Windham, CT – Join herpetologist Dr. Susan Herrick from the University of Connecticut’s Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology (EEB) to search for hidden herpetofauna, including frogs, salamanders, snakes and more in the field! The Connecticut State Museum of Natural History (CSMNH) is partnering with Joshua’s Tract Conservation and Historic Trust to host a field-learning activity with Dr. Herrick to uncover common Connecticut herps in their native habitat. The community is invited to learn about local Connecticut amphibians and reptiles and how scientists use coverboards to regularly observe these animals in the field. Herrick will guide partcipants through a field site managed by Joshua’s Trust, where participants will search for herpetofauna, learn about their behaviors, and the habitats where these animals are usually found.

Dr. Herrick is an Associate Professor in Residence in the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at the University of Connecticut. She studies herpetology and behavioral ecology, with particular interest in social behavior and acoustic interactions among frogs. During this guided walk, Dr. Herrick will explain the ecology and behavior of common herps found in local forests. In addition, participants will learn about data collection for a new long-term census of herpetofauna that are attracted to wooden coverboards. 

Coverboards are artificial habitats placed in nature by scientists that small animals seek out and use for shelter. Scientists place boards of various sizes in wooded areas near water and visit them on a regular schedule. They count the number and variety of animals they observe to learn about the different species who make the forest home. Information such as air, soil, and water tempturure are recorded to learn more about the local environment. This joint research project between the CSMNH and EEB aims to gather data about the animals that live in the Allanach-Wolf Woodlands, a property managed by Joshua’s Trust.

Recommended for participants aged 8 and up; those 16 and under must be accompanied by a chaperone. This hike is along maintained trails but may be challenging for some. It may include hilly, wet areas and forays off trail to view coverboards and vernal pools, which could involve walking through some areas of dense vegetation and mud (depending on prior rainfall). Appropriate clothing and protective gear (sun/rain/mud) is required, and sturdy footwear and long pants are recommended. This event will be held rain or shine!

Visit https://csmnh.uconn.edu/programs for more information and to register.

If you require an accommodation to participate in this event, please contact the CSMNH at 860-486-4460 or [email protected] by Friday August 30, 2024.

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Contact: Elizabeth Barbeau

860-486-4460 | [email protected]

Web: csmnh.uconn.edu | joshuastrust.org

Facebook: @CSMNH |@joshuastrust

Instagram: @ctnaturalhistory | @joshuas_trust