UWM biologist Gary Casper and assistant Beth Mittemaier photograph a salamander in a marsh on Milwaukee's northwest side. Their work is part of the first comprehensive survey of wildlife in Milwaukee County. (UWM Photo/Troye Fox)
Biologist Gary Casper of the UWM Field Station documents a blue-spotted salamander during a field survey near Good Hope Road and Interstate 41. (UWM Photo/Troye Fox)
UWM biologist Gary Casper checks his watch during the field survey. The survey is intended to find out how pollution and development has affected wildlife in Milwaukee County. (UWM Photo/Troye Fox)
Traps set up as part of the field survey catch turtles, fish, salamanders and other creatures. Casper has been surprised to find very few of some types of salamanders and frogs. But some other species are unexpectedly thriving in urbanized Milwaukee County. (UWM Photo/Troye Fox)
A blue-spotted salamander sits in UWM biologist Gary Casper's hand. (UWM Photo/Troye Fox)
UWM biologist Gary Casper and assistant Beth Mittemaier document wildlife in a marsh on Milwaukee's northwest side. The field survey will be used to help figure out strategies to restore habitats. (UWM Photo/Troye Fox)
Biologist Gary Casper of the UWM Field Station is leading the first-ever comprehensive survey of wildlife in Milwaukee County.
The survey is intended to document which species are doing well and which are suffering from pollution and development in the area.
It’s the first step toward restoring the habitats that are often right in residents’ backyards.
