Salamander Migration Has New Citizen Science Component

Each spring, blue-spotted salamanders emerge from their underground burrows at Presque Isle Park in Marquette and venture across the road to lay their eggs. Northern Michigan University students have been involved in conservation, data collection and public education efforts for this annual event, but this year, the general public is invited to play a more active role in salamander migration research. Northern Michigan University Biology Department Head Jill Leonard encourages community members to participate in the Marquette Citizen Science Project.

"The public tends to take photos of the salamanders anyway, so the idea with this project is that they will simply place a small ruler next to each salamander, snap a quick photo of both together, and upload the images to the iNaturalist platform so we can build a long-term data set. Over time, we may be able to recognize the same individuals coming back.

"This project also addresses a common theme in citizen projects: data quality. These standardized tools, such as the ruler, help make public contributions more useful and reliable. Beyond research, the initiative aims to deepen community engagement with conservation efforts, encouraging people to observe the world around them. It gives them a way to participate and have a valid experience. It also helps them understand science and encourages respect for the animals."

Anyone who chooses to participate will be given a small ruler and instructed on how to use it. The ruler not only measures length, but also includes standardized markings that allow researchers to identify color and pattern differences.

The salamanders' migration has become a well-known event. An NMU alumnus who saw too many of them squished to death by vehicle traffic years ago convinced the city to close a section of the park road in the evenings while they are moving. In previous years, community members frequently attended the migration, but opportunities for direct participation were slim.

NMU students will continue to play a predominant role. About 200 have been trained this season, with roughly 90 actively participating in roles that include public outreach and data collection. Student leaders, known as salamander stewards and rangers, help coordinate nightly activities and guide visitors.

The migration is highly dependent on environmental conditions, particularly temperature and moisture. While exact timing varies each year, migrations typically occur on damp evenings when temperatures are at or slightly above freezing. This project is currently taking place nightly after dusk; the end date varies depending on conditions throughout the next few weeks.

Visitors are encouraged to follow guidelines to protect both themselves and the salamanders. Organizers ask participants to stay on the pavement, avoid picking up the animals, and use flashlights and phone lights responsibly. Drivers are also reminded to respect road closures during migration periods.

Although salamanders are not considered endangered, Leonard said the project reflects a proactive approach to conservation.

"These salamanders are actually in good shape," Leonard said. " They're not threatened. They're relatively common animals, yet this community loves them anyway. We're doing conservation work before they get in trouble, which I think is awesome."

As the project launches, organizers hope it will continue to grow in the coming years, expanding both its scientific value and community impact. For step-by-step instructions, head to: https://sites.google.com/nmu.edu/jileonar-jill-leonard-lab/presque-isle-salamanders

For questions about the project, contact Jill Leonard at [email protected]