Mengel Natural History Society   (14Feb2024)

Herp Helper Night - Feb-Mar 2024

French Creek State Park, PA

 
This is your opportunity to see the annual migration of salamanders from woodlands to vernal ponds and at the same time to help them do so safely. Spotted Salamanders and the smaller 4-toed Salamanders do this on one or two evenings in late winter (February or March) each year when the weather and temperature is just right. French Creek State Park is one of the few places you (and your children or grandchildren) can see this happen.


 
Hello Everyone,

I would be delighted to send you an email when the predicted weather conditions are conducive for migration (temperatures above 40 F, cover of darkness, steady showers/rain). The notice will be sent a day before the event. Sign up to receive the notice by sending an email to
. Hopefully the amphibians will be as "excited" to move as we are to see them do so!

We will plan to run our operation as follows: BEFORE March 10th 6-10pm; AFTER March 10th 7-10pm. You are welcome to participate even if it is for just a portion of the evening.

Please note: The onset of high winds, lightning or other hazardous-to-human weather conditions immediately ends our operation. If these conditions begin you are to go to the headquarters building as soon as possible to return your gear and check out.

On migration nights you are reminded to do the following:

1. Check in at the French Creek State Park Headquarter lobby (located on Park Road) to sign in, pick up a reflective safety vest and a data collection sheet. For "First Timers" we will provide a "crash course" on the identification of the amphibians, proper methods of moving them across the road, and data collection.

2. Wear warm, rainproof clothing.

3. Bring flashlights that have fresh batteries

4. Don't wear heavy perfumes or lotions as these can be absorbed through the amphibians' skin.

5. NEVER attempt to direct, slow or stop traffic. When you see vehicles coming get several feet off the road. DO NOT ATTEMPT a last ditch effort to save any critter when you see a vehicle coming. You do not want to startle drivers by running out in front of them to rescue a toad or salamander. as that could result in them losing control of their car and swerving.

6. ALWAYS put your own safety, and that of others - whether they are on foot or driving - first.

7. If you are bringing children it is recommended that you work along South Entrance Road as it is barricaded from traffic on both ends. BE AWARE, though, that there have been instances that drivers disregarded the barricades and drove the road.

8. Cell phone coverage is very spotty in the park.

All volunteers are asked to complete the Conservation Volunteer form. It is available online at: https://www.volunteers.dcnr.state.pa.us/VolunteerApplication.aspx. If you have filled this out in the past, you do not need to do so again.

Sally Rally t-shirt samples will be on display and may be ordered on migration nights or via email to me.

Welcome spring by joining us in "Helping the Herps"!

Directions to French Creek State Park    GPS DD: Lat. 40.19824 Long. -75.79285