Love Tunnel Gives Frogs a Safe Route to Mate

On Long Island, New York, a unique and environmentally friendly project is making headlines. In the town of Brookhaven, a special underground passage nicknamed the “Love Tunnel” was built to help frogs cross busy roads safely during mating season.

Every spring, thousands of frogs migrate to nearby ponds to reproduce — a journey that previously put them at high risk of being run over. Now, thanks to this tunnel, they can complete the journey safely and uninterrupted.

The project cost around $40,000 and was completed two years ago. Recently, an aluminum fence was added to guide frogs directly into the passage and keep them off the roads. According to experts, this simple infrastructure is helping not only frogs, but also the wider local ecosystem.

Roadkill Deaths Have Plummeted

Luke Ormand, an environmental analyst working with the project, confirmed the tunnel's success:

"Since the tunnel was built, frog deaths have dropped to nearly zero. They now reach breeding ponds safely, without risking their lives."

Species such as wood frogs, gray tree frogs, and spring peepers are among the main beneficiaries. These amphibians, which rely on seasonal migration, now have a secure route that aligns with their instincts.

Born from a Heartbreaking Experience

The idea for the tunnel came after a tragic event. Turner, the project’s initiator, recalled a night that changed everything:

"I was driving down the road when a horrible smell filled the car. I pulled over and saw hundreds of frogs crushed, blood everywhere. I knew I had to do something."

Motivated by the scene, Turner and a team of volunteers designed a system modeled after pedestrian underpasses found along Ocean Parkway. They adapted the design for frog migrations — and thus, the Love Tunnel was born.

Reviving the Local Ecosystem

The Love Tunnel didn’t just save frogs — it reinvigorated local biodiversity. Over the past few years, residents and scientists alike have noticed something uplifting:

Frog calls are once again echoing across wetlands during spring. Their return signals a healthier, more balanced environment.

Ecological Benefits

• Frogs complete their reproductive cycle without interruption

• Risk of death from road traffic is nearly eliminated

• Other species like birds and insects have also begun to return

A Simple but Powerful Model for Conservation

Brookhaven’s Love Tunnel stands as a low-cost, high-impact example of how small infrastructure investments can yield major environmental benefits.

With growing awareness around habitat protection, this type of grassroots project helps raise public consciousness and encourages local governments to prioritize ecological planning.

FAQ

What is the Love Tunnel?
It’s a small underpass built to let frogs safely cross busy roads during mating season.

Why was it built?
Each year, thousands of frogs were killed by cars while migrating to ponds. The tunnel prevents these deaths.

How much did it cost?
The project cost around $40,000. It was later improved with guiding fences to make it more effective.