From April 30 - May 2, 2009 I accompanied 18 students from the Independence High School Biology Society to Hocking Hills. There was a lot of rain, which made conditions ideal for finding salamanders. We stayed at Lake Hope, which is in south-central Ohio.
Located within the 26,824-acre Zaleski State Forest, Lake Hope offers many opportunities to observe nature.
Spring Peepers were out calling in full force.
A night hike near Lake Hope's Furnace turned up Green Frogs, Red Efts, Spring Peepers, Redback Salamanders, and several of these - Longtail Salamanders.
The first snake I found on the trip was this Midwest Worm Snake - it's the first time I've ever encountered one.
Northern Water Snakes were the most commonly encountered reptile.
Probably the most blue I've ever seen on a "pure" Jefferson's - and the only one I've ever found outside of breeding season.
A Black Racer found patrolling the shoreline of Lake Hope.
And a Stinkpot found in the lake.
Slimy Salamanders were relatively common (though nowhere near as common as redbacks).
A Black Rat Snake in situ (and surrounded by poison ivy).
This Spring Salamander was found - you guessed it - in a spring.
And finally, another Black Rat (posed) found near the first.
Third Eye
