Hartman Reserve Nature Center
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Happy Blue Spotted Salamander Day!
February 19

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blue_spotted_salamander_work_plan.pdf
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On a cold but typical February day in 2010, we received a phone call. We had received permission to go ahead with the project. This might not sound like a reason to celebrate, but it very much is.

The Iowa DNR had told us our project would receive a permit to begin collecting blue spotted salamander larvae. This, to us, meant that this beautiful little critter had a chance in Iowa. There are only two populations in the state and one population was under threat.

We had recruited the help of a world-class breeding program at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo. They, more than anyone else, gave this project the legitimacy that it needed. Once the breeding is successful, we plan to release larvae into Hartman Reserve which, in specific areas, has just the right type of sandy soil and fishless vernal pools.

Non-charismatic species such as this do not often get a lot of attention. They are of as much value to the biological system as any other cute furry creature. "A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise." said Also Leopold. This day celebrates our ability to do the right thing.

We are still in the breeding process. We have a long way to go, but it all started on February 19.

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Hartman Reserve Nature Center
657 Reserve Drive
Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613

Ph: 319-277-2187
Fax: 319-277-4420 



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Hours:

Nature Center:

Monday: 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday: 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday: 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday: 8am - 4:30pm
Friday: 8am- 4:30pm
Saturday: CLOSED
Sunday: 1pm - 5pm

Trails:
Open everyday - sunrise to sunset

Hartman Reserve Nature Center is a part of your Black Hawk County Conservation Board.
  • About Us
    • History
    • Mission/Vision
    • Natural Resources
    • Internships
  • Education
    • School/Private Programs
    • Paddle in the Park
    • Public Programs
    • Tram Rides
    • Summer Camp
  • Events
    • Frosty Buns Race Series
    • Maple Syrup Festival
    • Second Sunday Speaker Series
    • Earth Fair
    • Halloween Hikes
    • Under the Harvest Moon
  • Volunteer
  • Rentals
    • Snowshoe Rentals
    • Community Room Rental
    • Buckles Building Rental
  • Staff
  • Current Initiatives
  • Maps