Critters Get a New Home|ABC 13

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Critters Get a New Home

posted 10:57 pm Sun September 30, 2007 - Amherst Co., VA

You may have never heard of the big-headed mole salamander but one area business is teaming up with experts to protect its home. The Boxley materials rock quarry is expanding and experts came with an innovative way to protect ancient wetlands, and it is a major undertaking. Frogs, salamanders and many other animals live and breed on these wetlands.

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Mike Haylsett, Educator and Consultant - "These wetlands have been sitting here for thousands of years, long before most occupation. Natives of course would have used these."

Now, experts have come up with a new idea to make way for progress. Instead of creating a new wetland they are moving an existing one to a new location, helping preserve the wildlife.

Tom Roller, Boxley Materials - "We are a natural resource company and part of our mission statement is being good stewards of the environment."

Transplanting a vernal pool, which is a type of wetland, from one place to another is more complicated than you may think. It takes moving plants, trees, and the animals. Not doing things right could cause problems.

Haylsett - "It would be like plopping down a ten story hotel in the middle of a quiet neighborhood. We want them to integrate as naturally as possible."

This is what the brand new wetland looks like. Experts brought clay here to build the wetland and a layer soil full of seeds and eggs. Soon, they will start moving other animals by hand over several years.

Haylsett - "The fact that we have such a long period of time here to do this, recognizing that it can't be done overnight, that is what makes this different."

Hopefully, over time these little critters will get used to their new home. Experts say many species like salamanders return to the vernal pool of birth to reproduce, and the big-headed mole salamander is of particular concern.

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