CLOSED: Effects of Soil Warming on Terrestrial Salamander Populations (David Marsh)

Hybrid: this project is scheduled to begin on 6/01/2026 and run for 10 weeks, finishing on 8/7/2026.

Project Description

A long-term research project at Harvard Forest is experimentally warming forest soil to study the consequences for carbon cycling and forest ecosystems. We are studying terrestrial salamanders within this larger project to determine whether warming reduces salamander population abundance or decreases growth or body condition. Students will carry out field surveys of research plots, using mark-recapture to identify and track individual salamanders over time.

Prerequisites

Students should have completed Field Herpetology (BIOL 242)

Special Comments

Students should take BIOL 421 in the winter term as preparation for summer research.

Project Information (subject to change)

Estimated Start Date: 6/01/2026

Estimated End Date: 8/7/2026

Estimated Project Duration: 10 weeks

Maximum Number of Students Sought: 1

Research Location: Hybrid

Travel Required? Yes (If “yes”: Main field site is Harvard Forest field station in Petersham, MA. )

Contact Information: David Marsh (email: marshd@wlu.edu)