Frogs and toads need your help! These amphibians are an important part of local wetland ecosystems and their numbers are declining at an unprecedented rate. You can help by becoming a citizen scientist and joining FrogWatch USA at the Utica Zoo.
FrogWatch USA is a citizen science project which aims to collect data on amphibian breeding calls. These data are then used to better understand species distributions and develop ways to conserve amphibians and our freshwater wetlands. Participation is fun and it’s a great way or families to spend time outside while learning about your local wetlands and frog and toad species.
Volunteers learn to identify frog and toad calls and document their calling activity at a local wetland that they select.
You do not have to be a frog and toad expert to participate. You just need a desire to participate and the willingness to learn the calls of the frogs and toads in your area. Utica Zoo will provide all of the tools you need to participate at the volunteer training workshop. The two-part workshop will be held on two Monday nights in April. Refreshments will be served. Part 1 – April 10, 2017: 6 to 8 PM and Part 2 – April 24, 2017: 6 to 7:30 PM.
Recommended for families and children age 5 and above. Only 30 spots are available for the FrogWatch USA workshop. Pre-registration is preferred by calling or emailing Mary Hall: mary.hall@uticazoo.org, (315) 738-0472 ext. 26. For more information on the Association of Zoo’s and Aquarium’s FrogWatch USA program, go to aza.org/frogwatch.
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