It’s the time of year to make way for salamanders at Wesselman Park. WNIN’s John Gibson has details:
After a delay caused by the recent snowfall, the team at Wesselman is starting the annual road closures inside the park.
The closures are a part of an annual effort to protect native salamander species and conduct research on the population health over time.
Officials say salamanders emerge from hibernation around February each year to begin travelling toward nearby wetlands for mating.
Salamanders must cross at least one road to reach the vernal pool in the middle of Wesselman Park to find a mate.
To ensure a safe salamander crossing, the park loop is closed to traffic near the Nature Preserve.
The gate closures will take place from dusk to dawn Monday through Friday. Gates will be closed from 4 p.m. to 9 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
Officials say the closures should not affect normal park usage.
The closures will end April 4th.