Mood: special
Topic: Articles
Many of you may have already read the Assessment Report of FrogWatch USA that covered 1999-2005. If you have seen my Frogs and Toads of Indiana presentation, the data with the sites monitored, temperature ranges and number of full choruses heard came from this report. I also use this information for the Frog of the Month in the Toad Times newsletter, the monthly newsletter of the Central Indiana FrogWatchers that I edit. If you have not read it, a link to this can be found on the FrogWatch USA Home Page. www.nwf.org/frogwatchusa
There is an update to this that covers 2006-2007 that has just been added. It shows the five most common heard frogs in the United States, shows the top five states for active volunteers (Indiana is #5). There is also a map showing monitoring locations. A great piece of information. I urge you to check it out. http://www.nwf.org/frogwatchusa/report.cfm
Sadly, it also shows a decrease in those that are actively monitoring. FrogWatch USA is a great program that is lots of fun, as well as doing a great service to the scientific community in helping frogs and toads. Check it out and see if you would want to become a FrogWatcher. There are many trainings going on, and there is much great info on the Frogwatch site. Local herp societies are also great sources of information if you want to learn more about your local frogs and toads. Look along the left column for sites in your area.
Saturday May 3rd is National FrogWatch Day. Record a Ribbit www.nwf.org/ribbit Check out the site, and go out that day and listen to the wondeful sounds of frogs and toads in your area. Encourage others to do the same, or lead o hike to a wetland and share your knowledge with others that want to learn. Just remember to always BE SAFE, and HAVE FUN!