Current Distribution and Status of Amphibians and Reptiles at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, Batavia, Illinois

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1 Private report to Fermi National Acceleratory Laboratory 45pp. Current Distribution and Status of Amphibians and Reptiles at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, Batavia, Illinois Tristan D. Schramer* and Thomas G. Anton *Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign and The Ecological Consulting Group, LLC Introduction Received January 1, 2016; updated January 3, This report updates a 27-year-old inventory (Mierzwa et al., 1990) of the 6,800-acre Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL; Fermilab) property, with new information accumulated from the use of additional survey techniques following Casper (2004), Heyer et al. (1994), and McDiarmid et al. (2012). A revitalized program of long-term monitoring of selected species and natural communities necessitated an updated inventory and the adoption of revised standard survey protocols tailored to the requirements of the land management staff at Fermilab. Information gathered by this type of sampling aids Fermilab staff in identifying occurrences and distributions of rare, threatened, or endangered species across the site. Pinpointing these populations helps mitigate environmental impacts when planning construction projects as well as during day-to-day operations. Additionally, understanding of how land management at Fermilab affects these species and their habitats can help steer methods to meet some of the most important conservation goals for Midwestern ecosystems. Methods Unsystematic and opportunistic surveying began during the spring of 2013 prior to the conception of this investigation. The techniques used included road cruising, visual encounters, artificial cover flipping, natural cover flipping, dip-netting, and auditory surveys. These same methods were practiced sporadically throughout the entire study by the authors, FNAL employees, and FNA volunteers, but more systematic and thorough approaches were incorporated as the study progressed. Minnow traps of 3 types (Netted Trap, mesh size: 1/8 inch, opening diameter: 1.5 inch, trap length: 18 inches; Black Vinyl Trap, mesh size: 1/4 inch, opening diameter: 1 inch, trap length: 16.5 inches; Silver Stainless Trap, mesh size: 1/4 inch, opening diameter: 2 inch, trap length: 31 inches) were deployed in various ephemeral and semi-permanent wetlands during spring of 2014 (Anton and Campbell, 2014) and summer of During spring of 2014, high numbers of traps (minimum 18 per pond) were to saturate each sample area, frequently against partially submerged logs which act as drift fences, guiding animals into the traps (Anton and Campbell, 2014). This trapping method gives a profile of the species occurring there at that time. During 2015, intermittent trapping and dip-netting were also implemented in various prospective wetlands across site not surveyed in 2014, but only from late-may to mid-august. 1

2 Figure 1. Locations of cover object arrays used during the 2015 and 2016 field season, which encompassed multiple habitat types including woodland edge, savanna, restored prairie, remnant prairie, old field/eurasian meadow, sedge meadow, marsh, agricultural, and developed matrix. Herpetofauna of Fermilab: Distribution and Status 2

3 In 2015, over 300 Cover Objects (hereafter COs ) comprised of plywood, sheet metal, rubber mats, and various other materials were deployed throughout the FNAL site in 169 (126 DuPage; 43 Kane) arrays (Fig. 1). Each array comprised at least 2 COs and was checked periodically during the active season. Data was collected using HerpMapper, which included the date, time, GPS coordinates, species, quantity, method (with a specified CO-type), a photograph, and any other notable observations. COs in all transects were checked on a non-consecutive basis to allow for re-acclimation after the disturbance by surveyors. However, certain priority and focal areas were more heavily checked for specific target species. CO surveys were extended into the 2016 field season to gather more distributional data and target potentially occurring species. During 2016, turtle traps of 2 types (Promar TR-502, mesh size: 1/4 inch, opening diameter: 5 inch, trap length: 36 inches; Promar TR-503, mesh size: 1/4 inch, opening diameter: 5 inch, trap length: 24 inches) were deployed in various waterbodies on site. Traps were baited with canned sardines of various flavors, set, and checked each subsequent day until disengaged. Turtle captures and bycatch were recorded using the same HerpMapper protocol described above. Results Since 1989, four new indigenous herpetofauna species have been added to Fermilab s species checklist (Mierzwa et al., 1990). These include Apalone spinifera, Hyla versicolor, Lithobates clamitans melanota, and Trachemys scripta elegans (naturalized), which places FNAL at 17 total native herpetofauna species (Table 1). Two introduced species, the eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina) and red-footed tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonaria), have also been documented at Fermilab since 1989, but are presumably released or escaped pets with little to no survival or reproductive potential. Voucher specimens were collected opportunistically and photographic documentation through HerpMapper was common practice for the vast majority of observations between 2013 and Of the 2474 photo-documented site observations since 1989, 2068 were made in DuPage and 406 in Kane, representing 18 and 13 species respectively (Fig. 2). As of 2017, 18 total vouchered specimens and 3 photo-vouchered tissue samples have been collected on Fermilab s property, representing 12 species. Most impressively, a photograph of every recorded species at Fermilab has been attained and officially documented, representing 6 anurans, 1 caudate, 6 testudines, and 5 squamates. Additionally, 3 native burrowing crayfish species were noted during trapping sessions, including the devil crayfish (Cambarus diogenes), White River crayfish (Procambarus acutus), and prairie crayfish (Procambarus gracilis). The community of burrowing crayfishes at Fermilab is consistent with species found in similar habitats (Anton, 1999). These species are generalists, tolerant to human disturbance and readily inhabit a wide range of wetlands including man-made ponds, degraded marshes, and actively managed wooded pools. However, they are representatives of functioning wetland ecosystems. Herpetofauna of Fermilab: Distribution and Status 3

4 Figure 2. All herpetofauna records for Fermilab as of 2017, representing 18 vouchered specimens, 2474 photo records, and 98 unvouchered reports since Herpetofauna of Fermilab: Distribution and Status 4

