KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Portions of North Lincoln Street and Jordan Road will be closed overnight Wednesday as the City of Keene prepares for a potential surge in amphibian movement tied to warm, rainy spring weather.
City officials say the closures are scheduled from approximately 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, through 7 a.m. Thursday, May 7, to protect frogs and salamanders crossing roadways to reach breeding wetlands during what is commonly known as a “Big Night.”
North Lincoln Street will be closed to all traffic, while Jordan Road will be closed to through traffic, though residents will still be able to access their homes.
The seasonal migration can bring thousands of amphibians across local roads in a single evening, creating dangerous conditions for both wildlife and motorists. Keene is the first municipality in New Hampshire to implement temporary road closures specifically to protect migrating amphibians, an effort developed in partnership with the Harris Center for Conservation Education and its Salamander Crossing Brigade volunteers.
Community members are welcome to observe the migration at the North Lincoln Street site, where a Harris Center naturalist may be present shortly after sunset if conditions include steady rain. Visitors are asked to park in the southeast section of Woodland Cemetery and avoid parking along North Lincoln Street.
Officials advise anyone attending to wear appropriate rain gear and bring a flashlight, noting that cell phone lights are not sufficient to safely spot small animals on the road. Children must be supervised at all times.
Due to limited parking and safety concerns, the Jordan Road crossing is restricted to trained volunteers wearing proper safety equipment.
The amphibian migration is weather-dependent and typically occurs on the first warm, rainy nights of spring after the ground has thawed. Over nearly two decades, local volunteers have helped tens of thousands of amphibians safely cross roads in the Monadnock Region, while also collecting data to support long-term conservation solutions such as wildlife tunnels and targeted road closures.
Motorists are urged to plan ahead, follow posted detours, and use extra caution in the area during the overnight hours.
