The Rites of Spring (and the Glory of Peepers)

One of the most wonderful mysteries about Life in the Country is the annual mating ritual of the salamanders and frogs.

Crazy as it sounds, it is an experience that is literally full of wonder to watch the little salamanders creep with determination toward the vernal pools where they will lay their eggs; and to hear the mating calls of the frogs, which sound like thousands of baby chicks all peeping at one time.

Get a guided tour of the show on Thursday, April 14, from 8 to 9 p.m. with Sharon  Audubon.  Science teacher Joseph Markow will host a vernal pool exploration at Audubon’s Miles Wildlife Sanctuary, which is at 99 West Cornwall Road in Sharon, Conn. (but not at the Audubon Center on Route 4).

The group will look for Spotted salamanders and Red-spotted Newts, frogs and egg masses and identify some of the vocalizations of the early breeding frogs.

The cost is $10 for each adult, $5 for each child. This is an activity that is suitable for ages 8 and older. Space is limited and prepaid online reservations are required; go to https://sharon.audubon.org/events.

Call 860-364-0520 or email Bethany at bethany.sheffer@audubon.org with questions.

Latest News

Wake Robin public hearing closes

Aradev LLC’s plans to redevelop Wake Robin Inn include four 2,000-square-foot cabins, an event space, a sit-down restaurant and fast-casual counter, a spa, library, lounge, gym and seasonal pool. If approved, guest room numbers would increase from 38 to 57.

Provided

LAKEVILLE — The public hearing for the redevelopment of Wake Robin Inn is over. Salisbury Planning and Zoning Commission now has two months to make a decision.

The hearing closed on Tuesday, Sept. 9, after its seventh session.

Keep ReadingShow less
Judith Marie Drury

COPAKE — Judith Marie “Judy” Drury, 76, a four-year resident of Copake, New York, formerly of Millerton, New York, died peacefully on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, at Vassar Bros. Medical Center in Poughkeepsie, New York, surrounded by her loving family and her Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Judy worked as a therapy aide for Taconic DDSO in Wassaic, New York, prior to her retirement on Feb. 1, 2004. She then went on to work in the Housekeeping Department at Vassar Bros. Medical Center for several years.

Born Jan. 2, 1949, in Richford, Vermont, she was the daughter of the late Leo J. and Marie A. (Bean) Martel. She attended Roeliff Jansen Central School in Columbia County, New York, in her early years. Judy was an avid sports fan and she was particularly fond of the New England Patriots football team and the New York Rangers hockey team. She enjoyed spending time with her family and traveling to Florida, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania for many years. She was a longtime parishioner of Faith Bible Chapel of Shekomeko on Silver Mountain in Millerton as well.

Keep ReadingShow less
Jeremy Dakin

AMESVILLE — Jeremy Dakin, 78, passed away Aug. 31, 2025, at Vassar Brothers Medical Center after a long battle with COPD and other ailments.

Jeremy was a dear friend to many, and a fixture of the Amesville community. There will be a service in his memory at Trinity Lime Rock Episcopal Church on Sept. 27 at 11 a.m.

Keep ReadingShow less