. One dedicated Brigadier spent three nearly hours on solo patrol in the vicinity of the Hope Baptist Church, crossing 4 spotted salamanders (+2 dead), 2 Eastern newts, 42 wood frogs (+4 dead), 38 spring peepers (+3 dead), and 1 unidentified amphibian, for a total of 87 live amphibians (+9 dead).

Keene

So far this spring, our Salamander Brigade volunteers have moved 6,592 amphibians to safety. Only one of these amphibians was a two-lined salamander — so it’s a good thing Nate got a picture!
(photo © Nate Marchessault)

Jordan Road. Six stalwart salamander stewards spent almost two hours on patrol at Jordan Road before the thunderstorms sent them home. Together, they crossed 27 spotted salamanders, 11 Jefferson complex salamanders, 1 two-lined salamander, 5 red-backed salamanders, 14 wood frogs, and 2 spring peepers, for a total of 60 live amphibians and no dead! The salamanders really got going just as the thunder and lightning moved in. Thankfully, the road was once again closed to through-traffic, providing some measure of protection even after our Crossing Brigadiers had to leave for the night.

North Lincoln Street. The North Lincoln Street crew — ten frog fans in all! — counted 15 Eastern newts (+20 dead), 10 wood frogs, 114 spring peepers, and 3 green frogs (+1 dead), for a total of 142 live amphibians (+21 dead) in just over an hour on patrol. Many amphibians surely migrated in the heavy rain that accompanied the thunderstorm — protected until dawn by our third night of Big Night detours for the season. Big thanks to Morgan Prittie and Mary Verrilli for doing a roadside cleanup at this site the day before this migration!

Lempster

“First ever yellow spotted and I’m in love.❤️”
— new Crossing Brigade volunteer Kate Medeiros
(We told you that would happen…)
(photo © Theresa Liebert)

Allen Road. A dynamic duo investigated this new-to-us crossing site, providing safe passage for 4 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 4 red-backed salamanders, 1 live wood frog (+1 dead), 12 spring peepers, for a total of 21 live amphibians (+2 dead) in just over an hour. Kate said, “Yay! First ever yellow spotted and I’m in love.❤️”

Mountain Road. That same terrific twosome also spent 45 minutes at Mountain Road, where they crossed 6 wood frogs (+4 dead) and 1 green frog, and noted 1 road-killed spring peeper, 7 live frogs (+5 dead) in all.

Nelson

Nelson Road. Seven intrepid volunteers spent just under two hours at Nelson Road, and one more stopped to move spotties off the road at this site on her way home from another crossing. Collectively, they provided safe passage for 22 spotted salamanders, 10 Eastern newts (+15 dead), 1 red-backed salamander, 22 wood frogs (+4 dead), 10 spring peepers, and 3 American toads, for a total of 68 live amphibians (+19 dead) before the thunderstorms kicked into gear.

New Ipswich

Thayer Road. A terrific twosome crossed 1 red-backed salamander and 2 spring peepers in a thick fog at Thayer Road, for a total of 3 live amphibians in 40 minutes. The thunderstorms kept them indoors after that, but the next morning, they heard raucous wood frog and peeper chorusing at the wetland near this site — joyful evidence that many frogs had made it across the road on their own.

Sullivan

Valley Road. A solo salamander protector spent 40 minutes on Sullivan Road before lightning forced him inside; in that time, he provided safe passage for 3 spotted salamanders, 2 Eastern newts (+1 dead), 8 wood frogs, and 84 spring peepers (+11 dead). He also noted 1 unidentifiable dead amphibian. All together, that’s 97 live amphibians (+13 dead).

Our Crossing Brigade volunteers have safely shepherded nearly 600 spotted salamanders across roads this spring — including this one — and it’s not even April yet! (photo © Clint Spaar)

Walpole

Wilson Road. One frog fan explored this new-to-us site, where they crossed 21 spotted salamanders, 1 wood frog, 3 spring peepers, and 1 pickerel frog, for a total of 26 live amphibians in just over an hour of searching.

