Restoring and managing habitat for amphibians and reptiles requires knowledge beyond plants. In bringing the health back to our lands we are regenerating habitat and reestablishing ecosystems. This is not a linear process and involves more than plants. It involves using a variety of management techniques in differing seasons and tailored to various species. It’s certainly not a one-size-fits-all plan. When you read these guidelines by Rebecca Christoffel, it becomes clear the special needs of our herptiles. [Read more…] about Restoring and Managing Habitat with Amphibians and Reptiles
Reptiles & Amphibians
Bio Blitz-ing
I attended my first insect bio blitz last Saturday (26 Jul 2014) at the Erickson Wetlands in Argyle, WI. The Driftless Area Land Conservancy (DALC) is responsible for this fabulous new land legacy which encompasses 220-acres of diverse habitat which contains multiple sloughs and oxbow lakes and over a mile of Pecatonica River frontage. [Read more…] about Bio Blitz-ing
Frogcicles
As the thermometer suddenly dipped low this week to single digits and below-zero temps, my thoughts go to the critters outside and how they are surviving and dealing with this cold. Most recently, I’ve been thinking of and reading about amphibians. [Read more…] about Frogcicles
A Chorus of Song
The Western Chorus frogs (Pseudacris triseriata), now known as the Midland Chorus frogs, are singing loud and clear. Their voices are huge and can be heard from a ½ mile away! Their name was changed when it was discovered that their range was much smaller than originally thought. [Read more…] about A Chorus of Song
Spring Peepers
Spring has sprung, according to our amphibian friends. The Spring Peepers are one of the first frogs to start calling and they were out in fury last night. They live in moist woods but breed in adjacent wetlands. They stay pretty much to the ground and hibernate under logs and loose bark. We don’t keep a “tidy” woods so this is perfect for them and with the neighboring spring-fed stream, they are pretty happy. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing them before, but it’s rare. [Read more…] about Spring Peepers
