Henry Street Salamander Tunnels

Two of the first amphibian migration tunnels built in the United States

A pair of low concrete amphibian tunnels under Henry Street in North Amherst, marked by small signs. On any given day they are not much to look at. On a rainy night in late March or early April they are the scene of one of the strangest sights in Massachusetts: dozens of yellow-spotted black salamanders crawling across the road and dropping into the tunnel mouths.

The annual Big Night, when the migration peaks, is organised by the Hitchcock Center for the Environment with volunteer crossing guards. Bring a torch and warm waterproofs. Outside spring, the site is more of a curiosity than a destination.

things to do sight
A story
Each spring the spotted salamanders of North Amherst migrate from the upland forest to the vernal pools across Henry Street to breed. Before 1987 most were flattened by cars. After a sustained local campaign, the town installed two concrete tunnels under the road — among the very first amphibian tunnels in North America. Volunteers still patrol the crossing on rainy March nights.

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