RE: [vernalpool] GITW/NEWFS Framingham area migration

Can I get a survey?

I realize this is a vernal pool listserv but I still cringe when exact
locations are broadcast. Back in the day, we never broadcast vernal pool
locations or other important animal habitats. This site is in fact, in
my backyard and over the years there have been larger and rowdier groups
of children brought here to run and play in the midst of the migration.
Most of these kids are too young to appreciate what they're seeing or to
be controllable. I have seen mayhem and carnage that would make a grown
man cry.

Other vernal pools are in terrain difficult enough that they are
self-limiting. This site is a narrow, secluded road with a pond on each
side and few or no cars on a given night. But the road gets blocked off
for migration. This eliminates the rare car, but leaves the road open
and safe to let the children run free. Unfortunately the children have
enough footing on this road to literally run up and down the road,
stepping on salamaders and frogs and creating about the same kill level
that would have occured if they left it open to the cars. Further, many
parents encourage the kids to pick up and carry the salamanders, even
make a pile of them as a photo opportunity. How many of them have insect
repellent on their hands?

I love kids; I love herps, I love education. But something is awry here
and has been for many years.

Nicola Cataldo

________________________________

From: vernalpool@yahoogroups.com [mailto:vernalpool@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of Peter Skrzypczak
Sent: Monday, April 04, 2011 9:59 PM
To: vernalpool@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [vernalpool] GITW/NEWFS Framingham area migration

Sighted at least 12-15 yellow spotted salamanders on land, and at least
8-12 swimming and splashing in a slightly murky vernal pool.

One peeper in the road.
Two wood frogs.
One red eft.

This at about 9:20PM until 9:35 PM, quick spot check.

NEWFS staff onsite outside fence, also observing, were there when I
arrived.

From other arrivals, heard parents and children were there earlier.

Peter Skrzypczak
Marlborough, MA

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