The 21st annual Salamander Festival took place and brought together the Birmingham community on Jan. 25, to celebrate the season of salamander mating and highlight the importance of conservation efforts.
Nature enthusiasts gathered in the gym to enjoy live music, participate in interactive activities like arts and crafts, meet live animals and engage in informative conversations.
Some might wonder why an entire festival centers around one species of amphibian.
The answer lies in salamanders’ crucial role as indicators of environmental health. A thriving salamander population reflects adequate biodiversity and a balanced ecosystem, according to Melonie McBrayer, former AP Environmental Science teacher.
“They’re the perfect indicator of a healthy forest and aquatic ecosystem,” McBrayer said. “The whole ecology all goes together, they don’t really exist separately.”
McBrayer taught for 22 years at HHS and became a sponsor for the environmental club.
Through the club, McBrayer increased her involvement with the Friends of Shades Creek organization, which sponsors the Salamander Festival.
For years, the festival’s location frequently changed as organizers struggled to secure a consistent venue. However, the festival found its stable home in 2024 at HHS, where it has been for the past three years.
“The high school location is the perfect location because it’s right in the proximity of the salamander vernal pool,” McBrayer said.
South Lakeshore Drive, commonly called Armory Road, is one of two entry points to HHS. However, it is also a prime crossing point for salamanders making their way to the vernal pools along the Homewood Forest Preserve Trail.
New signs were added to the road this year that indicate it as a protected salamander crossing area.
In 2023, the road was completely closed to traffic during the Sadie Hawkins dance after salamanders were spotted crossing in large numbers that night.
Margaret Keith, co-president of the environmental club weighs in on the importance of the season of salamander mating.
“It is important to take advantage of these migrations and keep the area protected, as the salamander mating season is so brief and depends on specific weather conditions,” Keith said.
This year, many organizations centered around the Shades Creek area set up tables and created an informative and interactive environment for all ages who attended the festival.
“From arts and crafts to an informative hike, there is something at the festival that appeals to everyone,” Keith said.
The yearly festival serves to celebrate Homewood’s rich biodiversity and encourages community members to be more mindful of the wildlife that surrounds them.
