Endangered species, Jefferson Salamander, safely return to winter habitat

During October and November 2024, York Region intermittently closed Stouffville Road in the City of Richmond Hill to ensure the safe crossing of Jefferson Salamanders, an endangered species. After two extensions to the closure due to lack of rain, we can proudly say the Jefferson Salamanders safely crossed the road and have returned to their winter habitat.

The City of Richmond Hill is home to one of the few known populations of Jefferson Salamanders in York Region. York Region works in partnership with Toronto Region Conservation Authority to help ensure their survival.  Each year during the fall and spring, Jefferson Salamanders cross Stouffville Road after leaving their habitat to travel to their breeding grounds. When Jefferson Salamanders make the crossing, there are intermittent road closures to ensure safe passage. They make the passage at night and only when it’s raining.

This section of Stouffville Road is in the Oak Ridges Moraine Natural Core Area. The Jefferson Salamanders natural habitat requires many of the features found in some areas of the Oak Ridges Moraine and the Niagara Escarpment, including undisturbed natural forests, rocky outcrops, wetlands, and ponds. Salamanders are a good indicator of healthy forests and ecosystems in this community.

York Region thanks residents and motorists for their patience and help during the closure period, ensuring the safe crossing of the Jefferson Salamanders. Our continued partnership with the community, the City of Richmond Hill and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority is so important to keep these endangered species safe.

Recognizing the environmental significance of the area and the species, York Region is planning to construct a wildlife passage, anticipated to begin in summer 2025.