Slow down — amphibians on the roads

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is asking drivers to slow down and be cautious when travelling at night near ponds and wetlands — or take alternate routes — as salamanders and frogs are crossing during their early spring breeding season.

The department also seeks public reports of the amphibians.

Vermont Fish and Wildlife herpetologist Luke Groff encourages Vermonters to explore roads and report amphibian road crossings, with photos if possible, to the Vermont Reptile and Amphibian Atlas (www.vtherpatlas.org/sighting-submission-form).

The information is used by the Fish and Wildlife Department, the Agency of Transportation and other conservation partners to assess the need for wildlife passages and barriers in road construction plans that allow wildlife to more safely cross roadways.

“One of the benefits of checking out amphibian road crossings,” Groff said, “is that you can see many individuals and species in a short period and small area, and some species may not be seen the rest of the year. The spotted and blue-spotted salamanders, for example, belong to a group called the ‘mole salamanders,’ because after breeding, they retreat underground or under logs or stumps, and are rarely seen until the next spring.”

The Williston Recreation and Parks Department is located at the Annex Building at 7878 Williston Rd. For online program registration, visit www.willistonrec.org. For department information, email recreation@willistonvt.org or call 876-1160.

THE R.E.C. ZONE

SENIOR STRENGTH

Job Postings And Community News

The rec department is currently hiring for a parks maintenance worker and day camp counselors. Job postings and application instructions are available at www.willistonrec.org.

The ice rink is closed for the season.

Age 50-plus. Senior Strength will work your upper and lower body strength as well as your balance and core. Modifications are shown and participants are encouraged to work within their abilities while socializing and having fun. Instructor: Toni Kunker

RETRO DANCE CARDIO & CORE

Get up and move to some of your favorite hits from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. All fitness levels welcome as there will be modifications for low impact and high energy. Geared toward adults 55-plus but open to everyone. Instructor: Jazmin Averbuck

JAZZERCISE CARDIO SCULPT

Age 18-plus. Low-impact classes incorporate dance cardio with strength training to sculpt and tone your muscles — whether you’re looking for physical results or a way to relieve stress and feel your best. Single, 5- and 10-class passes available. Instructor: Kit Sayers

GET FIT W/JAZZY

Age 18-plus. This high-energy dance and core sculpting class combines aerobic dance and core stability along with a curated playlist of Latin, house and rock style tunes. Everyone welcome! Impact levels can be modified. Instructor: Jazmin Averbuck

FULL BODY BANDS

Age 18-plus. Great for both new and experienced athletes exploring what resistance training can do for them. You can expect a full-body, strength-focused workout with some brief cardio intervals. No experience necessary. Instructor: Mary-Ellen Longworth

FELDENKRAIS

Age 18-plus. Most people haven’t heard of the Feldenkrais Method, but when they experience it, people tend to say it’s like magic. They feel more grounded, lighter and more connected. Instructor: Gillian Franks

JUBO

Age 50-plus. Learn to play the four-hole Ocarina the easy way. Jubo is a new music methodology for all who want to learn an instru- ment quickly. Jubo is a lightweight pendant whistle with four holes that allows one to master music quickly.

Instructor: Wayne Hankin

KINDERMUSIK

Age 0-5. Classes provide a playful, supportive environment for children and their caregivers to play together with music, dancing, singing, exploring instruments and more. Different levels are offered for age groups. Instructor: Rachel Smith

STARGAZING: THE CURRENT NIGHT SKY

Age 6-8 and 9-12. View the current night sky in a digitized planetarium dome, set up inside, where you’ll feel like you are outside at night looking at a perfect sky. Explore the current night sky constellations. Come to one or more viewings. Instructor: Carrie Cruz

Family Programs

REHABGYM 1ST ANNUAL WILLISTON COMMUNITY 5K

Ages 12-plus. Saturday, May 13, 9:30 a.m. The goal for this event is to bring the community together, support local businesses and organizations and enjoy the spring weather. The course is accessible, and adaptive athletes are encouraged to participate. Registration is open at www.willistonrec.org.

BOATERS SAFETY

Age 12-plus. Boating safety education is required for any operator, 12 years of age or older, born after Jan. 1, 1974. The course is eight hours and is offered over four days. Participants must be present at all classes to be eligible for certificasee RECREATION page 15 continued from page 14 tion. Instructor: Jon Fick

MIXED MARTIAL ARTS INTRO

Age 13-plus. The program mixes training techniques from boxing, kickboxing and Jiu-Jitsu to create a fun, non-competitive environment where you will get a great workout and learn practical self-defense skills. Instructor: ONTA Studio

Adult Programs

TAI CHI

This program focuses on learning Yang Style Tai Chi. Come strengthen your body, regulate and build physical energy, and cultivate your mental concentration and spirit with this gentle and nourishing practice. Instructor: ONTA Studio

PRE-SCHOOL/ YOUTH/TEEN PROGRAMS

YOUTH LACROSSE

Grades K-8. Registration is now open. Lacrosse is a fast-paced sport that combines the power of football and hockey and the endurance of soccer and basketball. The kindergarten and grades 1-2 programs are coed, and the grades 3-8 programs offer separate boys and girls teams. Volunteer coaches are needed.

NINJA KIDS INTRO

Age 4-8 or 7-11. This play-based curriculum increases strength and self-confidence, while moving meditation helps children manage their emotions and develop the connection between mental and physical well-being. Instructor: ONTA Studio

NINJA TEENS INTRO

Age 9-15. This play-based curriculum increases strength and self-confidence, while moving meditation helps children manage their emotions and develop the connection between mental and physical well-being. Instructor: ONTA Studio

DINOSAUR DIG AND FOSSIL HUNT

Age 6-11. April Break. Explore archeology, paleontology and geology and excavate simulated bones of a model dinosaur. Assemble a fossil from your own dig to take home. Instructor: STEAMworks.

NINJA SCIENCE CAMP

Ages 5-10. April Break. This camp unites the body and mind by combining martial arts, tumbling and parkour with environmental science. We help children realize their potential in an environment that is playful. Instructors: ONTA Studio

Summer Camps

Registration is open for summer camps. Check out the rec website (www.willistonrec.org) for offerings and to register. Early registration is encouraged. A camp grid is available to help plan your children’s summer fun. New camps added this year include Culinary Mashup Camp (Age 10-14, 1-4:30 p.m., June 26-30); Creative Engineering Camp (Age 6-11, 1-4:30 p.m. July 24-28); and Kids Kitchen Camp (Age 6-12, 1-4;30 p.m., Aug. 7-11).