THE SAINT LOUIS ZOO IS LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD FROGWATCHERS
Training sessions set for March 13-14, March 31 and April 7
Jump in and become a FrogWatch USA™ volunteer with the Saint Louis Zoo! St. Louis-area “citizen scientists” are needed to monitor frogs and toads from their backyards, parks, fields, creeks or just about anywhere. The information gathered can ultimately lead to practical and workable ways to stop amphibian decline.
You do not have to be a frog or toad expert to join FrogWatch. You won’t even need to see or touch these amazing amphibians to participate. All you need is an interest in frogs and toads and the time to attend a training session. You’ll be asked to make a commitment to monitor a site of your choosing for at least three minutes twice a week throughout the frogs’ breeding season, which ranges from about February to August.
“In just a couple of hours, we will train you to distinguish the croaks, peeps and various calls of the 10 most common frog and toad species around the St. Louis area,” says Michael Dawson, an education naturalist at the Zoo and coordinator of the St. Louis chapter of FrogWatch USA. “Breeding calls vary greatly and are often mistaken for birds or insects. Their volume ranges from a soft musical trill to a deafening chorus.”
If you’re ready to take that leap, sign up for one of five FrogWatch trainings held this spring at Shaw Nature Reserve, Highway 100 and I-44, Gray Summit; and Broemmelsiek Park, 1795 Highway DD, Defiance. Registration for training is requested. The program designed for adults, families, and for students entering grade 9 and up.
2015 Training Schedule:
- Friday, March 13 — 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Visitor Center at Broemmelsiek Park
- Saturday, March 14 — 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Visitor Center Broemmelsiek Park
- Tuesday, March 31 — 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Carriage House at Shaw Nature Reserve
- Tuesday, April 7 — 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Carriage House at Shaw Nature Reserve
- Tuesday, April 7 — 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Carriage House at Shaw Nature Reserve
FrogWatch USA is the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ flagship citizen science program. It allows individuals and families to learn about the wetlands in their communities and help conserve amphibians by reporting the calls of local frogs and toads. For over 10 years, FrogWatch USA volunteers have been trained to enter their information. Ongoing analyses of this data have been used to help develop practical strategies for the conservation of these important species.
For more information and to hear some frog calls, visit www.stlzoo.org/frogwatch or www.aza.org/frogwatch. For more information, contact Michael Dawson at [email protected] or (314) 646-4551.
