Spring is right around the corner, and Nature is gearing up to embrace it. As you plan out your March, too, why not plan a few hours to celebrate the season? Geauga Park District has a couple programs to suggest.
For starters, go to Geauga Park District or call 440-286-9516 to get your name on the Frog Fest & Salamander Call List. Then, on some warm, rainy night between March 1st and April 10th, park staff will call you earlier in the day to come out to The West Woods that night at 8:00 p.m. and witness the spring breeding behavior of Wood Frogs, Spring Peepers and possibly large salamanders as they move into woodland pools. Please dress for the weather and bring a flashlight to study this natural phenomenon!
Then on Saturday, March 24th, at 9:00 a.m., no registration is required to accompany Field Naturalist Tami Gingrich for March of the Salamanders, visiting several vernal pools at Big Creek Park to check preset traps in search of Spotted and Jefferson salamanders and other aquatic critters. These large amphibians, known as mole salamanders, awaken during the first warm, rainy nights of spring and make their annual migration into woodland pools. Once there, they mate and deposit their egg masses before heading back into the forest for another year. Salamanders will also be examined up close and checked for health before being released.
Cameras are welcomed and encouraged at both programs. Activities will be wheelchair/stroller accessible during the call list program, but not during March of the Salamanders. Please call 440-286-9516 with questions.
For more on Geauga Park District offerings, please call 440-286-9516 or visit Geauga Park District online at Geauga Park District, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube.
