We recently discovered the wonderful Puffer's Pond cache, and realized that North Amherst (where I grew up) has a dearth of caches. One of the joys of North Amherst is the area known as Cushman. Cushman has a cute little central green next to railroad tracks, and a little store, which formerly was a general store called Whittemore's, and is now the Cushman Market and Cafe.
This area is also known for its Salamander Crossing. One night each Spring, amorous Salamanders come down out of the woods to vernal ponds to mate. Before the Salamander Crossing was constructed, locals would grab flashlights and buckets to help the creatures cross the road without being smushed. In 1987, two tunnels were constructed under the road, along with an extensive system of netting, to aid the Salamanders in their annual trek. Thus was born the Salamander Crossing, which you can see just a few yards away from the Cushman Market (take a right on Henry Street, and look for the netting to the sides of the road and two tunnel strips intersecting the road). There are no Salamander Crossing signs, as they are prized (by groupies?). Please respect the delicate environmental nature of the Salamander Crossing and do not disturb it. (Searching for the cache will not bring you near the crossing.)
There are several things named for this "only in Amherst" wildlife construction: A "roots" band (how appropriate) adopted the Salamander Crossing name, and you can enjoy a Salamander Crossing Steam Lager at the town of Amherst's local brewery. There is also a stone sculpture called Crossroads Salamander on the Cushman commons.
Starting out, the cache contains a log book, a package of Mighty Beans, a set of handwarmers, and a 3D temporary tattoo. FTF will have to be its own reward.
***Congrats to Western Mass Clan on being FTF and 300th found at the same time!*** Wow, that is an incredible FTF story, see below.
There is parking adjacent to the Cushman Commons and Cushman Market on Pine Street, but it is not the nearest parking spot to the cache.