Westmoreland

Glebe Road. Seven busy Brigadiers spent just over two hours on patrol at Glebe Road, crossing 53 spotted salamanders, 12 Eastern newts (+5 dead), 7 red-backed salamander, 1 wood frog, an impressive 436 spring peepers (+34 dead), 1 bullfrog, 1 American toad, and 1 unidentified live amphibians, 512 live amphibians (+39 dead) in all. Two of those Brigadiers recently moved to Westmoreland from South Carolina and reported that “this was the coolest thing they had done since they moved to New Hampshire.” Photos from this crossing also appeared in this Brattleboro Reformer story, along with this lovely quote from Liza Serenqua, our longtime Site Coordinator for Glebe Road: “It’s pretty special and amazing, out there at night in the dark with headlamps and the creatures are moving.”

Wilton

You never know whoooo might show up on a Big Night. Click on the photo for a larger view of this visitor to the Forest Lake Road crossing in Winchester. (photo © Dana Kedziora)

Whiting Hill Road. The Carnival Hill crossing crew — 17 Brigadiers strong! — provided safe passage for 1 spotted salamander, 3 four-toed salamanders, 34 spring peepers (+7 dead), and 1 green frog, and found 1 dead red-backed salamander and 1 dead wood frog, for a total of 39 live amphibians (+9 dead) in two hours.

Winchester

Forest Lake Road. Two diehard salamander stewards crossed 24 spotted salamanders, 1 Eastern newt, 35 four-toed salamanders (+5 dead), 7 spring peepers (+8 dead), and 1 American toad, and recorded 1 dead wood frog, for a total of 68 live amphibians (+14 dead) in just over an hour. As they worked, they flushed a Barred Owl, who was — no doubt — also at Forest Lake Road just for the amphibian migration.

Further Afield

Our friends with the Squam Salamander Brigade also provided safe passage for dozens of spotted salamanders and more than 100 spring peepers at a crossing site in Moultonborough on March 31. Although we don’t include counts from outside of southwestern New Hampshire in our project totals, we’re delighted to see efforts like these taking root across the state!

Do you have amphibian tallies or photos to share from March 31? We’ll update this report and the Salamander Crossing Brigade album on Flickr as we receive more counts and photos, so send ’em our way!

A Big Night & A Big Milestone: 100,000 Crossings!

Big Smiles for a Big Night and a Big Milestone:
100,000 amphibian rescues since we started keeping good count in 2007! (photo © Brett Amy Thelen)

March 26 started off like any other migration night, but an hour or two after sunset, it turned into something historic when we hit the project’s 100,000-rescue mark. That’s right: since 2007, our Salamander Crossing Brigade volunteers have moved more than 100,000 individual amphibians out of harm’s way in southwestern New Hampshire alone! This is certainly cause for celebration, and we’re hatching some plans for celebrating in style — though they may have to wait until the hustle and bustle of salamander season is behind us.

Thursday was also impressive in its own right, with 193 Crossing Brigade volunteers providing safe passage for 3,817 live amphibians — and recording at least 213 roadkills — at a whopping 29 crossing sites throughout southwest New Hampshire. We also received reports from seven additional sites in central and southeastern parts of the state. This brings our season total to 5,328 amphibian rescues, with much more to come.

Read on for site-by-site details, listed alphabetically by town:

Concord

Fisk Road. Although the rain was predicted to start before sunset, it didn’t actually move into the Concord area until 10:20 p.m. One dedicated Brigadier took to the streets even at that late hour, patrolling Fisk Road until 1 a.m. (!) In that time, he crossed 2 spotted salamanders (+1 dead), 2 four-toed salamanders, 6 red-backed salamanders, 3 wood frogs (+3 dead), and 2 spring peepers (+5 dead), 15 live amphibians (+9 dead) in all.

Hoit Road. At this lesser-visited site, one frog fan crossed 7 wood frogs (+5 dead) and 8 spring peepers (+4 dead), for a total of 15 live frogs (+9 dead) in an hour of searching.

