Big Night Amphibian Migrations
Big Migrations “Big Nights”
Henry Street separates salamanders and other amphibians from vernal pools (small temporary ponds) and other wetlands where they migrate every spring to mate and to lay eggs. This migration is known as “Big Night” but is actually a few Big Nights, Medium Nights, and Small Nights with just a few amphibians to be seen on their journeys. These Big Migrations can take place any time from March – early May in New England.
In 1987, the Hitchcock Center for the Environment, Amherst Department of Public Works, University of Massachusetts, Massachusetts Audubon Society, and local residents worked together to build two tunnels, 200 feet (61m) apart, and short “drift fences” to guide migrating salamanders into the tunnels. These are the first amphibian migration tunnels installed in North America in 1987. Today, the Hitchcock Center maintains these important migratory tunnels with volunteers to ensure that they remain free of debris and that the drift fences are mended after the heavy winter snow.
History of the Henry Street Salamander Tunnels
Every year after the first spring rains in Amherst, volunteer “bucket brigades” used to stop traffic along Henry Street to carry migrating spotted salamanders safely across the road on Big Night.
Henry Street separates salamanders from the vernal pools (small temporary ponds) where they migrate every spring to mate and to lay eggs. When word spread about the animals’ plight, the British Fauna and Floral Preservation Society and ACO Polymer in Germany provided funds for an experimental tunnel project on Henry Street. In 1987, the Hitchcock Center for the Environment, Amherst Department of Public Works, University of Massachusetts, Massachusetts Audubon Society, and local residents worked together to build two tunnels, 200 feet (61m) apart, and short “drift fences” to guide migrating salamanders into the tunnels. Today, the Hitchcock Center maintains these important migratory tunnels with volunteers to ensure that they remain free of debris and that the drift fences are mended after the heavy winter snow.
Our gratitude to W.D. Cowls Inc. and the Jones Family for allowing the Henry Street Salamander Tunnel project to be built on their land, and for their collaboration in the tunnels’ ongoing operation and maintenance.
Stay updated about local amphibians!
Interested in joining us to help with tunnel maintenance? Visit our volunteer page to submit an application.
For more about the salamanders and the Henry Street tunnels, check out this Highlights Magazine article, read the coverage from the 2023 migration season from the Massachusetts Daily Collegian, and follow Hitchcock Center on social media.
Stay up-to-date on Big Migrations and volunteer opportunities for local wildlife by joining our Hitchcock Center: Henry Street Salamander Tunnels facebook group, by joining our email list, and by calling our Visitor’s Center at 413-256-6006 where we will record information about amphibian movement for you to listen to.
Big Night Instructions
Download a pdf version of these instructions.
Big Night occurs each spring when spotted salamanders and wood frogs migrate from their winter woodland habitats to nearby vernal wetlands to breed. During the first warm spring rains, in March or sometimes as late as April, after dark and with a stable temperature of 40 degrees F or above amphibians are likely to be moving.
If you are considering visiting the Henry Street tunnels for Big Night, we ask that you please consider the following guidelines to help keep the salamanders, frogs, and humans safe.
- Please take East Pleasant to Pine Street and park at Cushman. Then walk up Pine Street to Henry Street.
- Please do not cross over the fence with orange tape on it. Stay on the road side of these fences.
- If you need any help or have any questions, please ask a volunteer who will have a yellow reflective vest on.
- If you have reflective clothing, please wear it for safety.
- Please do not touch the animals unless they are in danger while on the road. If you do have to help one, please do not carry them in your hands, use a wet leaf. The very best thing to do is find the volunteers whose job will be to have buckets ready for collecting critters on the road.
- Please make sure your flashlights are covered in red cellophane because regular light can impact the migrating creatures. We do have a supply of cellophane so please ask for some.
- Be very careful if you have to cross the road as the vehicles can have difficulty seeing you. Do not take any chances, car will not be asked to slow down.
- Please be aware of where your children are at all times and make sure they and you know the rules to correctly enjoy the salamander and frog migration. For young children, please accompany them at all times for everyone’s safety.
Taking Notes and Submitting Data
You can download this PDF to help us track amphibian movement when you go out to Henry Street for Big Migrations this spring!
Download and print the PDF and bring it, a clipboard, and pencil to where there is predicted amphibian movement, and fill out the form. Remember to wear reflective, bright clothing and take caution on the road!
Then, either take a picture of your form and email it to Hitchcock Environmental Educator Jeff Mazur, or scan the QR code on the form and submit your notes through our new convenient Google Form.
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