The weather conditions are close to being possible for Big Night in Amherst. Big Night is the first night of rain and temperatures over 40 degrees when salamander and amphibian migration usually takes place from uplands to vernal pools. On Big Night Amphibian mortality can be especially high on roads as amphibians cross roadways in search of their resident vernal pools.
On Henry Street the salamander tunnels 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. In anticipation of Big Night, to limit amphibian mortality and keep volunteers safe we will be temporarily closing a portion of Henry Street to through traffic on the anticipated dates. The Town will have digital signage posted at the site to alert vehicles. If you are traveling in this area in the coming nights, please be mindful of the potential of this event.
Due to uncertain weather conditions, movement of amphibians may occur on more than one night over the next few weeks. The Town and the Hitchcock Center will make every effort to provide updates for those interested in volunteering at the site and for people who use this section of Henry Street. The Hitchcock Center will update their phone message for salamanders by 5:00pm that night if they see any movement. You can call 413-256-6006 and select 3 to hear updates about the salamanders or look at the Hitchcock Centers' Salamander page on facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1597484666933278
For more information on Big Night or the Henry Street Salamander Tunnels, please visit https://www.hitchcockcenter.org/programs/henry-street-salamander-tunnels/
