Workshops on frogs/toads; DNR needs volunteer help monitoring amphibian populations
Speculation about a nationwide decline in frogs and toads has prompted the Indiana DNR to offer three one-time workshops on Indiana’s 17 frog and toad species.
The purpose is to train volunteers to help gauge the state’s populations of these amphibians.
Attendees will learn how to identify Indiana toads and frogs by their calls and how to conduct the surveys. Those who take a class may volunteer to assist the DNR with Indiana Amphibian Monitoring Program (INAMP). One does not have to volunteer for the program to be eligible to attend the training session, and you do not have to attend the training session to volunteer. Past program participants are not required to attend to volunteer again.
Workshop participants should tell the gate or building staff at the workshop location that they are attending the Amphibian Monitoring Workshop so they are not charged gate entrance fees. Workshop details follow.
Those who volunteer will listen for frogs and toads from late February through July, which is the amphibians’ breeding season. Surveys are conducted at night, usually after rainy days, or on misty nights, when frogs and toads give their breeding calls. Information collected helps DNR biologists better understand the distribution and abundance of amphibians in Indiana.
Anyone is welcome to attend, but you must be 18 or older to participate in the monitoring program. Registration is not required. Internet access is required to participate in the program. Attendees should bring pen and paper.
The Indiana Amphibian Monitoring Program is part of the North American Amphibian Monitoring Program (NAAMP) of the U.S. Geological Survey. National routes are driving routes that take one to two hours to complete, not including drive time to the survey area. Surveys are repeated three times during the breeding season.
This program is funded by donations to the Endangered Wildlife Fund on the Indiana state income tax form. Look for the eagle and donate all or a portion of your state tax refund to keep frogs and toads hopping in Indiana.
For more information on NAAMP, see http://www. pwrc.usgs.gov/naamp/.
Opportunities to be trained are listed below.
Feb. 28 Salamonie Lake (Nature Center) 9214 West Lost Bridge West Andrews, IN 46702 (260) 468-2125
March 1 Spring Mill State Park (Lakeview Room) 3333 Hwy 60 E Mitchell, IN 47446 (812) 849-4129
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