Only three species of snake are known to SḴŦAḴ | Mayne Island, and all of them are garter snakes. All three species are similar in appearance yet with practice may be distinguished from each other based on a few subtle features, including details in the way they look and how Read more
Did you know that you can make important contributions to science simply by using your phone? Becoming a Citizen Scientist doesn’t have to be hard. By using a few apps, you can participate in plant, animal and fungi research with ease. Whether you are an avid birder, curious hiker, or Read more
Roughskin newts are small amphibians native to the Pacific Northwest – they can be found from California up to Alaska and when crossing the roads of our SḴŦAḴ | Mayne Island in the spring and autumn. If you’ve ever spotted a live roughskin newt, we’re guessing it was most likely Read more
In this article, we take a look at a year in the life of a garter snake. There have been three different types of garter snakes recorded on SḴŦAḴ | Mayne Island: the northwestern garter snake, the puget sound (common) garter snake, and the wandering garter snake. Sharp-tailed snakes, which Read more
It sounds less like a “ribbet” and more like a low “krrreck.” Music to your ears, perhaps, even if an announcement of spring is ill conceived in early February. What we’ve been hearing lately is the Pacific chorus frog, the most often seen and heard amphibian on Mayne Island. And Read more
“Out in the field”—a term originally used by farmers, and shamelessly stolen by biologists. When I’m having a lucky day free from grant writing or reporting, I’m often ‘in the field’, which could involve anything from invasive plant removal and monitoring past restoration projects to landowner consultations and leading school Read more
We’re pleased to report a fifth native amphibian species has been detected on Mayne Island! Here’s an introduction to all five, including the newest member of our local amphibian family; the common ensatina! What is an Amphibian? Pacific chorus frog (Pseudacris regilla) The Pacific chorus frog is the most often Read more
Northern Red-legged Frog Scientific Name: Rana aurora Status (B.C.): Blue listed The Northern Red-legged Frog is a medium sized brown or reddish frog, with smooth skin marked by small black “freckles.” Their most distinctive trait is the red coloring on the underside of their hind legs. Northern Red-legged Frogs enjoy Read more