The Maryland Amphibian and Reptile Atlas (MARA) project, a volunteer effort to document and map the distribution of every species of frog, toad, turtle, snake, salamander, and lizard in the state, is now in its fifth and final year. Here in Harford County, we’ve had a successful four years – finding both the common (bullfrogs in backyards) and the unexpected (Florida softshell turtle in a community pond). But in order accurately and adequately survey Harford, we still need your help.
It’s easy to get involved – just get outside and start looking and listening. Visit a pond. Flip over (delicately) a log. Hike through the woods. Look up, look down. Stop and listen to strange croakings in the night. And when you find something, just visit our website (www.suskywildlife.org), where you’ll find simple instructions to contact us or send us your findings.
But that’s not the only way you can help us out. If you’re not one to get your sneakers wet and hands muddy, there are still ways to assist this important environmental project.
Do you own property with any wet or wild areas you haven’t dared to explore? Invite us to check it out for you!
Have you taken photographs featuring any of our local reptiles and amphibians? Send them our way! At the end of the year, we’ll hold a photo contest, pick out some of our favorite photos of reptiles and amphibians from Harford County, and feature them in some of our promotions…maybe even right in this column!
Do you avoid slimy and scaly things at all costs? Pass this message along to someone who doesn’t – this is a great project for explorers and enthusiasts of all ages!
At the end of the year, all the data from every county in Maryland will be compiled and published in an atlas, which will (with your help) present an accurate account of the distribution of our cold-blooded neighbors.
HARFORD’S MOST WANTED HERPS
Had your fill of spring peepers and box turtles? Perhaps you’d like to try your hand at tracking down some of the species that have proven to be most elusive. We’ve found the following species in Harford County, but can you?
• Queen Snake
• Northern Rough Greensnake
• Eastern Kingsnake
• Copperhead
• Marbled Salamander
• Red-spotted Newt
• Northern Slimy Salamander
• Long-tailed Salamander
• Four-toed Salamander
• Green Treefrog
Looking for an even bigger challenge? Want to ensure your name and photo are published in the atlas? Find one of these fellows in Harford County, snap a photo, and give us a call (443-333-WILD).
• Northern Diamondback Terrapin
• Sea turtle
• Eastern Fence Lizard
• Eastern Smooth Earthsnake
• Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
• Eastern Hellbender
• Upland Chorus Frog
