Salamander named Gresham's official amphibian

At the upcoming business meeting on April 1 at 6:00 pm, the Gresham City Council will formally designate the Oregon Slender Salamander as the City’s official amphibian. Mayor Travis Stovall will make the official announcement, recognizing the dedication and civic engagement of students at Hogan Cedars Elementary School, who led the campaign and conducted a schoolwide vote to select the amphibian.

"The Oregon Slender Salamander is a rare and fascinating species, thriving in part due to Gresham’s commitment to preserving its natural resources and habitats,” said Mayor Stovall. “Beyond celebrating this unique amphibian, we are proud to acknowledge the hard work and enthusiasm of Hogan Cedars students, who demonstrated leadership and civic participation throughout this process.” 
 
Earlier this month, Hogan Cedars Elementary hosted an assembly introducing students to local amphibians and their critical role in the ecosystem. Following the event, students cast their votes, ultimately selecting the Oregon Slender Salamander as the species most deserving of official recognition. 
 
Once believed to inhabit only the Cascade Mountains, the Oregon Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps wrighti) was first documented in Gresham in 2008 when a group of AmeriCorps volunteers discovered one in the Kelly Creek area. Subsequent searches revealed a thriving population in natural spaces and residential backyards across the city. 
 
The Oregon Slender Salamander spends most of its life underground and plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling insect populations. Amphibians, including salamanders, frogs, and newts, contribute significantly to Gresham’s biodiversity by helping to manage pests and maintain the health of local wetlands.