Often mistaken for dandelions the Coltsfoot is one of the first flowers to bloom. It is often found along roadsides and areas of poor soils. It provides early pollinators with a source of pollen before other flowers start to bloom.
This female SPotted Salamander was found about 500 feet from a vernal pool. On a warm, rainy night she will emerge and migrate to the pool to mate. Spotted Salamanders can live up to 20 years so she has probably made this journey several times before.
Before the leaves emerge skunk cabbage takes on a variety of colors.