MassWildLife: Watch for amphibians on the road

For many Massachusetts residents, spring rain is a reminder of the changing seasons. For smaller Massachusetts natives, like amphibians, spring rains signal it's time to emerge from winter retreats and migrate to breeding sites or disperse to new areas. Unfortunately, many of those animals will face the daunting task of having to cross roads to reach their destinations. Spotted salamanders, wood frogs, blue-spotted salamanders, Jefferson salamanders, American toads, spring peepers, four-toed salamanders, northern leopard frogs, and eastern red-backed salamanders are frequently encountered on roads during early spring rains. With little to no snow cover and the ground thawed in many areas, we expect migrations in milder, lower-elevation parts of Massachusetts to commence with the next warm, rainy night.

These animals can be difficult to see, as they are generally small-bodied and move under the cover of dark. This spring, please be mindful of our amphibians and our natural heritage.

How you can help:

• Please drive cautiously and carefully.
• Whenever possible, please consider not driving on rainy nights when air temperatures are 40°F or higher to protect amphibians who are on the move.
• Travel on larger highways rather than small, wooded roads if possible. Plan routes that minimize the number of wetlands or vernal pools passed.
• If observing amphibian migrations, consider arriving at your destination prior to sunset, and then conduct your monitoring on foot.
• If assisting amphibians across roadways or handling them for other reasons, be sure your hands are free of lotions, bug repellent, or other chemicals.
• If you encounter any of our state-listed rare amphibian species (eastern spadefoot, blue-spotted salamander, Jefferson salamander, and marbled salamander), please take a clear photograph of the animal, carefully record the location, and submit an observation report to MassWildlife's Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program.
• Go the extra mile to help preserve amphibian habitat by certifying vernal pools on your property. The data you collect is used to help MassWildlife and local conservation organizations better understand habitat resources for our native amphibians.

Pittsfield City Council Confirms Police Chief, Honors Brewery Owner

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
12:36PM / Saturday, March 14, 2026

Mayor Marchetti congratulates Sarah Real of Hot Plate Brewery on being named to Inc. Magazine's 500 Female Founders of 2026. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City Council has confirmed Marc Maddalena as chief of the Police Department. 

On Tuesday, the council approved a communication from Mayor Peter Marchetti notifying them of Maddalena's appointment. Marchetti announced this during a press conference last week, describing Maddalena as a valued member of the department, well-respected by his colleagues, and a dedicated public servant.  

The new chief has been a member of the force since 1998. 

"I want to thank you for the trust and immense responsibility you placed in me. Tonight, I'm truly honored to stand before you as your new chief and extremely grateful for all the support that I've received since the announcement came out," Maddalena said. 

Maddalena replaces Police Chief Thomas Dawley, who retired last year after 24 years with the Pittsfield force and as chief for the last few. Captain Marc Strout led the department in the interim. 

He formerly served as a patrol officer, sergeant, and lieutenant, and has completed more than 240 hours as a fully accredited traffic accident reconstructionist. 

"To the citizens of Pittsfield, my philosophy is simple: Policing is a partnership. We cannot be successful without your trust, and that trust is earned one interaction at a time," Maddalena said. 

"No matter what we're responding to, we will treat every individual with respect and professionalism, because we aren't just policing this community, but we're all a part of it." 

He thanked the people who made it possible to work on the force for the last 28 years and moving forward: his family, because "I may wear the badge, but I know you carry the weight of this profession right alongside me," and the men and women of the department, who he said are the "backbone of this community."