The Hartman Reserve Nature Center in Cedar Falls is preparing a reintroduction effort for the endangered blue-spotted salamander, a species that once lived throughout the area but has faded from its historic habitat. The reserve says it has received a permit to begin collecting animals for the project.
Reintroduction is careful work rather than a quick rescue. It depends on suitable habitat, permits, monitoring, and the patience to see whether a small population can become established again in a place where it once belonged.