News Feature: “Spring marks the return of our region’s wildlife, including amphibians” from WSHU

April 19, 2023

Tim Abbott, HVA’s Regional Conservation Director, is featured in this article by Sabrina Garone from WSHU.

“When you think about the arrival of spring, there are probably a few things you look forward to — birds chirping, flowers blooming or maybe bears coming out of hibernation.

For Tim Abbott, a conservation director with the Housatonic River Valley Association, it’s the mass migration of amphibians.

‘The first warm spring rains, usually in the middle of March, are the signal for a range of amphibians to emerge from hibernation,’ Abbott said. ‘If they move in sufficient numbers when the conditions are right, we call it a ‘big night’.’

In Northwestern Connecticut, the first so-called “big night” this year for salamanders, frogs and toads happened on March 23. Abbott was out in woods with other volunteers to see the animals in action….”

Tim Abbott/Housatonic River Valley Association: In northwestern, Connecticut, a salamander emerges from hibernation on the first “big night” of Spring.