FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
BOB ROTATORI - 216-635-3263 -or-
ALYSSA COOK-ALEXANDER - 216-635-3274
Amphibians are amazing creatures. Many people do not realize amphibians hold an important significance to the ecosystem.
Cleveland Metroparks invites everyone to discover amphibians through the following free programs in March:
Amphibians on the Move
Thursday, March 7 � 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Brecksville Nature Center � Brecksville Reservation
Each spring, hundreds of amphibians venture from within the forest to vernal or temporary pools to breed. Join Cleveland Metroparks Naturalist Kelly McGinnis and National Park Service Ranger Paul Motts for a two-part program on migrating amphibians. Part I introduces the amphibians. Part II is an evening hike when migrating conditions are just right. Registration, beginning March 1, is required. Brecksville Nature Center is located off Chippewa Creek Drive, off the Route 82 entrance of Brecksville Reservation in Brecksville. For more information and to register, call 440-526-1012.
Nature-ology: Amphibians
Saturday, March 16 � 1 - 3 p.m.
Look About Lodge � South Chagrin Reservation
Come and explore the muddy depths of Dragonfly Pond to learn more about salamanders, frogs and toads. Be prepared to get dirty. Look About Lodge is located at 37374 Miles Road in South Chagrin Reservation, between SOM Center Road/Route 91 and Chagrin River Road in Bentleyville. For more information, call 440-247-7075.
Secret Salamanders
Thursday, March 21 � 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Garfield Park Nature Center � Garfield Park Reservation
Young children will love learning more about the shy secretive salamander. Enjoy a story, make a fun craft and take a short hike to a salamander spot to look for some of these slippery creatures. Registration, beginning March 1, is required. This a program for children, ages 3 to 5 with an adult. Garfield Park Nature Center is located off the Broadway Avenue entrance of Garfield Park Reservation in Garfield Heights. For more information and to register, call 216-341-3152 or visit clevelandmetroparks.com.
Amphibian Adventures
Friday, March 22 � 7 - 9 p.m.
Look About Lodge � South Chagrin Reservation
Join Naturalist Carly Martin to search for amphibians that are out and about. Meet at the Lodge and caravan/carpool to different places in South Chagrin Reservation. Be prepared to be off-trail and encounter mud. This is a program for adults and children, ages 14 and older. Look About Lodge is located at 37374 Miles Road in South Chagrin Reservation, between SOM Center Road/Route 91 and Chagrin River Road in Bentleyville. For more information, call 440-247-7075.
Amphibian Adventure
Saturday, March 30 � 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Tinker's Creek Gorge Scenic Overlook � Bedford Reservation
The emergence of amphibians is an excellent sign that spring is on its way. Join a naturalist on this hike in Bedford Reservation to look for amphibians and other signs that spring is arriving. Prepare to get a little wet and muddy. Tinker's Creek Gorge Scenic Overlook is located off Gorge Parkway in Bedford Reservation, between Dunham and Egbert roads in Walton Hills. For more information, call 216-341-3152.
And, each year between early March and April, salamanders and frogs migrate back to the ponds, called vernal pools, where they were born to breed and lay eggs. This phenomenon occurs in a number of locations throughout Cleveland Metroparks, especially Brecksville Reservation - crossing Valley Parkway.
During the right conditions of warm and rainy weather, a portion of Valley Parkway in Brecksville Reservation is closed between 4 p.m. and 9 a.m. to allow the migration to occur without incident. During this migration season, Cleveland Metroparks staff will frequently be on hand at the Valley Parkway closing to answer questions. Brecksville Reservation closes at 11 p.m.
Protect these amphibians during their migration by respecting the following rules and regulations:
- Do not touch or handle amphibians - they breathe, in part, through their skin. Handling them can lead to illness, infection and even death for the animal.
- Stay on the road or all-purpose trail - As amphibians migrate to the vernal pools, it is difficult to see them. They are well-camouflaged and may be moving under leaves and hiding under logs. Do not enter the woods around the ponds; stay on the pavement.
- Use a flashlight and extreme caution - If walking at night in the Park District, each person should use a flashlight to illuminate every step taken. These amphibians are small and very difficult to see in the dark. Please walk slowly and carefully. One wrong step can crush an animal.
Collecting amphibians or any other animal along with damaging, disturbing or removing any part of the Park District including plants and rocks is strictly prohibited.
For general information, call Cleveland Metroparks Administrative Offices at 216-635-3200. For specific salamander or frog migration information in Brecksville Reservation, call Brecksville Nature Center at 440-526-1012.
Discover the amazing world of amphibians with Cleveland Metroparks - part of your life, naturally.
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