I went on a salamander walk at the Tenafly Nature Center last evening and saw a few spotted salamanders -- about five inches long with yellow dots.

   The walk, for center members and their families, was led by staff naturalist Debora Davidson, who was very informative and very good with the youngsters. 

   We saw several salamanders at the center's vernal pool, and I made a minute-long video of a salamander being released, to the delight of the youngsters.

   The kids were having so much fun that one adult said ruefully, "It stinks to grow up."

   Here is the link to my story on vernal pools.