The Flora, Fauna, and Herps of Maple Flats featuring A Salamander Survey

Saturday, September 24 (Storm Date: October 1)
Location: Field Experience at Maple Flats (beginning at 8:30 am)

Maple Flats in Augusta County is a well-known biological hotspot for herpetological study. The salamander diversity in the Shenandoah Valley is due to the various terrain changes, habitats, and hydrological situations. It is home to a rare endangered endemic known as the Big Levels Salamander, known to exist only in this place. Many other salamanders call this area home and breed during the fall and spring wet periods. Beyond salamanders, other herps call Maple Flats home including snakes, frogs, turtles, and two species of lizards. Nate Miller will guide students around Maple Flats to identify salamanders and other herps in their natural habitat. Fall avian migration will be in full swing and fall flora will be featured.

All participants must be able to hike off-trail over uneven terrain and to stand and view for extended periods unaided. 

A list of what to expect, suggestions on what to bring, maps, species list, etc. will be given to all class members before our adventure. 

Nate Miller is an Adjunct Professor of Horticulture and Landscape Design at Piedmont Virginia Community College. He holds a B.A. from Bridgewater College, where he studied Art and Environmental Science, and an MLA in Landscape Architecture from Clemson University.

There are no scheduled sessions at this time. Sign up to be notified when this course is available.