Long Pond Road. A night owl investigated this new-to-us site at 1 a.m. (!), crossing 5 spotted salamanders (+1 dead) and 1 Jefferson complex salamander, for a total of 6 live salamanders (+1 dead) in just 10 minutes.

During the breeding season, wood frog coloration can vary quite a bit. Female wood frogs (left) can appear pink, reddish, or orange in color, while male wood frogs (top-right) are often darker brown or gray-brown. By summer, these color differences will have largely faded, though females will remain lighter in color than males. (photo © Parker Root)

Dublin

Lower Jaffrey Road. A terrific trio crossed 2 wood frogs (+ recorded 1 dead) in 30 minutes at this new-to-us site. It had barely started raining at the time of their survey, so this crossing could turn out to be much busier in wetter weather.

Henniker

Old West Hopkinton Road. A solo salamander steward spent nearly two hours patrolling Old West Hopkinton Road, where she crossed 5 spotted salamanders, 1 red-backed salamander, 5 wood frogs (+1 dead), and 10 spring peepers (+3 dead), 21 live amphibians (+4 dead) in all.

River Road. Rain arrived later than anticipated in Henniker, so the River Road crew — 8 Brigadiers strong — did not find any amphibians in their two hours on patrol, but we applaud their efforts nonetheless!

Jaffrey

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: salamanders make people smile. (photo © Sarah Thomas)

Dublin Road, Gilmore Pond Road, Gilson Road, Route 124, and Sawtelle Road. One innovative Brigadier completed a 20-mile, four-hour bicycle route in search of amphibians (ending at 1 a.m.!), collectively crossing 21 spotted salamanders (+2 dead), 2 four-toed salamanders, 8 red-backed salamanders, 35 wood frogs (+5 dead), 46 spring peepers, 1 pickerel frog, and 2 American toads, for a total of 115 live amphibians (+6 dead). They noted heavy traffic on Route 124, saying, “This is not a spot I’d willingly mess around, but I missed my turn a block back and found myself on the main road.” In other words: check out those other sites on future migration nights if you wish, but steer clear of Route 124 for safety’s sake!

Route 137. Seven enthusiastic frog fans patrolled Route 137 in the vicinity of the Hope Baptist Church between 8 and 10:30 p.m., where they provided safe passage for 3 spotted salamanders, 43 wood frogs (+1 dead), and 9 spring peepers, 55 live amphibians (+1 dead) in all.

Keene

Arch Street. A terrific twosome spent two hours on patrol at Arch Street, crossing 6 spotted salamanders, 34 wood frogs (+15 dead), and 1 American toad, 41 live amphibians (+15 dead) in all.

Court Street and East Surry Road. A dedicated mother-daughter duo provided safe passage for 1 Eastern newt, 2 red-backed salamanders, 29 wood frogs (+12 dead), and 31 spring peepers (+9 dead), for a total of 63 live amphibians (+21 dead) in just under two hours.

Eastern Avenue. Two longtime Brigadiers counted the casualties on Eastern Ave, finding 1 dead wood frog and 4 dead spring peepers, for a total of 5 roadkilled frogs in just 15 minutes. The frogs of Eastern Avenue always need more help, but traffic moves very fast here, so it is not a family-friendly site.

In a case of art imitating life imitating art, plans are underway for New Hampshire’s very first amphibian underpasses at our Jordan Road crossing site in Keene — not unlike the story told in Safe Crossing by Kari Percival! Jordan Road was chosen because of the presence of Jefferson complex salamanders, which are a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in the Granite State — and because of our many years of Crossing Brigade data collection at Jordan Road, as well as our collaborations with the City of Keene on Big Night detours. 
(illustration © Safe Crossing by Kari Percival)

Sarah Stan has wanted to see a Jefferson complex salamander ever since learning about them in her high school environmental science class back in 2007. On March 26, she got her wish! (photo © Sarah Stan)

Jordan Road. Inspired by the news of the groundbreaking amphibian underpass project that will be coming to this crossing site in the not-too-distant future, a robust crew of 25 volunteers patrolled Jordan Road from 7 to 10:30 p.m. — and the amphibians did not disappoint! Together, the Jordan Road crew crossed 37 spotted salamanders, 45 Jefferson complex salamanders (+3 dead), 7 red-backed salamanders, 18 wood frogs, and 11 spring peepers (+1 dead), 114 live amphibians (+4 dead) in all. Traffic was thankfully lighter than usual, as the road was once again closed to through-traffic to protect amphibians on the move.

