UPDATED 4/1/2019 – This area is on Central Time. The time posted above is EST. We are meeting at the parking area at 12:00pm EST / 11:00am CST.
Please note that if the weather is not favorable, I may change the date or postpone with little notice. So, be sure to check this update periodically especially 1-2 days in advance.
Do not rely on having a cell or GPS signal in this area. Those driving should take printed maps and directions.
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“These woods are alive with reptiles, and during the
migration–well, it’s nothing short of phenomenal.”
Scott Ballard, Natural Heritage Biologist,
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3833915.pdf
Twice a year, March 15 – May 15 and Sept. 1 – Oct. 30, the U.S. Forest Service and the Illinois DNR closes 2-1/2 miles of road to vehicular traffic in the Shawnee National Forest to allow 35 species of snakes and about 15 species of salamanders, newts, frogs, skinks, toads and lizards to safely migrate between their winter hibernation areas and summer swamp habitats. Turtles such as spiny soft-shells, red-eared sliders, snapping turtles, and the semi-aquatic box are also seen on this road during the migration. During the road closure, those interested in herpetology have the opportunity to see a diversity of snakes and amphibians in their natural environment.
We’ll start the day with a quick lunch in the parking lot (bring your own). As Snake Road starts to warm, we’ll slowly walk about 2-1/2 miles looking for reptiles as they cross the road or sun themselves alongside. Past the end of the road, we’ll look for cave salamanders that live in the bluff crevices. Then, we’ll walk back to the cars for a total of 5 miles.
After leaving Snake Road we’ll visit either Inspiration Point or the nearby Illinois Little Grand Canyon for a short hike. Parts of these trails will be rugged and steep but we’ll be rewarded with a sunset view of the Mississippi River Valley from the top of the bluffs.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/attmain/shawnee/specialplaces
After the hike we’ll stop for dinner before the long drive home. Timing is difficult to predict but you should not expect to arrive back at the carpool location before midnight.
No dogs.
Postponement Date: Rain or unseasonable cold the day of or in the days prior will stall the migration. If that happens this event will be postponed 1 week. Please note that even if we go during a warm afternoon, there is the possibility of little or no migration activity.
Carpool: If you can, please offer to drive and take passengers. We’ll arrange riders and drivers at the carpool location. Please be early as the carpool leaves on time.
TA Truck Stop
10346 S. State Road 39
Clayton, IN 46118
click for a map to the carpool location
https://goo.gl/maps/Ci5fEqYWJS72
Carpool Departure Time: 7:30am EST
Dress: Boots and thick long pants recommended. No shorts, sweat pants, leggings, sandals, etc.
Bring: Sack lunch, binoculars, camera, telephoto lens, water, snacks, hiking poles.
Videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_KACZ_87fw&feature=youtu.be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2JJqfTqHmA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hUglM0wczk
Web Articles:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/shawnee/alerts-notices/?aid=16755
