Join this in-person, family friendly hike, shuffling through Shenandoah salamander territory. We will discuss the species found in the area, explore ideal habitats, talk about global & local threats, & explain how to ethically search for salamanders, & avoid disturbing or harming them when you enjoy nature. We will also retrieve traps that have been deployed in salamander habitat & hopefully have some local specimens to examine & identify.

The Appalachian Region & Blue Ridge Mountains are the global hotspot for salamanders, home to more species than anywhere else in the world. The cool, moist conditions found on the forest floor & rocky streams of this ancient mountain range provide ideal habitat for salamanders, with some species found nowhere else on Earth. Some species are found on only a few mountain peaks in the region. Check out this short movie from the Smithsonian.