5 Herpetofauna of Fermilab: Distribution and Status 5

6 Discussion Notably, all species found by Mierzwa et al. (1990) at Fermilab still occur (no loss of species). This is perhaps due to multiple factors, including, but not limited to: lack of prior documentation, site size, disturbance-tolerance of some species, and the restoration and management success of significant community and habitat types. In general, Fermilab compares favorably in herpetofaunal species richness to other medium-large (~ acre) sites across the Chicago Wilderness Ecoregion (Table 2). Despite the retention of species richness, abundances are changing. Emydoidea blandingii and Opheodrys vernalis are apparently in decline due to the lack of recent sightings where historic, isolated populations once existed. Concurrently, eight species (Hyla versicolor, Lithobates clamitans, Lithobates pipiens, Apalone spinifera, Chrysemys picta, Trachemys scripta, Pantherophis vulpinus, and Storeria dekayi) seemingly increased in abundance since Although sampling was much less intensive during the 1989 baseline surveys, making comparison difficult. Still, it is not unlikely that several other species occur at Fermilab that managed to escape detection. Of those species suggested as occurring at or in the vicinity of Fermilab in pre-settlement times (Mierzwa et al., 1990), 15 were not found and still require documentation of their presence. Three of the species suggested have no chance of being found at Fermilab presently due to the lack of habitat or the severe alteration of habitat from its pre-settlement state (mudpuppy, ribbon snake, massasauga). This report reiterates some of the species suggested by Mierzwa et al. (1990) to occur at FNAL because evidence of their presence near Fermilab has been obtained since Of the potential species yet to be found at Fermilab, Hyla chrysoscelis, Pseudacris crucifer, Notophthalmus viridescens, Graptemys geographica, Lampropeltis triangulum, Nerodia sipedon, and Storeria occipitomaculata have the greatest likelihoods of being added to FNAL s species checklist for their respective groups. Acris crepitans was probably once a common inhabitant of the FNAL site prior to the 1970s. However, due to contemporary biogeographic constraints, it is unlikely that this species will recolonize the site in the near future. Sternotherus odoratus is considered the rarest turtle in DuPage County (Ludwig et al., 1990) and, therefore, its documentation at Fermilab is unlikely at best. Clonophis kirtlandii and Regina grahamii are classified as rare throughout the state and documenting the presence of these secretive snakes is improbable, unless incidental observations become available. Finally, the available habitat for R. septemvittata at FNAL was likely suboptimal historically and it is unclear whether the linking riparian habitat is suitable enough to warrant their future expansion to the site from present locales. Herpetofauna of Fermilab: Distribution and Status 6

7 Herpetofauna of Fermilab: Distribution and Status 7

8 Current Species Accounts: Anura Eastern American Toad (Anaxyrus a. americanus). This species is a common and widespread member of Fermilab s herpetofauna, probably breeding in most wetlands on site. Most accounts were based on chance encounters or DOR individuals, which may explain the relatively low number of records for this species. A. americanus was heard often, but recording audio vouchers for such a common generalist species was not a priority of this study. Figure 3. Distribution of Anaxyrus americanus at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. Herpetofauna of Fermilab: Distribution and Status 8

9 Eastern Gray Tree Frog (Hyla versicolor). M. Bordeaux and Y. Kalki first reported a possible call of H. versicolor from along the margins of the A.E. Sea on 19 September 2015, though no audio was obtained for documentation. This frog was officially incorporated into the herpetofauna list of FNAL on 30 May 2016 when a male was heard calling within the Eola Grassland Northeast LMU photographs, audio recordings, and tissue were collected for documentation (HM ; INHS photo voucher 44204). On the same date, another calling individual was recorded in the southeast corner of an adjacent WCPD property (HM ). Subsequently, a lone male was also heard calling on the extreme western outskirts of Blackwell Forest Preserve near the boundary of Fermilab on 15 May A population is not yet established, but there is reason to believe this species will proliferate in the coming years as it continues to disperse west. Figure 4. Distribution of Hyla versicolor at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. Herpetofauna of Fermilab: Distribution and Status 9

10 Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus). Another common and widespread amphibian in both counties, this frog is abundant in most substantial marshes and even some ephemeral wetlands on site. It is the most plentiful amphibian in the anthropogenic ponds and lakes on site. Continued surveys will likely reveal this species in nearly all wetlands at FNAL. An individual with aberrant coloration (melanistic blotches) was trapped in Swenson Road Marsh on 12 June 2015 (HM 63747). Figure 4. Distribution of Lithobates catesbeianus at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. Herpetofauna of Fermilab: Distribution and Status 10

11 Northern Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans melanota). First verified in 2014, L. clamitans seems to be restricted to the cooler waters of FNAL, including Kress Creek, some of the more highly vegetated marshes and woodland pools. This species probably reaches its highest densities in Wilson Street Marsh Mierzwa et al. (1990) may not have encountered this species there due to the ultra-high densities of bullfrogs in the marsh at the time. Stochastic events have evidently altered the relative abundances of both species since then. Future efforts may reveal this frog expanding its range westward. Based on the available records, L. clamitans seems to have an affinity for remnant habitat and may not be able to effectively use the system of cooling ponds for dispersion possibly due to bullfrog predation. Surveys should continue in an attempt to this species along Giese Rd and within the Main Injector Ring. As of 2017, this species is considered patchy, but locally common where it does occur. Figure 5. Distribution of Lithobates clamitans at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. Herpetofauna of Fermilab: Distribution and Status 11