North Lincoln Street. It was a Huge Night at North Lincoln Street, as 67 volunteers and visitors counted 14 spotted salamanders, 18 Eastern newts (+1 dead), 2 red-backed salamanders, 233 wood frogs, a stunning 1,243 spring peepers (+13 dead), 1 gray tree frog, and 1 American toad, for a total of 1,512 live amphibians (+14 dead) in just four hours. Thankfully, Big Night detours were in place — ensuring safe passage for frogs and people alike from dusk to dawn.

Lempster

Mountain Road. A solo Brigadier investigated a new-to-us (and still partially frozen) site on Mountain Road, crossing 4 chilly wood frogs in just over an hour of searching.

Nelson

Granite Lake Road. A solo salamander steward conducted a short, sad survey on Granite Lake Road, counting 1 dead four-toed salamander, 1 dead wood frog, and 2 dead spring peepers, for a total of 4 dead amphibians in 15 minutes.

Nelson Road. Five frog fans spent an hour patrolling Nelson Road, where they crossed 6 wood frogs and 3 spring peepers (+1 dead), 9 live frogs in all. This site is still thawing out. The best is yet to come!

Peterborough

A hearty welcome to our newest Crossing Brigadier, 8-month-old Asa, who saw his very first spotted salamander on the Big Night of March 26! (photo © Sarah Thomas)

Sand Hill Road. A solo Brigadier crossed 6 wood frogs (+ noted 4 dead) in just 15 minutes at Sand Hill Road.

Summer Street. The dedicated Summer Street crew — 14 Brigadiers strong — spent four hours on patrol, providing safe passage for 3 spotted salamanders, 1 Eastern newt, 124 wood frogs (+7 dead), and 34 spring peepers (+2 dead), 162 live amphibians (+9 dead) in all. A very special welcome to our newest Brigadier, 8-month-old Asa!

Sullivan

Valley Road. Over the course of three separate shifts, a solo salamander shepherd crossed 2 spotted salamanders, 1 Eastern newt, 1 four-toed salamander, 42 wood frogs (+1 dead), 45 spring peepers (+2 dead), and 1 American toad, for a total of 92 live amphibians (+3 dead). He reported that all those peeper squats were “good exercise for total knee replacement.”

Swanzey

Swanzey Lake Road. Two amphibian aficionados surveyed Swanzey Lake Road from 8 to 9:30 p.m., counting and crossing 12 spotted salamanders (+2 dead), 12 four-toed salamanders (+1 dead), 10 wood frogs (+3 dead), 65 spring peepers (+14 dead), and 1 American toad, exactly 100 live amphibians (+20 dead) in all. Jacob, who is a new volunteer this spring, shared, “I’ve never seen a Spotted Salamander before. They’re sick!!” Yes. Yes, they are.

Westmoreland

In the words of new Crossing Brigade volunteer Jacob Whittle, who had never seen a spotted salamander before the Big Night of March 27, “They’re sick!!” ( (photo © Brett Amy Thelen)

Glebe Road. Eight dedicated Brigadiers answered the call at Glebe Road, providing safe passage for an incredible 191 spotted salamanders (+6 dead), 13 Eastern newts, 2 four-toed salamanders, 14 red-backed salamanders (+1 dead), and at least 337 spring peepers (+18 dead), for a total of 557 live amphibians (+25 dead) in three hours. There were simply too many peepers to count, so consider that number an underestimate!

