According to the Chinese zodiac, it’s the year of the horse.
But according to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, it’s the year of the salamander.
Working with the Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, the DEEP will spend the year celebrating our 12 native salamander species.
As soon as the weather warms up, some species, like the spotted salamander will be heading for vernal pools to mate. When you see them on the roads, scurrying, or squished, you know it’s spring. That’s what I’m writing about in my Earth Matters column on Saturday .