12 Northern Leopard Frog (Lithobates pipiens). This species has become much more common and distributed across Fermilab since the 1989 baseline surveys and is now widespread in both counties. This proliferation may be a result of the great increase in grassland area due to restoration efforts over the years. Although breeding was documented in woodland, savanna, and grassland habitats, L. pipiens was primarily encountered in open areas and along woodland edges during the rest of the field season. Many individuals exhibited a tan-colored phenotype with a yellow wash on their inner thighs similar to L. palustris (e.g. HM 64245; HM 64274). Figure 6. Distribution of Lithobates pipiens at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. Herpetofauna of Fermilab: Distribution and Status 12

13 Boreal Chorus Frog (Pseudacris maculata). This small, inconspicuous frog is still common and widespread at FNAL in both counties, but once again, the number of accounts in this study does not reflect its true abundance on site. It was heard at most woodland ponds and marshes on site (CI=3) and most records represent summer sightings. Interestingly, the few individuals found along Giese Road were aberrant with extremely light coloration and little-to-no striping, almost resembling P. crucifer (HM 64351; HM 54883). If unexperienced volunteers participate in future data collection, photo vouchers should always be implemented to avoid misidentification with P. crucifer. Figure 7. Distribution of Pseudacris maculata at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. Herpetofauna of Fermilab: Distribution and Status 13

14 Caudata Eastern Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma t. tigrinum). This large, voracious salamander has a patchy distribution, but is locally common where suitable, long-standing ephemeral ponds and marshes exist. It utilized both woodland vernal pools and open prairie marshes in areas that were both forested and open historically. A. tigrinum was not found just west of the ring, where Mierzwa et al. (1990) documented its presence in Continued surveys should try to document its presence along Giese Rd and within Indian Creek Woods. A female was first observed under plywood (on a dry hillside) south of the Main Ring on 27 May 2015 (HM 63484) where she remained through the summer until 19 September 2015 (HM 74509). She stationed herself in a shallow trench she (presumably) excavated with her head toward the edge of the board a seamless ambush position. She remained despite frequent board checks and disturbances, surprisingly. Figure 8. Distribution of Ambystoma tigrinum at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. Herpetofauna of Fermilab: Distribution and Status 14

15 Squamata, Serpentes Smooth Green Snake (Opheodrys vernalis). This insectivorous species was reconfirmed as present at FNAL in 2015 with the discovery of a large, gravid female (HM 63394). She was found at a degraded remnant marsh west of McChesney Road, just southeast of the Railhead (DuPage Co.). Subsequent searches in 2016 yielded two additional males and a recapture of the female. Scale clips and sheds were collected when possible and accessioned into the INHS collection (INHS photo voucher 44211; INHS photo voucher 44212; INHS 28080). A dead specimen was first salvaged in 1989 by D. Stillwaugh at the EJ&E railroad line that makes up the site s eastern boundary (INHS 11888), but no mention of this specimen was made by Mierzwa et al. (1990). The specimen was originally deposited into the INHS collection with the generic locality information DuPage County, IL. However, the collector and date all coincide with data from Mierzwa et al. (1990), so this specimen has been added to Fermilab s voucher database. Mike Redmer also reported finding this species along the EJ&E RR after 1992 and at the NW corner of Roosevelt and Town Rd. (pers. comm.). This snake still probably occurs at EJ&E Prairie in undetectable numbers and may be present in the remnant marshes east of the RR tracks owned by the West Chicago Park District. Permission was attained to extend surveying into this adjacent land in 2016, but no Opheodrys have been discovered yet. Fermilab staff (J. Kalina, Roads & Grounds) reportedly found two individuals in the mid 1990s while digging within the wetland area within Railhead. There are many remnant marshes and former pastures that still could support this species if historic DDT-use was avoided, but the large size of the site allows small populations to dilute their densities, making detection difficult. The eastern lakes were once vast marshes (pre-1974 aerial photographs), and their margins may have been the only refugia for herpetofauna when they were dredged into lakes. Intermittent CO surveys will hopefully increase captures and better delineate the distribution of this snake at FNAL. Moreover, the easily overlooked buff (tan) phase of this snake has been documented in DuPage County (HM 54447) and may also occur at FNAL. Figure 9. A photograph of the first smooth green snake (Opheodrys vernalis) encountered during this study. Herpetofauna of Fermilab: Distribution and Status 15

16 Figure 10. Distribution of Opheodrys vernalis at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. Herpetofauna of Fermilab: Distribution and Status 16

17 Western Fox Snake (Pantherophis vulpinus). This large constrictor is widespread and found in both DuPage and Kane Counties, but is only locally common. Its highest densities are reached in remnant prairies and marshes along both EJ&E and BNSF railroad tracks. This species was difficult to find in the historically forested areas of FNAL it is mostly associated with prairie, marsh, and old field habitats. Surprisingly narrow strips of sedge meadow (~50ft wide) were utilized by this species north of the Railhead and it was rarely found within large monocultures of reed canary grass. Due to its preference toward higher quality areas, it may be a useful indicator species for habitat restoration. An old foundation denning site was reported by J. Kalina (Roads and Grounds) at the SW corner of Outer Ring Rd and Eola Rd, but was apparently destroyed. P. vulpinus and their eggs are still readily uncovered in the manure piles just to the northeast of this described den site (J. Kalina pers. obs.). On 19 September 2015, a nest of around a dozen eggs was found within a rotting log; most were hatched or damaged, but several were still intact (HM 66789). A large (~4ft) female regurgitated a litter of young voles along with an adult, and two nestling birds on 21 July 2015 (HM 64123) the contents were preserved. Figure 11. Distribution of Pantherophis vulpinus at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. Herpetofauna of Fermilab: Distribution and Status 17

