Simsbury Steps Up To Save The Tiniest Of Creatures

SIMSBURY, CT — The local community recently came together to help the smallest of creatures survive another winter's rest.

The Town of Simsbury’s Department of Public Works and the Simsbury Land Trust coordinated efforts on Friday, March 20, to protect migrating amphibians during the seasonal event known as “Big Night.”

According to the town, this is when frogs, salamanders, and other species travel to breeding pools on warm, rainy spring nights.

Public works officials said the migration typically occurs when temperatures hover around 40 degrees Fahrenheit with wet conditions, prompting amphibians to emerge from winter dormancy and move toward vernal pools to reproduce.

One such migration hotspot in Simsbury is Town Forest Road.

To reduce vehicle-related deaths, the town posted warning signs at both ends of Town Forest Road and encouraged drivers to use alternate routes that night.

The road runs through a large wetland area that intersects a key migration path.

Meanwhile, volunteers from the Simsbury Land Trust monitored the area and assisted amphibians crossing the road.

Officials said such efforts are necessary because vehicles can pose a significant threat during peak migration nights.

“Cars that travel the road on this Big Night tend to run over these small amphibians that are an important part of our ecosystem,” the town said in a March 20 notice.

The town and land trust also invited residents to observe the migration.

On Wednesday, the Simsbury Land Trust publicly thanked all those who made the effort happen.

"Thank you to the Town of Simsbury and the Department of Public Works for their efforts in helping us during Big Night,'” wrote the land trust on social media.

"This event marks the time when amphibians emerge and travel to vernal pools to reproduce. Please remember to drive with caution on Town Forest Road during spring rain nights when amphibians may be crossing the road. You can safely stop and help move them out of the way to safety."

As for the future, public works officials urged drivers to remain cautious on rainy spring nights, noting that vernal pools across the region attract migrating amphibians.

Residents who encounter amphibians on roadways may stop and gently move them out of harm’s way, officials said.