HELLBENDER: The original “Hellbender Defenders,” a group of high school student leaders, celebrated recently the 5 year anniversary of the hellbender’s adoption as Pennsylvania’s official state amphibian.

The excited group of passionate teenagers who made it happen surrounded then Gov. Tom Wolf in April 2019 as he signed legislation designating the Eastern hellbender our state amphibian.

Those students, members of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation Student Leadership Council, were inspired to pursue careers in conservation, education and the environment. Some are pursuing master’s degrees in environmental education, wildlife science or conservation biology.

Wolf’s signature was the culmination of the students’ three-year campaign to recognize the largest salamander in North America – and to create greater awareness of the critical need to reduce pollution in the commonwealth’s rivers and streams.

“It is my hope that other student leaders across the Commonwealth may be inspired by our work,” SLC President Emma Stone said at the bill signing. “Making change is possible, no matter your age. All you need is dedication, support, and of course, a worthy cause. The hellbender is a worthy cause.”

More than declaring the state’s first official amphibian, the bill underscored the need to protect Pennsylvania’s waterways. Clean water is critical to the hellbender – and everyone else.

“At the time it felt very overwhelming, and I am glad I got to understand that no matter your age you have a voice and can make an impact,” former SLC student Anne Puchalsky said recently.

Meanwhile, the most famous salamander in Pennsylvania continues to be celebrated. In October of 2023, the Eastern hellbender was recognized with a special Pennsylvania license plate that supports the Wild Resource Conservation Fund.