Newts and salamanders are amphibians that play a critical ecological role as tiny carnivores, regulating invertebrate populations to maintain a healthy forest balance. During our surveys, we emphasize the importance of ethical observation: because salamanders breathe and absorb moisture through their porous skin, they should never be handled by anyone for their health and safety. Bug spray, sunblock, moisturizer, hand sanitizer, and even the oils naturally found on our skin can harm amphibians. Students will learn to responsibly observe and identify different amphibians and invertebrates to track their population during the critical spring period.