As we get settled into the new 47-acre BRC Conservation Campus, we’re working on an inventory of the various residents of the green spaces and on the trail. We went out into the woods with naturalist Paul Laurent one rainy evening to look for salamanders, and found dozens! The identified species include: white-spotted slimy, grey-cheeked, blue ridge two-lined, red, blue ridge dusky, red-backed, and black-bellied. We also found a wood frog, a pickerel frog, and a garter snake (who was no doubt looking for the same salamanders we were).

Salamanders are an indicator species, meaning that due to their susceptibility to environmental changes, a healthy population suggests a healthy ecosystem. We are thrilled to be sharing our new home with these fascinating creatures.