18 Midland Brown Snake (Storeria dekayi wrightorum). This species went from rare and restricted (Mierzwa et al., 1990) to common and widespread within a 25-year timespan. It possesses no particular affinity toward any one habitat, utilizing forest edge, prairie, and marsh habitats readily. Nonetheless, most individuals were documented near known remnant habitat patches in both counties. S. dekayi was not found within the Main Ring or Big Woods in 1989 (Mierzwa et al., 1990), but was easily found in both locations during this study. The ongoing restoration work at Fermilab appears to be having a pronounced impact on the abundance of this species. During 2013, a hibernaculum was discovered within the coarse gravel pad beneath the trailers in the southwest quadrant of the Main Ring. Several individuals were documented during this study that may have been considered erythristic (e.g. HM 54781). Figure 12. Distribution of Storeria dekayi at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. Herpetofauna of Fermilab: Distribution and Status 18

19 Plains Garter Snake (Thamnophis radix). Common and widespread, this species was plentiful in both counties in a variety of habitats, including savanna and woodland edge, though not frequently. It was often found in conjunction with T. sirtalis and the prominent segregation described by Mierzwa et al. (1990) was only observed in a few small areas of Fermi including the edge of Big Woods (T. sirtalis), MR Savanna (T. sirtalis), Wilson St Marsh (T. sirtalis), Eola Grasslands NW (T. sirtalis), and Meson Hill (T. radix). However, both species similar abundances at the BNSF Prairie, Green Snake Marsh, Giese Road, SW border, N MR, S MR, and the wetlands south of MR. Encounters with this species usually declined as conditions became more torrid, whereas T. sirtalis observations remained relatively constant. One erythristic individual was recorded at the northern edge of the MR (HM 74429) and quite a few individuals exhibited dorsal lateral stripe interruptions at the anterior of their bodies. Figure 13. Distribution of Thamnophis radix at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. Herpetofauna of Fermilab: Distribution and Status 19

20 Chicago Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis semifasciatus). This is the most common and widespread snake at Fermilab. It is extremely versatile and adaptable, utilizing just about any type of habitat, regardless of quality. Most T. sirtalis at Fermilab exhibited anterior dorsal lateral stripe interruptions, but some individuals along EJ&E and Big Woods lacked these interruptions, displaying extremely plain coloration often without the typical checkering (Comparison: HM 63999). Individuals with red inter-scale coloration were found in various parts of the site. Figure 14. Distribution of Thamnophis sirtalis at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. Herpetofauna of Fermilab: Distribution and Status 20

21 Testudines Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone spinifera). This distinctive turtle is relatively uncommon at Fermilab, but photo vouchers have been obtained for both counties despite its patchy distribution. It has been primarily documented at Swan Lake in the Indian Creek watershed, but other seemingly eccentric records exist at Nepese Marsh (J. Kalina pers. comm.), Bulrush Pond (D. Shemanske pers. comm.), and one Main Ring cooling pond near the red barn. The presence of this turtle in Kress Creek likely indicates a more widespread occurrence than recognized here. Only one Kane record exists from G. Chastain (HM 78661) near one of the Main Injector ponds, although this species probably extends from Swan Lake into the lower portions of Indian Creek. The installment of basking logs in the open marshes and lakes of FNAL may produce more frequent sightings of this species. Figure 15. Distribution of Apalone spinifera at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. Herpetofauna of Fermilab: Distribution and Status 21

22 Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina). Common and widespread, this turtle species probably inhabits almost every permanent pond, marsh, lake, and stream at Fermilab within both counties. The number of sightings in this report is not representative of how abundant this species is on site. Most photo-vouchered observations were a result of trapping efforts (TR-503 Promar traps) or finding venturing adults on land. One DOR was found severed in half by a train on the EJ&E RR (HM 74440; INHS 25961). Interestingly, one adult observed in this study appeared to be eating water parsnip (Sium suave) when discovered around multiple chewed stalks in Indian Creek Woods (HM 54190). Figure 16. Distribution of Chelydra serpentina at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. Herpetofauna of Fermilab: Distribution and Status 22

23 Midland Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta marginata). The painted turtle is probably the most abundant and widespread turtle at FNAL. Comparable to C. serpentina, the number of sightings in this report for C. picta is not representative of how abundant this species is on site, since most vouchered locations were from DORs and wandering adults. Increasing the number of basking logs within Fermilab s waters will certainly aid in filling in distribution gaps at FNAL. Figure 17. Distribution of Chrysemys picta at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. Blanding s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii). This state-endangered species has been observed at FNAL intermittently in the 1980s and 1990s. Mike Redmer reported at least two individuals from Wilson St. Marsh in 1989 and trapped one in Blanding s Marsh in the mid 90s. A photo was taken of the latter individual (Mike Redmer pers. comm.), but the slide could not be located in the INHS collection. The last time an individual was seen on site was during June 2000 at the Herpetofauna of Fermilab: Distribution and Status 23

24 northern edge of Big Woods on B Road (HM 77138). J. Kalina described occasionally seeing an individual in the same general area in years prior to this capture. Perhaps this extant individual utilized the ephemeral pools within Big Woods or the lake to the north for some time. Trapping during the summer of 2016 failed to locate individuals along the EJ&E RR marshes or Big Woods North, but the sheer vastness of the site makes this difficult to interpret. Tucker and Maxson (2014) also did not capture this species during their EJ&E RR mitigation study in 2009 and Dedicated hoop trap surveys by summer students in 2010 and 2012 did not locate any individuals either. Few numbers of old, transient individuals probably still occur at Fermilab, but are able to thin themselves to nearly undetectable levels. Due to a lack of recent information, the current status of E. blandingii can only be declared questionable and its distribution undetermined until more data is obtained. This species should be the subject of a capture-markrecapture study at FNAL and extensive trapping with long term monitoring should continue. Since very little basking debris exist in FNAL s marshes, the induction of basking logs is suggested to aid future surveying. Figure 18. Distribution of Emydoidea blandingii at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. Herpetofauna of Fermilab: Distribution and Status 24

