Addressing Amphibian Road Mortality in the Northeastern U.S.

Brett Thelen, Science Director for Conservation at the Harris Center for Conservation Education, and Dr. Brad Timm, Post-doctoral Researcher at UMass Amherst, are collaborating on this applied research project to determine the effectiveness of citizen science (specifically, salamander crossing brigades) on amphibian conservation.  Ms. Thelen and Dr. Timm will develop and refine protocols for measuring the benefits of these efforts at a pilot site, and prepare to engage groups and researchers throughout the northeastern U.S. in their findings.  It is expected that this research project will uncover further research opportunities, and that it will contribute significantly to the development of best practices for amphibian conservation.  Thelen has worked wtih citizen scientists for the Harris Center to help engage them in conservation actions and Dr. Timm hopes to see this project become a springboard for a wider network of citizen conservation practitioners and scientists that can improve conservation outcomes for sensitive species and habitats.