A New look at Nature
Mood:  a-ok
Topic: Articles

Nature center thinks outside the box

What an exciting way to look at nature. My kids love going to nature centers to see the many ways naturalists are teaching about the wonders of the wild. They have come a long way since all maps and taxidermey, which they have their place, but mixed with other exhibits.

New Housing Edition plans Fowler's toad habitat
Mood:  happy
Topic: Articles

Wainfleet could see 80 new homes

this is incredible news! The property is a former camp that has recently seen the return of the endangered Fowler's toad. In the plans for the 80 home edition, provisions are being made for the toad. Lets hope this is the start of a trend to include amphibian habitiat in development. The added natural features should also icrease the property value I would think.

Cane toads will reach WA in three years
Mood:  not sure
Topic: Articles

Cane toads will arrive in 3 years: WA report

Border battle's being lost

While these articles make it sound hopeless, I don't believe that to be the case. Great strides have been made and continue to be made. This sounds more like a governmental cop out to more funding, than a defeat. I think with continued efforts and proper funding, the end won't be easy, but it will be. With volunteers, dingo trackers, and many scientists looking for a biological answer, victory will be attained. Be patient and suppotive, and keep the faith.

Hoosier Herpetological Society Meeting-October
Mood:  happy
Topic: Places to go

Last night was the October meeting at Butler University for the Hoosier Herpetological Society. It was a great meeting, the speaker this month was Tom Biebighauser, wildlife biologist from Morehead KY. He gave a wonderful PowerPoint presentation about the history of wetlands in the US and had many examples of natural and manmade wetlands. He author of a book called "a guide to Creating Vernal Ponds", and spoke about how easy it is to create a wetland, ususally for less than $1000. I was surprised at how inexpensive a wetland can be built for, and it lasts forever. If you are interested in creating a wetland, his book is full of helpful tips and information. Let me know, I have a copy, and I can get you the contact info so you can get your own. The wildlife and plants that come to these created wetlands are just phenomenal. It amazes me at how "If you build it, they will come". How in the world do they find these wetlands, itsnjust great that they do. Many that they build are on school properties and are used for education and research. If one is built in a residential area, it can raise property value 30-40%! He explained that if done correctly, mosquitos won't be a problem if it is healthy. One thing he warned about, if you use a liner, make sure it is an aquatic safe liner. Many are treated with pesticides and fugicides that will kill amphibians. He was a terrific speaker with a most important topic. I look forward to volunteer with some wetland restoration projects this next year.

We also talked about the Midwest Herpetological Symposium coming up very soon, November 3-5. Things are looking great! We already have nearly 100 registered. There are some terrific items for the auction, the speaker line up is unbelievably good, admission to the Indy Reptile Expo and the Indianapolis Zoo (with behind the scene tour of the Desert Biome), and just added is admission to the Indiana State Museum. The Symposium discount rate for the Westin Hotel has also been extended.

Frog gets second chance
Mood:  a-ok
Topic: Articles

Sierra Frog May Get Endangered Species Protections

Feds ordered to consider protecting Sierra Nevada frog

Looks like the Sierra Mountain yellow-legged frog has something to be HOPPY about! Courts have overturned the initial rejection of adding the frog to the endangered species list.

Another family falls victim to the Cuban Treefrog Crisis
Mood:  down
Topic: Articles

Frogs make Coconut Grove family hopping mad

Invasive species are a problem in most areas with some sort of animal or plant that doesn't belong and is causing problems. Florida is probably one of the worst spots for this. With the beautiful weather and habitat in Florida, many species that would die if introduced elsewhere, thrive in the Floridian sun. amphibians and Reptiles are no different. The Cane toad and the Cuban treefrog are well established and will be nearly impossible to even control on a small level. This family has apparently inherited a Cuban treefrog breeding ground along with their new house. While it is great to encourage native species to use your yard as their habitat, invasives can be a huge pain. Aside from being noisy, which seems to be the major complaint here, they eat native species and food natives need for survival.