25 Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans). This species is uncommon, but apparently widespread at FNAL. Although it is often perceived as introduced in DuPage County, it is possible that Fermilab s populations could be a mixture of naturalized introductions (e.g. released pets) and indigenous individuals that arrived from the Fox River via Indian Creek. Despite being readily seen in Swan Lake, which extends into both DuPage and Kane counties, a photo voucher is still needed for documentation in Kane. One case of fatal entrapment between the EJ&E rails was recorded regarding a large adult female that apparently desiccated in the torrid conditions (HM 54268). Figure 19. Distribution of Trachemys scripta at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. Herpetofauna of Fermilab: Distribution and Status 25

26 Introduced Species Red-footed Tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonaria). A DOR individual of this South American species was salvaged on 16 June 2014 from outbound Pine Street, Kane County, Illinois ( , ). Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina). An individual was found crossing B Road on 22 June 2009 near the edge of Big Woods (HM 77137). Herpetofauna of Fermilab: Distribution and Status 26

27 Potentially Occurring Species: Anura Cope s Gray Tree Frog (Hyla chrysoscelis). Although this frog has not yet been documented on the FNAL site, it is not uncommon within the Fox River drainage. An audio recording is vital in identifying which of the two species, Cope s (H. chrysoscelis) or Eastern (H. versicolor), is present. In the future, calling frog surveys may determine if a population establishes itself. Photo-documentation or a specimen is needed. Rod Walton recounted hearing H. chrysoscelis within the Main Ring Savanna before the year 2000, but no recordings were taken. A single male calling on the west side of McKee Marsh in Blackwell Forest Preserve (DuPage Co.) was recorded by Mark Donnelly in 2006, representing the closest confirmed case of dispersion in relation to FNAL. Figure 20 represents 16 DuPage and Kane records of H. chrysoscelis believed to be valid. Figure 20. Surrounding distribution of Hyla chrysoscelis in Kane and DuPage Counties. Herpetofauna of Fermilab: Distribution and Status 27

28 Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer). This small, distinctive frog was reportedly heard on two occasions from 2 localities at Fermilab in 2002, but it has not been heard since. One call was on 3 June, well outside the species breeding period. These frogs may undergo local cyclic fluctuations in populations, leading to variable detectability among years. Photo-documentation or a specimen is needed. Dan Ludwig was asked about the Fermilab spring peeper reports mentioned in Mierzwa et al. (1990), but stated he did not actually survey Fermilab and could not verify that account (D. Ludwig pers. comm.). The western half of FNAL possesses the highest likelihood of discovering relic populations of this species due to its historic vegetative state and wetland-rich remnants. Figure 21. Surrounding distribution of Pseudacris crucifer in Kane and DuPage Counties. Most Kane County locales are west of the Fox River, so the best chances of outside colonization stem from the Morton Arboretum and Hidden Lake Forest Preserve (DuPage Co.), where they are found in good numbers. Dan Thompson reported a recent western range expansion from those source populations into Danada Forest Preserve, where they have now become established. Herpetofauna of Fermilab: Distribution and Status 28

29 Individuals are also beginning to call from within Herrick Lake Forest Preserve, even further west (D. Thompson pers. comm.), and may eventually reach Fermilab through Blackwell. Figure 21 displays known sites and the possible expansion route to Fermilab through FPDDC land. Caudata Central Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens louisianensis). Though they were not found at Fermilab during this study, their detectability varies among years and not all ponds on the property were adequately surveyed. If this species is indeed present on site, it would likely be found within and around vernal wetlands that were historically forested. Small or nonexistent populations of Ambystoma tigrinum in the vicinity would also be favorable. The nearest known population of newts is found about 5 miles north of Fermilab in St. Charles, Kane County, IL (M. Ignoffo pers. comm.). Figure 22. Surrounding distribution of Notophthalmus viridescens in Kane and DuPage Counties. Herpetofauna of Fermilab: Distribution and Status 29

30 The Fox River once acted as a firebreak, allowing the formation of a forested corridor along its east bank. Several newt populations north of Fermilab, including the St. Charles locale, are found within the fragments of this historic strip of forest. Further surveys should be conducted within associated remnant woodlands to determine the presence of newts. These include Site 29 Woods (East and West), Big Woods, Morgan s Woods, Indian Creek Woods, MR West Woods, Girl Scout Woods, Site 12 Woods, South Ring Wetlands, Butterfield Woods, and the woodlands along Giese Road. Squamata, Serpentes Kirtland s Snake (Clonophis kirtlandii). Records for this rare, reclusive snake are scant and most records in the vicinity of Fermilab are anecdotal. In 1958, Robert A. Young reportedly observed an adult C. kirtlandii that had fallen into the east spillway channel of the dam at Warrenville Grove Forest Preserve (DuPage Co.) 2 miles east of FNAL (pers. comm.). If valid, this locale is the furthest west that the species has been documented in DuPage County and is suggestive that C. kirtlandii may have ranged further west than museum specimens would indicate.? Figure 23. Surrounding distribution of Clonophis kirtlandii in DeKalb, Kane, and DuPage Counties. Questionable reports are denoted with a?. Herpetofauna of Fermilab: Distribution and Status 30