River Road. Seven intrepid Brigadiers patrolled River Road from 7:30 to 9 p.m., crossing 18 spotted salamanders, 2 Jefferson complex salamanders, 1 Eastern newt, a whopping 309 wood frogs (+10 dead), and 55 spring peepers. Congrats to Lori on holding her very first spotted salamander!

Wilton

Whiting Hill Road. The Carnival Hill crew — 23 Brigadiers strong! — stayed out late, providing safe passage for 8 spotted salamanders, 1 four-toed salamander (tail-less!), 1 red-backed salamander (+1 dead), 3 wood frogs, 87 spring peepers (+5 dead), and 5 green frogs (+1 dead), for a total of 105 live amphibians (+7 dead) between 8 and 11:20 p.m.

Winchester

Our Crossing Brigade volunteers provided safe passage for more than 1,000 wood frogs on March 26 — including this dashing pair, who were escorted across Forest Lake Road in Winchester. (photo © Beckley Wooster)

Forest Lake Road. It was a four-toed fiesta at Forest Lake Road, where nine dedicated Brigadiers crossed 76 four-toed salamanders (!!) (+5 dead), 57 spotted salamanders (+3 dead), 2 Eastern newts (+2 dead), 13 red-backed salamanders, 114 wood frogs (+8 dead), 170 spring peepers (+21 dead), 1 pickerel frog, and 1 American toad, for a total of 434 live amphibians (+39 dead) in two hours.

Further Afield

Our friends with the Squam Salamander Brigade provided safe passage for hundreds of peepers and dozens of spotted salamanders at sites in Center Harbor and Moultonborough. We also received reports from folks in Auburn, Hampstead, Nashua, Newmarket, and Portsmouth. Although we don’t include counts from outside of southwestern New Hampshire in our project totals, we are grateful for these burgeoning efforts in other parts of the state — and we’re sure the amphibians are, too!

Do you have amphibian tallies or photos to share from March 26? We’ll update this report and the Salamander Crossing Brigade album on Flickr as we receive more counts and photos, so send ’em our way!

A Big Night to Welcome in the Spring…

Wood frogs stepped out in a big way in Keene on March 16. With temperatures in the 5os and a stirring spring rain, who could blame them? (photo © Brett Amy Thelen)

March 16 was a classic Big Night in Keene, where hundreds of frogs and scores of Jefferson salamanders marched toward spring in a steady, 55-degree rain. A handful of other Monadnock Region sites — still thawing out — saw more modest movement.

All together, 78 Crossing Brigadiers ensured safe passage for 1,500 individual amphibians — and recorded 84 roadkills — at 11 crossing sites during our first Big Night of the year, including the season’s first wood frogs, spring peepers, four-toed salamanders, spotted salamanders, and Jefferson complex salamanders. A promising start!

Read on for site-by-site details, listed alphabetically by town:

Jaffrey

Proctor and Harkness Roads. A terrific twosome investigated a new-to-us crossing site, providing safe passage for 7 wood frogs (+1 dead) and 11 spring peepers (+1 dead), for a total of 18 live frogs (+2 dead) in 90 minutes.

Keene

Eastern Avenue. One valiant volunteer braved the traffic on Eastern Avenue for nearly an hour and a half, where he crossed 17 wood frogs (+a dismaying 21 dead) and 3 spring peepers (+7 dead), 20 live frogs (+28 dead) in all. The frogs of Eastern Avenue always need more help, but traffic moves very fast here, so it is not a family-friendly site.

Our Crossing Brigade volunteers counted and crossed more Jefferson complex salamanders at Jordan Road on March 16, 2026 than on any other night since the project’s pilot year in 2005! In fact, our Brigadiers were so busy counting and crossing critters that they didn’t have time to take too many photos; this one is from 2025. (photo © Nina Duggan)

