Salamander Survey at the Virginia Living Museum

About this adventure

A hands-on field science session for teens and adults led by the Virginia Living Museum's ectotherms staff. After a short introduction to forest-floor ecosystems and how salamander populations are surveyed, the group walks across the museum campus to check up to three monitoring sites, with staff identifying what turns up. Sightings are never guaranteed, which is part of field research. The program is entirely outdoors on uneven, muddy and wooded ground, so participants need to walk, kneel and crouch, and should wear sturdy shoes that can get dirty. Gloves are provided and required. It is for ages 12 and up, and anyone under 18 must come with a paid participating adult. Only six people can take part, so register in advance. The fee covers the survey only, not museum admission. If it rains, the survey moves to the next day.