31 Furthermore, an old CHS member (Bill Peterson) was rumored to have known of a Clonophis locality at a golf course near Batavia or Geneva (Kane Co.), but nothing specific enough was ever learned to warrant a search (M. Redmer pers. comm.). There is also a valid DeKalb County record near Sandwich, which warrants a revitalized westerly extent of this snake s haunts in NE Illinois. This state-threatened snake should not be ruled out as a potential species at FNAL and CO surveys on the margins of remnant wetlands should continue in the long term. These snakes are typically associated with ultra-high densities of burrowing crayfish, but they can often persist through dramatic disturbances if comparable microhabitats remain (i.e. limestone cobble; T. Schramer pers. obs.). Eastern Milk Snake (Lampropeltis t. triangulum). Given its nocturnal and fossorial habits, this secretive snake often escapes detection during inventories. Despite this, it is typically more common than often suspected on large sites with a mosaic of open and edge habitats that feature dolomite, abandoned building foundations, quarries, or rocky soils. Figure 24. Surrounding distribution of Lampropeltis triangulum in Kane and DuPage Counties. Herpetofauna of Fermilab: Distribution and Status 31

32 Cover object surveys are considered an adequate survey method for this snake, but none were found in 2015 or Despite the lack of encounters, we expect this snake to occur in small, statistically insignificant numbers at FNAL in and around mature oak stands. A photo or specimen should be obtained for documentation. L. triangulum is known to occur 1.5 miles north of Fermilab at West Chicago Prairie (DuPage Co.), but has not been observed in recent years despite the widespread use of COs (Allison Sacerdote-Velat, pers. comm.). During 2017, several specimens were discovered 1 mile east of Fermilab along Garys Mill Rd. (HM ; HM ; HM ), representing the most recent sightings in DuPage County and the closest records to FNAL. An old museum record also exists from along the Fox River in Batavia (Kane Co.), hinting at the presence of this snake within the once forested expanse that stretches into Fermilab s western limits (Fig. 24). Northern Water Snake (Nerodia s. sipedon). This species is reportedly common from the Fox River and its tributaries in Batavia (Kane Co.) 1.5 miles west of Fermilab (Ignoffo pers. obs.) and has been verified from the West Branch at McDowell Grove Forest Preserve (DuPage Co.) 2.3 miles southeast of Fermilab in 2015 (HM 64195; HM 76653). McDowell Grove marks the confluence of the West Branch and Ferry Creek, which originates from the excavated marshes near Fermilab s east entrance; N. sipedon may have spread to these marshes historically via Ferry Creek, but it is unclear if this species could have survived the dredging of those marshes for mechanized use during the 1970s. Specimens also exist from adjacent Blackwell Forest Preserve (DuPage Co.) and this snake was reported in Kress Creek at West Chicago Prairie Forest Preserve in 1988 (M. Redmer pers. comm.). In order to colonize the latter locale, N. sipedon probably dispersed through Kress Creek historically, including the portions of Kress now contained within FNAL. Roads and Grounds staff member, J. Kalina, recalled seeing a blotched or banded snake swim away from a beaver dam he was removing near the Kress Creek BNSF railroad trestle, which he believes could have been N. sipedon. The RR trestle provides supplementary cover in the form of fallen flagstone and rock wall crevices, which are common microhabitat features for this species. This snake was not verified in the lower reaches of Indian Creek near Aurora, but could extend upstream from the Fox to Fermilab via Indian Creek. Continued searches for this species within Kress and Indian Creeks should be conducted to determine its presence, and the eastern lakes should not be neglected either. Photos or a voucher specimen are needed. Herpetofauna of Fermilab: Distribution and Status 32

33 Figure 25. Distribution of Nerodia sipedon in the vicinity of Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. Graham s Crayfish Snake (Regina grahamii). This extremely rare snake is dependent on crayfishes for food, shelter, and hibernation sites. Three primary burrowers associated with this species have been found on site: devil crayfish (Cambarus diogenes), White River crayfish (Procambarus acutus), and prairie crayfish (P. gracilis). This snake was documented in 1995 from West Chicago Prairie (DuPage Co.) with photographs 1.5 miles north of Fermilab. Another INHS photo record from a nearby city park (Centennial Park in Naperville, 2007) was examined, but proved to be a queen snake (Regina septemvittata). Robert A. Young was contacted during this study regarding DuPage R. grahamii observations he made during the 60s and 70s. Historic locality information was attained along with GPS coordinates to be compared with sites within Fermilab. These sites included the Villa Park Swamp, Grace St. Marsh, and a Churchill Woods relocation site. The Villa Park Swamp, where this species was Herpetofauna of Fermilab: Distribution and Status 33

34 most common in the 60s, included a shallow, stream-fed marsh, containing Typha sp., Lemna spp., Nymphaea sp., Salix spp., and Populus deltoides (R.A. Young pers. comm.; Young, 1973). * Figure 26. Surrounding distribution of Regina grahamii in Kane and DuPage Counties. The asterisk indicates R. Young s attempted relocation site when the Villa Park locale was destroyed. Extensive wetland remnants on muck soils resembling the Grace St. Marsh and West Chicago Prairie locales are still plentiful at FNAL, although some may have been dramatically altered. The EJ&E RR marshes and the once-vast eastern marshes may be prime candidates for this species, assuming R. grahamii can tolerate such substantial disturbances. For reference, fair numbers of these snakes can be found in extremely altered habitats like the reservoirs in the central part of the state (T. Schramer pers. obs.). Minnow traps in conjunction with aquatic drift fences may be used to document this species. During the summer of 2015, two individuals were captured at a known Lake County locale in funnel traps which were allowed to self-bait with crayfish (Allison Sacerdote-Velat pers. comm.). Herpetofauna of Fermilab: Distribution and Status 34

