Looking for Volunteers
I’m passing along information on a volunteer opportunity. The Western PA Conservancy is doing Hellbender surveys in various streams in the ANF. Hellbenders are also found in the Conewango Creek. What’s a hellbender you ask?
Hellbenders are one of the largest salamanders in the world, growing to over 2 feet long. Hellbenders are only found in the mountains and foothills of the eastern United States, generally in streams that flow to the Mississippi River. They once thrived in thousands of pristine streams in the Ozark and Appalachian mountains, and throughout the Ohio River valley. Today, hellbenders are limited to relatively few healthy stream systems, mainly in areas that have remained isolated from development and urbanization. (Info and Photos from Jeff Humphries, at http://www.hellbenders.org/The_Hellbender_Homepage/Home.html. )
Want to learn more about these fascinating creatures? You are invited to participate in the survey. Get details and confirm your attendance with Kylie Maland- see her contact info below.
Please bring a packed lunch, sunscreen, close-toed shoes, and a towel (or two). Wear clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting wet; you may want to wear swimwear. You may also want to bring a change of shoes/clothes for the ride home.
Kylie Maland
Watershed Manager, Upper Allegheny & Lake Erie Western PennsylvaniaConservancy Allegheny Regional Office 159 Main Street Ridgway,PA15853 Phone: (814) 776-1114 Fax: (814) 776-1118 Email: kmaland@paconserve.org Website: www.WaterLandLife.org