Amphibians are some of the most threatened animals on the planet and the anurans (frogs and toads) represent roughly 90 percent of all amphibian species. They serve an important role in the ecosystem as indicators of environmental health. Their sensitivity to environmental changes has sparked efforts to understand the causes and geographic distribution of their decline.
Potter Park Zoo is inviting Michigan residents to become volunteer citizen scientists by joining the local chapter of FrogWatch USA. Not only will volunteers learn about wetlands and amphibians, they will learn to identify frogs and toads by their breeding calls. As a citizen scientist, their observations will be uploaded to a national database. This is a great opportunity for adults and families alike to get outdoors and experience our native wildlife.
You do not have to be a frog or toad expert to be a FrogWatch USA volunteer! All you need is:
- An interest in frogs and toads and a willingness to learn their calls
- Able to attend both required training sessions
- A commitment to follow the standardized protocol to monitor a wetland site over multiple evenings throughout the breeding season (April – August)
FrogWatch training classes for 2024 will be offered on the following dates:
Session 1: Amphibians & Wetlands (all via Zoom)
3/23: 10am; 3 p.m.
3/27: 7 p.m.
3/28: 7 p.m.
Session 2: Native Frog/Toad Calls & FrogWatch USA protocol
3/30: 12 p.m.; 3 p.m. (both at Zoo)
4/3: 7 p.m. (Zoom)
4/4: 7 p.m. (Zoom)
*Sign-up is closed
Reach out to sfoote@ingham.org with questions or for more information on the program.