35 Figure 27. A photograph of an adult female Graham s crayfish snake (Regina grahamii) from Central Illinois, where populations persist in extremely altered and degraded anthropogenic habitats (i.e. rocky shoreline of a reservoir). Herpetofauna of Fermilab: Distribution and Status 35

36 Queen Snake (Regina septemvittata). This species is known from the Fox River and its tributaries in Batavia (Kane Co.) 1.5 miles west of Fermilab (Ignoffo pers. obs., 2009; HM ; HM ), and has been verified from the West Branch at Warrenville Grove Forest Preserve (DuPage Co.) 2 miles east of Fermilab (HM 64308; HM 64309; HM ). Indian Creek appears to lack the rocky substrate preferred by this species, but there are certain portions of Kress Creek with dense crayfish populations and coarse, rocky substrate that may be suitable. Continued searches for this species within Kress and Indian Creek should be conducted to determine its presence. Figure 28. Distribution of Regina septemvittata in the vicinity of Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. Herpetofauna of Fermilab: Distribution and Status 36

37 Red-bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata). This small snake has a sporadic distribution in the Chicago region and is highly localized in both DuPage and Kane Counties (Ludwig, et al. 1992; Anton, unpublished data), but appears to be associated with the Tinley and West Chicago Moraines in DuPage County along with the Minooka Moraine and Elburn Complex in Kane County (T. Schramer pers. obs.). Populations across Illinois were suggested to have suffered from habitat destruction due to agricultural practices (Brown and Phillips, 2012) consistent with those used at FNAL in prior decades. This species has been found on the Minooka Moraine in Wayne, Kane Co. (T. Anton pers. obs.). In 2014, one individual was discovered at Blackwell Forest Preserve (West Chicago Moraine), becoming the nearest record to Fermilab (Allison Sacerdote-Velat pers. comm.). Although the West Chicago Moraine does not extend into FNAL, the Minooka Moraine, which runs through Fermi s west side, may have the potential to produce this species. Surveys using cover objects (COs) in the interface of open prairie remnant and savanna, open woodland, or old field habitats may eventually document its occurrence at FNAL. Figure 29. Surrounding distribution of Storeria occipitomaculata in Kane and DuPage Counties. Herpetofauna of Fermilab: Distribution and Status 37

38 Testudines Northern Map Turtle (Graptemys geographica). This species is known from at least 3 locales within the Fox watershed in Kane County (T. Anton pers. obs.) and 2 locales within the West Branch drainage (Ludwig et al., 1990). If there are adequate numbers of freshwater mussels, snails, and crustaceans for prey, the potential immigration of G. geographica to FNAL via Indian, Ferry, and/or Kress Creek is seemingly realistic. The installation of basking logs may help locate and encourage this species at FNAL in the future. Figure 30. Surrounding distribution of Graptemys geographica in Kane and DuPage Counties. Herpetofauna of Fermilab: Distribution and Status 38

39 Eastern Musk Turtle (Sternotherus odoratus). This elusive turtle is uncommon regionally, but is known to occur in the Fox River (Kane Co.) and may inhabit its tributaries, including the mudbottomed water bodies within the Indian Creek catchment. Of the few accounts that exist in DuPage County, none are from the DuPage River valley. Concentrated turtle trapping within Indian Creek, Swan Lake, and the southwest buttonbush swamp may eventually produce this omnivorous species. Figure 31. Surrounding distribution of Sternotherus odoratus in Kane and DuPage Counties. Herpetofauna of Fermilab: Distribution and Status 39

40 Conservation and Management Generally speaking, improving habitat connectivity and reducing the hostility of the surrounding matrix should be the principal goals of conserving local herpetofauna at FNAL, and understanding the potential impacts of common management activities is vital. The same diligence should be maintained for outside activities like new construction projects and daily vehicular traffic as well. To advance landscape connectivity, features already forming corridors and greenbelts should be prioritized with restoration and buffering, particularly for isolated areas of high herpetofaunal significance. The EJ&E and BNSF RR corridors as well as the Kress Creek, Butterfield Road, and South Ring Wetland greenbelts would fit this criterion. Future plans to better connect the restored Kane County side to the green space on the DuPage County side should also be developed. Buffers should be implemented between sensitive areas and agricultural areas to reduce impacts from fertilizers and pesticides, and road signs should be placed along migration routes to reduce vehicular mortality. Enhanced communication and collaboration between various public and private landowning agencies is also advised. The FPDDC manages a direct corridor to Fermilab s east side, however this patch is dominated by invasive shrubs. The West Chicago Park District s land on the east side of EJ&E includes several remnant muck soil marshes that could host rare herpetofauna species, so enhanced connectivity through collaboration should be a mutual goal. Similar steps should be taken with the Warrenville Park District to improve the quality of Ferry Creek, and perhaps encourage Nerodia sipedon to eventually colonize Fermilab from the West Branch. There is no FPDKC land directly adjacent to Fermilab, but broadly maintaining the quality of FNAL s edges could invite and encourage the colonization of H. versicolor-chrysoscelis or P. crucifer on site. The authors suggest mowing during the inactive season whenever feasible (late fall through very early spring). If this is not possible, mow during the warmest part of the day on hot, sunny days (>88 F) during the torrid summer months (Kingsbury and Gibson, 2012). PARC s management guidelines recommend two methods: (1) that no more than 25% of the contiguous available habitat be mowed at one time (e.g. spot mowing exotic species or shrubs), while allowing vegetation heights of mowed areas to re-grow before mowing the next 25%, or (2) mowing up to 50% of the contiguous available habitat at any one time while keeping blade heights at least 8 or more inches off the ground (Kingsbury and Gibson, 2012). The apparent decline of O. vernalis withinn the EJ&E Prairie may be attributed to the burning regime, the encroachment of woody shrubs, and the proximity of agriculture. Sacerdote-Velat (2013) found canopy cover to be a significant factor affecting smooth green snake patch occupancy at smaller ecological scales (25-250m), however, the proportion of agriculture and development became the dominant factor at larger landscape scales ( m). Due to the rarity of smooth green snakes on site, careful habitat restoration and expansion should be delegated around the only recent locality on site. This includes managing times for periodic mowing of invasive species like Canada thistle. Mowing should be done midday during the summer when snakes are often less active, or before they begin basking during cooler weather. Herpetofauna of Fermilab: Distribution and Status 40

