Cumberland, Maine hosts annual event to help frogs migrate

Cumberland, Maine, is hosting its annual Big Night event, where community members help amphibians cross roads during their spring migration. Volunteers, guided by the Chebeague & Cumberland Land Trust, assist frogs and salamanders to reach vernal pools for breeding. This initiative has been ongoing since 2010, aiming to reduce amphibian fatalities caused by traffic. Volunteers collect data on weather, amphibian populations, and traffic to understand the impact of roads on these species. Amphibians play a vital role in the ecosystem as insect eaters and prey for other animals. Their populations are declining due to habitat loss and other environmental pressures, prompting community efforts to support their migration.