Dr. Hayes to speak in Ohio
Mood:  incredulous
Topic: Places to go
Monday, October 30
Dr. Tyrone Hayes - From Silent Spring to Silent Night: Amphibian Declines and Environmental and Public Health in the Post-DDT Era
"Enduring Questions: The Mark Collier Lecture Series"

 

As Kermit the Frog said, "It's not easy being green."  that's the conclusion Dr. Tyrone Hayes drew from his research on the effects of low levels of chemical pollutants on the development of frogs.  His data also offer a means to help us understand how the health of our environment directly relates to public and personal health.  Dr. Hayes is the second guest speaker in B-W's new EQ Series.  Co-sponsored with the David Brain Leadership Program, Office of Core Curriculum, Office of Multicultural Student Services, and the Division of Mathematics and Natural Science Strosacker Distinguished Lecture Series.

8:00 p.m.
Strosacker Hall - College Union Ballroom
120 E. Grand Street, Berea

Free and open to the public

---

If you get the opportunity to see Dr. Hayes, I encourage you to seize the chance. He is THE best speaker on any topic I have ever heard. The fact that he is going up to bat for frogs against the top chemical company in the world as well as the EPA, who's job it is to look after the frogs in the first place, is unbelievable. He is a true hero of our time and I am honored that I had the privilege to meet him and hear him speak.

Amphibian Health Examinations and Disease Monitoring
Topic: Places to go
US Fish & Wildlife Service National Conservation Training Center

Course Announcement:
Amphibian Health Examinations and Disease Monitoring (ECS 3102)
          February 6-8, 2007 Shepherdstown, WV


Who is the intended audience?
Anyone involved in planning, training and conducting amphibian field
surveys, inventories and assessments.  Anyone involved in amphibian
handling, tissue sampling, and disease & malformation identification.  In
particular, this course is designed to provide biologists with information
needed to train their own amphibian survey crews on proper methods to
conduct surveys to minimize handling stress, and recognize disease and
malformation.

Who is teaching the material?
Principle instructors are scientists from the US Geological Service
National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) out of Madison, Wisconsin.  We will
also have amphibian researchers as guest speakers.

What will the course cover?
Participants will be able to conduct a complete health assessment for
frogs, tadpoles and salamanders by the conclusion of this course.  Also
covered:
• Importance of amphibian disease and population declines
• Amphibian health overview
• Understanding history and epidemiological data
• Disease, malformation, and biosafety issues
• Hands-on laboratory session for practice with handling frogs,
tadpoles and salamanders and conducting health assessment and shipping
techniques

What is the length of the course?
3 days of classroom and laboratory instruction at the National Conservation
Training Center.  College credit is available for completing this course.

How to register: Register on-line at https://doilearn.doi.gov.
Non-DOI people need to click on “Public Catalog Login”.  Search on the
course title or course code “ECS3102.  Click on the title of the course
when it pops up for more class details.  See  “Apply” button at the
bottom.  Fill out application and note the phone number at the bottom of
the form for calling in a credit card number.
Tuition: $510.00 for non-USFWS, BLM or NPS employees.

Information on NCTC:  http://training.fws.gov

Questions?
Contact Laura Eaton-Poole at 304-876-7473 / laura_eaton@fws.gov or Cathy
Johnson at
304-876-7441 / Catharine_P_Johnson@fws.gov.

Could the mating call of the Barking Treefrog save your life?
Mood:  quizzical
Topic: Articles

Useless info could help in the future

While I personally do not think of treefrog mating and frog call ID as "useless information", I understand many might, and I applaud Mr. Hackler for his open minded philosophy. While I have never met a biologist I could picture wielding an AK47, I have met many that might get a bit crazy with a snake hook!

Amphibian defenses
Mood:  surprised
Topic: Articles

Biologists Discover Amphibian Eggs Defend Themselves Against Water Molds

Studies show that of the three amphibians tested, all show some sort of defense against water mold in eggs, either by the jellied coating, timing of edd laying or early hatching, they have all adapted to the mold. Its even been shown that wood frog tadpoles eat the mold on the toad eggs!

Frog Wax

Another amphibian defense in the news is against dehydration. The article talks about how some treefrogs will excrete a waxy substance and cover their bodies with it creating a water seal.

Salamanders slowing urban sprawl
Topic: Articles

New plan shifts site of housing

Aspinwell opens with celebration

The Blue spotted and Jefferson Salamanders cause a stir where ever they turn up. Whether its slowing a housing project, redesigning a housing project like the second article (which is very awesome I think) or in the scientific community where hybrid/clone/??? keep turning up and breaking their own salamander reproduction rules. Never underestimate the power of the salamander!

