Courtesy photo

ALPENA — The spring salamander survey conducted by Huron Pines went ahead as planned last week. Overall, participants found more than two dozen salamanders across three species — red-backed salamanders, a yellow-spotted salamander and a newt. This annual event helps gauge the overall health of the preserve by monitoring the prevalence and species diversity of these small creatures which are highly sensitive to changes in their forest wetland ecosystem.

This year Huron Pines instituted a “no-touch” policy, meaning we did not handle the salamanders to further minimize disturbance. The event is a particularly fun experience for young volunteers as well as adults who have never seen a salamander before.