Jordan Road. Ten enthusiastic Crossing Brigadiers patrolled Jordan Road for just over three hours, providing safe passage for 5 spotted salamanders, 46 Jefferson complex salamanders (+3 dead), 68 wood frogs (+2 dead), and 33 spring peepers (+2 dead), 152 live amphibians (+7 dead) in all. This was a huge night for Jefferson salamanders at this site, with a single-night count higher than our entire season totals for all but three years since we started monitoring this site in 2005! Big Night detours were in place at Jordan Road on Monday night, but a complete road closure is not possible at this site, and local traffic must still pass through; seven vehicles drove through the crossing site during the time our volunteers were there, resulting in seven amphibian roadkills — including 3 Jefferson salamanders, which are an at-risk species in New Hampshire. These sobering numbers underscore why this site was chosen for New Hampshire’s very first amphibian underpass project, which is now in the planning and design phase. We look forward to sharing more information about this exciting project soon!

Amplexus (n.): the mating position of frogs and toads, in which the male clasps the female about the back. Usually, they do this in the wetland, but who are we to judge? (photo © Brett Amy Thelen)

North Lincoln Street. This was also our first Big Night detour of the season at North Lincoln Street — where a complete closure is possible — and we are so glad we closed the road! In just three hours, 50 volunteers counted 10 Eastern newts (+2 dead, from before the road was closed for the night), 1 red-backed salamander, 431 wood frogs (+1 dead), 739 spring peepers (+4 dead), and 1 American toad, for an incredible first-night total of 1,182 live amphibians (+7 dead). Rain continued well into the night, so the dusk-to-dawn road closure may well have saved thousands of amphibian lives. As is typical for the first Big Night of the season, the wetlands were quiet, but it won’t be long now before the chorusing begins…

New Ipswich

Thayer Road. A dedicated family of longtime Crossing Brigadiers spent an hour on patrol at this crossing site, which — lucky for them — is within walking distance of their house. Between 8 and 9 p.m., they counted and crossed 2 red-backed salamanders, 10 wood frogs (+4 dead), and 2 spring peepers, 14 live amphibians (+2 dead) in all. They said, “These creatures amaze us every year!” We couldn’t agree more.

Sullivan

Valley Road. A solo Brigadier scouted Valley Road, which is still quite snowy. He found 2 intrepid wood frogs (+1 dead) and 1 spring peeper, for a total of 3 live frogs (+ 1 dead) in 15 minutes of searching.

Swanzey

While not a record, March 16 is exceptionally early for red-backed salamanders to be out and about. Thanks to the Wilton crossing crew, this one made it safely across Whiting Hill Road. (photo © Donna Crane)

Matthews Road. In just over an hour at Matthews Road, one brave Brigadier crossed 5 spotted salamanders (+3 dead) and 2 wood frogs (+12 dead) and counted 13 road-killed spring peepers, for a total of 7 live amphibians (+28 dead). Matthews Road clearly needs more help, but traffic moves very fast here, so it is not a family-friendly site.

Swanzey Lake Road. A dedicated duo provided safe passage for 1 spotted salamander, 2 four-toed salamanders, 5 wood frogs (+1 dead), 7 spring peepers (+3 dead), and 1 green frog (a real surprise this early in the season!), for a total of 16 live amphibians (+4 dead) in one hour on patrol.

Westmoreland

River Road. A frog-loving family of five crossed 2 Jefferson complex salamanders, 47 wood frogs, and 6 spring peepers, for a total of 55 live amphibians in just 17 minutes. They said, “Wish we could have stayed out longer – they were everywhere!”

Wilton

Whiting Hill Road. Four fantastic frog fans spent just over two hours on patrol at Carnival Hill, crossing 1 spotted salamander, 1 red-backed salamander, 7 wood frogs (+1 dead), and 22 spring peepers (+2 dead), 31 live amphibians (+3 dead) in all. The frogs aren’t singing just yet, but the local woodcock provided a welcome soundtrack to their evening.

Winchester

Forest Lake Road. A father-daughter team patrolled Forest Lake Road — which is still largely bounded by ice and snow — for 45 minutes, counting and crossing the season’s first 2 four-toed salamanders. 

Do you have amphibian tallies or photos to share from March 16? We’ll update this report and the Salamander Crossing Brigade album on Flickr as we receive more counts and photos, so send ’em in!