41 Mowing for shrubs should be done before the growing season if possible. Prior to burning, the LMU should be divvied up into sections, allowing for some unburned areas to remain and act as refugia. The authors also suggest a portion of agricultural land near the Railhead be restored to wet prairie to allow this species to more easily disperse to nearby habitats. Control for reed canary grass, Phragmites, silver maple, and buckthorn are suggested in areas of high herpetofaunal significance or suitability for the potential species listed in this report. Such areas include savannas, open woodlands, ephemeral wetlands, marshes, and sedge meadows. Narrow strips of quality habitat should be buffered from agriculture and controlled for invasive species like glossy buckthorn and crown vetch (e.g. EJ&E, railhead ditch) to conserve biodiversity and functionality. Brush grinding around limestone foundations and RR ballast may make such sites more inviting for herps to use, especially for hibernation. Foundations and old farm structures should be left intact as they may serve as valuable hibernacula and foraging sites for snake (e.g. L. triangulum). Cattail monocultures and encroachment should be controlled in sensitive areas so they remain un-choked, especially in Blanding s Marsh where E. blandingii has been historically documented. Burning followed by subsequent flooding may be an effective method of control. Future Work Increasing the site knowledge of herpetofauna and locating relict individuals of rare, threatened, or endangered species (e.g. E. blandingii, O. vernalis, N. viridescens, etc.) was the primary goal of this study. The results of the efforts reported here are a solid step forward from the infrequent history of reptile and amphibian monitoring at Fermilab since 1989 (Table 3). Still, much can still be learned at the FNAL site, and due to its restricted nature, a plethora of experimental research opportunities arise that would otherwise be difficult or impossible. Suggested future work at Fermilab includes continued minnow trap sampling for crayfishes and amphibians in the numerous ponds and wetlands not yet sampled across the site. This type of surveying should continue for at least 10 years in order to account for the large number of wetlands as well as inter-annual variability in pond use and population dynamics within species. Cover object surveys should be sustained indefinitely if the resources and volunteers are available, especially in areas with rare species or high potential for locating new species. Turtle trapping and basking surveys should also be extended to explore new and under-surveyed wetlands. Employees and volunteers should continue to document their incidental observations with HerpMapper. Initiatives to organize and partake in seasonal road surveys during spring and fall. This timeframe and survey method are meant to target snake presence (sunning on warm roads) and document important choke points in their migration routes. It is also possible that new species for the site may be vouchered in this manner and results will indicate areas of high road mortality and the locations of hibernacula. If dedicated surveys are to continue, the authors also recommend seeking out graduate students to initiate capture-mark-recapture projects on snakes (scale-clipping) and turtles (shell-notching) Herpetofauna of Fermilab: Distribution and Status 41

42 for long-term demographic data collection. Certainly, if more extensive Opheodrys vernalis mark-recapture data is attained over the coming years, a population estimate and viability analysis may become feasible. Redder et al. (2006) provides O. vernalis life cycle vital rates and outlines a Leslie matrix model that could possibly be implemented at FNAL. Likewise, Pantherophis vulpinus could be a valuable surrogate to examine multi-year management practices given its relatively high vagility and long lifespan. Furthermore, spatially sensitive mark-recapture studies with snakes offer a broader avenue to gather home range, movement, dispersal, and demographic data, conjointly. Studies could also be implemented for defined topics like the movements of snakes through newly implemented corridors and greenbelts, or the affects of restoration age on snake communities, for example. With more of this data, augmentations or introductions of carefully selected species may be a possible management strategy in the future and could be carefully studied once implemented. To guide future surveying, the authors recommend producing GIS layers for viable habitat within historic time frames (beginning in 1939) to see how herpetofaunal communities may have distributed themselves through space and time as Fermilab was developed. This would allow for the identification of all remnants on site, which should be prioritized for discovering relictual populations of regionally rare herpetofauna species. Additionally, the historic vicariant and dispersal events that may have taken place at Fermilab could be documented and evaluated to derive patterns in species spatial arrangements today. Reanalyzing range holes and fragments along with the dynamic colonization and extinction of herpetofauna may provide insights into certain landscape-scale processes. For now, areas of focus include remnant prairie and marsh areas (for O. vernalis), abandoned limestone foundations and mature oak stands across the site (for L. triangulum), woodlandgrassland ecotones (for S. occitiomaculata), and peripheral wetlands (for N. sipedon and R. grahamii). However, as increased information is attained regarding the site s herpetological zoogeography, specific areas may need to be saturated with COs and more thoroughly sampled. In the end, the acquirement of new information and data should steer future herpetofaunal studies at Fermilab. Undoubtedly, new discoveries will be made and community compositions will change with time. The information outlined in this report summarizes the current state of FNAL s herpetofauna, lists potentially occurring species, and provides management advice. Hopefully, this study will serve as a guide to reduce the potential impacts of day-to-day activities on Fermilab s herps and inspire future herpetofaunal endeavors, which will only build upon the herpetofaunal history and knowledge of the site. Herpetofauna of Fermilab: Distribution and Status 42

43 Herpetofauna of Fermilab: Distribution and Status 43