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Maine Big Night
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
Have you ever been driving during the spring and felt like you were in a giant game of Frogger? That is due to the massive amphibian migrations that happen on warm, wet, spring nights. Frogs and salamanders emerge from their winter slumber and go in search of vernal pools to start the next generation. Unfortunately, due to this extreme game of Frogger, many of
these amphibians never make it to the vernal pools. Maine Big Night (MBN) was created to change that.
Every year between March 15 and May 15 the community scientists volunteering with MBN watch the weather with anticipation. They are looking for it to be damp and for the temperature to creep about 45 degrees after the sun goes down, the perfect conditions for amphibians. Then, they go out to designated sites and get to work. Certified volunteers keep track of what animals they see along the road and submit it to MBN, uncertified volunteers get to help spot, identify, and carry the animals they find along the way. Alive or dead each amphibian is counted and moved off the road in the direction they were heading.
Why would people be willing to walk in the road, after dark, in the rain? Everyone has their own reason. Some want to help identify places where safe
crossings need to be created. Others might love frogs and salamanders and therefore hate that something as "simple" as roadkill can cause a localized decline in the population. Still others might recognize that when the number of amphibians declines, so do
other beloved animals that rely on them for a food source; especially after long winters. Whatever the reason the number of MBN volunteers continues to grow and the data they collect is creating change for the amphibians of Maine.
Why does ACT care about Maine Big Night?
There are vernal pools all over the state of Maine, including in Arundel. Our motto is "connecting conservation with community" and MBN is doing just that. We are excited to partner with Kennebunkport Conservation Trust and Kennebunk Land Trust to adopt a site in 2026 and help the amphibians in our area this spring.
To find out more about Maine Big Night or to get involved use the links below.
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