KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Local roads in Keene will see unusual activity tonight as frogs and salamanders begin their annual spring migration, a natural event celebrated by wildlife enthusiasts as “Big Night.” To protect the amphibians as they cross busy streets, city officials are temporarily closing parts of North Lincoln Street and Jordan Road.

North Lincoln Street will be fully closed to traffic, while Jordan Road will be limited to local access only, from roughly 7 p.m. Monday, March 16, until 7 a.m. Tuesday. The closures are timed to coincide with the amphibians’ nocturnal journey to their breeding wetlands.

Visitors are welcome at the North Lincoln Street crossing, where a naturalist from the Harris Center will be present shortly after sunset, weather permitting, until around 10 p.m. Observers are encouraged to dress for rain and bring a flashlight, as standard cell phone lights may not be sufficient.

Jordan Road, meanwhile, is reserved for trained volunteers wearing proper safety gear, due to limited space and parking challenges. Children can attend the North Lincoln Street site, but must be accompanied by an adult. The event is best suited for elementary-aged children and older.

Drivers are advised to use the southeast section of Woodland Cemetery for parking, entering through the Beaver Street gates. Other entrances, including the Greenlawn Street gate, are either closed or not recommended because of potential flooding.

Weather could impact tonight’s migration. Cheshire County is under a Flood Watch and Wind Advisory, and organizers caution visitors to stay home if conditions become dangerous.

Amphibian migrations occur only on rainy nights, and the Harris Center reminds the public that the event is highly dependent on both rain and safe wind conditions. For updates and details on detours, visit harriscenter.org/big-night-detours.