CT DEEP Continues 2014 Year of the Salamander Activities

Salamander Day Scheduled for Sunday, July 20, at Sessions Woods WMA in Burlington

Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Wildlife Division and the Friends of Sessions Woods are sponsoring a special day to celebrate salamanders. Salamander Day is scheduled for Sunday, July 20, from 1:00 – 4:00 PM, at the Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area, in Burlington. The Day is being sponsored as part of the Year of the Salamander awareness campaign with Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC). Families and anyone else interested in salamanders are encouraged to participate in this free event, which will consist of an informative talk on Connecticut's native salamanders, salamander crafts, face painting, and a chance to see live salamanders. Burlington artist Judy Bird will provide instruction for creating a special art project featuring salamanders.

Salamander Day also will allow participants to view artwork from the Salamander Art Contest for Kids. Children in grades K-5 have submitted beautiful original drawings, paintings, and sketches of Connecticut's native salamanders. The Salamander Art Contest was sponsored by the Friends of Sessions Woods Paul Petersen Memorial Fund and the Connecticut Science Center, which graciously donated prizes for the contest winners. The Paul Petersen Memorial Fund also is providing financial support for this free, fun day for families and salamander enthusiasts.

All children attending Salamander Day will receive a complimentary copy of Exploring Wildlife at Sessions Woods, a 36-page booklet with fun facts and activities. Families also will have an opportunity to enter a drawing for a door prize donated by Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo (a complimentary guest pass for a family of four).

Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area is located at 341 Milford Street (Route 69), in Burlington*. Pre-registration for Salamander Day is appreciated, but not required. Call the Sessions Woods office at 860-675-8130 (Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM) for more information or to pre-register. The DEEP's Year of the Salamander Web page (www.ct.gov/deep/salamanders) also provides details about Salamander Day, as well as about salamanders and salamander conservation in Connecticut. A great way to learn about salamanders during the "Year of the Salamander" is to subscribe to the DEEP's Connecticut Wildlife magazine (www.ct.gov/deep/wildlifemagazine). You also can visit PARCs Web site at www.yearofthesalamander.org.

*The Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area is about an hour away from Ridgefield.