Big Night Amphibian Migration Is at Hand

Source: Amherstma.gov

Every year, the Town of Amherst partners with the Hitchcock Center for the Environment during the “Big Night” amphibian migrations. Portions of Henry Street will be temporarily closed to through traffic on anticipated migration dates to ensure safety for amphibians and volunteers.  

Current weather forecasts indicate that migrations could begin Saturday night (March 7) when temperatures exceed 40 degrees and rain is expected. However, it’s still early in the season and the ground is frozen so it’s unclear when the major population movement may occur. Due to uncertain weather conditions, movement of amphibians may occur on more than one night over the next few weeks, potentially through late March or early April. 

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. On Big Night, amphibian mortality can be especially high on roads as amphibians cross in search of their resident vernal pools. The salamander tunnels on Henry Street serve to shepherd the amphibians safely from the uplands on the east side of Henry Street, to the vernal pools to the west. During Big Night, volunteers gather in the area to aid amphibians’ safe crossing.  

If you plan to volunteer, please do not park on Henry Street. Parking will be available in the Cushman Market lot and the lot opposite Cushman Market, or come in from the North and park at Cushman Scott Children’s Center on Henry St then walk to the tunnels. Thanks to both Cushman Market and Cushman’s Scott Children’s Center for allowing volunteers to use their parking. Carpooling is recommended to limit the number of cars and prioritize salamander safety. 

In anticipation of Big Night, to limit amphibian mortality and keep volunteers safe, the town will be temporarily closing a portion of Henry Street to through traffic on the anticipated dates. There will also be signage posted at the site to alert vehicles. If you are traveling in this area in the coming weeks, please be mindful of the potential of this event. Updates will continue to be posted on the town website and through the Hitchcock Center.

For more information about Big Night and the Henry Street Salamander Tunnels:  

• View the Hitchcock Center’s website.
• Join the Facebook Group: Hitchcock’s Big Night Migrations Group
• Call the Hitchcock Visitor Center at 413-256-6006. After hours, there will be recorded updates.
• Contact Hitchcock Educator and Camp Director Jeff Mazur (jeff@hitchcockcenter.org)