It’s time to take a hike! And what better place than one of the beautiful parks in the Portage Park District. How about the Berlin Lake Trail, Seneca Pond or, my favorite, Dix Park? You’ll never know what you’re missing (and you’ll surely be missing a great opportunity to know) if you don’t get out and see for yourself!
The Wild Hikes Part
The Portage Park District is once again offering the “Wild Hikes Challenge” for all outdoor enthusiasts as well as for those who need a little encouragement to become one! Adults and children alike should be outdoors learning about nature, leaving the worries of the day to mourn alone for awhile as you wander off into the world of nature for some fun discovery time or solitude – both of which are much needed.
Participation in this challenge is simple: just walk, hike, skip, jog or run on eight of the designated trails before the end of the year to earn a hiking staff (1st year) and/or a “2014 Wild Hikes” tag commemorating the ‘Year of the Salamander.’ The hiking sticks are locally produced by The Hiram Farm using local wood as well. To get started on this adventure, download a form HERE.
The Salamander Part
Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC), the Amphibian Survival Alliance, and conservation groups from around the world have designated 2014 as the Year of the Salamander. In addition to raising awareness about salamanders, they also hope to increase conservation, education, and research efforts. The PARC website is loaded with information for any salamander lover. Colorful, educational newsletters and resources of all kinds for those teacher-minded folks abound. Definitely worth a visit!
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I personally love salamanders. I find them to be fascinating and have observed a number of different species over the years. I first remember seeing them as a young child when I was playing in the window well one day. I had pushed aside some damp leaves and there before me was a slithering black body with yellow spots, staring up at me with large black eyes. It was larger than my hand at the time, cold and wet. I don’t recall being in the least afraid, just very intrigued. Little Mr. Yellow Spot and I had quite a few visits as that must have been his place of residence. I would check on him regularly and still remember the day when he no longer appeared. It was like losing a tiny little pet. I don’t think I cried, but I do know I felt very sad! Poor little girl!
Did You Know?
I thought it might be fun to list some of the lesser known facts about these handsome little fellows to get you excited about the possibly of meeting up with one of them on your trail hikes.
1. There are 500 known species of salamanders.
2. The largest salamander in the world is the Chinese Giant Salamander. It can grow to a length of 5 feet, weighing up to 140 pounds, and can live up to 55 years.
3. Salamanders eat worms and insects. Some species have tongues which can be ten times longer than their body.
4. Salamanders are capable of regenerating lost limbs within a few weeks, including tails and toes, allowing them to survive attacks from predators.
5. The name Salamander comes from the Greek word for Fire Lizard. This name came about when salamanders came running out of the logs they had been hiding in when those logs were thrown on a fire.
Due to the deadly chytrid fungus, pollution, and the destruction of wetland habitats, many salamander populations have experienced a dramatic decrease in recent years, causing some species to be listed as endangered and a few to be considered threatened. So if you come across these timid hidden critters on your hike, look, learn, and leave! They need to stay where they are – snuggled right there in their own home.