Stouffville Road Closures Aim To Protect Endangered Jefferson Salamanders

• The endangered Jefferson Salamander overwinters in deciduous forests then travels to early spring ponds and wetlands to breed.
• The Jefferson Forest area off Stouffville Road is one of the salamanders’ few remaining breeding grounds in York Region.
• As nocturnal amphibians, groups of Jefferson Salamanders prefer to migrate on rainy nights in early spring—an especially dangerous journey when busy roads must be crossed.
• To protect them and their dwindling populations while crossing, York Region and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) will occasionally close portions of Stouffville Road.
• Stouffville Road closures can occur between Bayview and Leslie from April 11 to April 30, 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Signage will be posted and local access will be ensured.
• York Region has future plans to construct a wildlife passage in the area.

*Photo taken and licensed by Justin Meissen