The Western New York Land Conservancy is hosting a special talk with Twan Leenders, president of the Roger Tory Peterson Institute and expert herpetologist, at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23 at Grand Island Town Hall, 2255 Baseline Road.
Each spring, salamanders have a “big night” where they all — that’s right, all of them at once — come out of their forest homes and migrate back to the seasonal woodland pools where they were born. They breed at these same pools. The public is invited to come find out more about these quiet but amazing amphibians and how we can help with their survival.
Salamanders are extremely valuable members of our region’s ecosystems. They are abundant in North American forests and eat many of the insects in the leaf litter on the forest floor. The salamanders’ role as a predator plays an essential role in maintaining the health of the forest and mitigating global warming.
“There are a number of places on Grand Island that are ideal breeding locations for salamanders,” said Nancy Smith, executive director of the Western New York Land Conservancy. “We hope people can join us at this presentation and keep their eyes open for salamander migrations on their big night this spring.”
This event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided. Advanced registration is requested at abignightforsalamanders.eventbrite.com or call (716) 687-1225.
The Western New York Land Conservancy is a regional, not-for-profit land trust that permanently protects land with significant conservation value in Western New York for future generations. The Land Conservancy envisions a future in which meadows, forests, farmlands, wildlife habitat and scenic beauty are cherished and protected as part of the landscape and character of Western New York. The Land Conservancy is accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission and is one of 1,700 land trusts nationwide, including 90 in New York State. Land trusts have protected 40 million acres over the last 20 years. For more information on upcoming events, volunteer opportunities or the mission of the Western New York Land Conservancy, please call (716) 687-1225 or visit www.wnylc.org.
