A Celebration of Big Night

There’s a particular beauty to the sounds of spring. For many people, the chirping of spring peepers is a beloved reminder of the renewal and vitality that comes with the changing of the seasons. These small, tree-frog-like amphibians produce a loud, high-pitched chorus of peeps and trills, which can be heard from miles away. The peeper’s distinctive calls are a hallmark of spring and help tell us that our amphibious neighbors are on the move.

In a recent Nature Links class, we celebrated “Big Night”. Big Night is the annual event that marks the spring migration of salamanders and frogs as they make their way from the forests to the vernal pools to breed. Big Night (or several Big Nights) typically occurs between March 15 and May 15 when the ground begins to thaw and the first rains of spring arrive. Ideal conditions for amphibians to make the move include rainy nighttime temperatures around 45 degrees. On these special nights, salamanders and frogs emerge from their winter hiding places in the forest, and start their journey toward nearby vernal pools. These pools are temporary bodies of water that form in depressions in the forest floor, and are essential breeding grounds for amphibians.

The migration of salamanders and frogs on Big Night is a truly amazing spectacle to witness. Hundreds or even thousands of these creatures can be seen moving across roads, trails, and fields, as they make their way to their breeding grounds.

Big Night is not only a thrilling event for nature enthusiasts, but it also serves an important ecological purpose. Salamanders and frogs play a crucial role in maintaining the health of Maine's forests and wetlands. As predators, they help to control insect populations, while their eggs and tadpoles provide food for other species like fish, birds, and snakes.

But Big Night can be a dangerous experience for amphibians, a class of creatures that is already quite vulnerable. Numerous factors, such as global environmental changes, habitat destruction, diseases, and chemical pollution appear to be contributing to amphibian population declines. Some scientists estimate that up to half of all amphibian species are at risk of extinction. When these already sensitive animals begin their journey across roads and highways to vernal pools up to a half-mile away, they face even more danger. Estimates say up to 1/3 of amphibians die while trying to gain access to their breeding habitats. Dedicated volunteers across the state help ensure safe crossing through a program begun by former graduate student Greg LeClair. The program aims to protect amphibians and raise awareness about the animals that are crucial to our local ecosystems.

A group of volunteers wears reflective clothing as they help salamanders, frogs, and toads avoid cars on Big Night.

Here at Nature Links, we celebrated Big Night by learning about vernal pools, discussing what makes amphibians so vulnerable, and practicing amphibian identification. From the spotted salamander to the Eastern newt to the wood frog and, of course, the spring peeper, Nature Links students learned to identify several common Big Night participants. We even used the game-based learning platform Kahoot to test our knowledge of these slippery friends. Some students were inspired to explore upcoming Big Night opportunities in their local areas and others pledged to spread the word about ways we can all help protect the future of amphibians.

Cards and visuals can help make identifying Maine’s amphibians easy and fun. Nature Links participants learned about various amphibians, including the spring peeper, a 1-inch-long frog that can freeze solid in winter and still survive due to a natural “antifreeze” in its blood.

Big Night in Maine is a unique and awe-inspiring event that showcases the beauty and diversity of nature in the state. By taking part in events and learning about the importance of these creatures in the ecosystem, we can all appreciate and help protect these amazing amphibians for generations to come.