 

Ideas for frogs as pets
Topic: Articles

Frogs and toads are good low-maintenance pets

Here is a good article on how to get started with an anuran pet. It mentions the Whites Dumpy frog as a great starter frog. I would have to agree. I have one that I recently acquired, someone was wanting to release it at a local camp, luckily the ranger intervened and called me. The frog is a very attractive and doesn't seem to mind as much as some other frogs about being handled.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have a friend on my MySpace page that has baby Whites for sale, if anyone is interested let me know and I could put you in contact. She seems to really care about her frogs and I'm sure they are very healthy as a consequence.

Meeting the next great herpetologists
Mood:  happy
Topic: Articles

Sorry I haven't posted for a few days, my wife had some complications from a procedure and would up in the hospital for a few days. She came home last night and all looks good.

 Yesterday I had the pleasure of speaking to the Biology and Zoology classes at Frankfort High School in Indiana. I was more impressed by them then they were of me. It wasn't like high school like I remember, these were eager students with great questions and already a wealth of knowledge. I would not be surprised in the least to hear that many go on to become leading biologists in their fields. Their teacher has been involved with many aspects getting them natural exposure, including a Frog Quest program a few years ago and most recently work with Monarch butterflies monitoring. Some of my frogs spent a week there for the class to inspect, they even fed the bullfrog a praying mantis! He loved it I'm told. Sometimes when I watch the news I wonder what will happen in the next generation, these guys have restored my faith in youth. Don't be surprised in a few years to see the next great scientific break through list a home town of Frankfort, IN.

Cane Toad Muster on the Radio
Mood:  happy
Topic: Articles

Open season on cane toads in NT

Here is the transcript of the radio interview with some of Australia's leaders in Toad removal, including Dingo Trainer (and friend to Wendell's Frog Blog) Sarah Fyffe. It sounds like they are making huge strides in keeping the amphibian assult at bay. Great job and good luck.

National Zoo has new display that includes a Japanese Giant Salamander
Mood:  a-ok
Topic: Articles

Giant Panda Habitat Home To 7 Species

If you ever get the opportunity to see one of these, it is amazing. Its like being featured in a nature film and monster movie at the same time. A five foot long salamander, and we think the Hellbender is huge. I had the chance to see a colony at the Detroit Zoo back in March on a behind the scenes tour. I would have happily stayed there and watched them all day. Here is a horrible picture I took there. Sorry about the quality, I could blame the camera, but it was all me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saving all the pieces: the need for private sector oversight of
Topic: Places to go
Agenda: 11 November 2006 Workshop

Johns Hopkins University
Room 03, Shaffer
Baltimore, Maryland

Saving all the pieces: the need for private sector oversight of
Maryland's natural diversity

A one-day workshop to advance citizens' involvement in the long-term
stewardship of our state's native biota.

Sponsored by The Ecosystem Recovery Institute and The Tortoise Reserve

8:00- 9:00 AM Registration, handouts, book displays

Introduction [C. J. Stine Session Chair]
9:00-9:15 AM Opening remarks (Dr. Charles J. Stine, John's Hopkins
University)
9:15-9:40 AM Keynote Address (Mark Steiner, WYTR Radio)
9:40-10:00 AM Why large Non-Government Conservation Organizations
fail to engage in local conservation issues. (Dr. Chris Haney,
Defenders of Wildlife)

10:00- 10:15 Break

The issues, a sampling of the foolishness and squandering [M. Hollins,
Session Chair]

10:15- 10:30 AM Extinct and Extirpated species in Maryland (Dave Lee,
The Tortoise Reserve)
10:30-10:45 Diamondback Terrapins, turtles with price tags (Margaret
Whilden, The Terrapin Institute)
10:45-11:00 Tiger Salamanders, another lost species? (Dr. Charles J.
Stine, Johns Hopkins University)
11:00-11:15 Horseshoe Crabs ; trying to breath with book gills in
ill-regulated waters. (to be announced)
11:15-11:30 to be announced
11:30-11:45 Limited trout (Jim Grace, Md. Brook Trout Alliance)

11:45-1:00 Lunch on your own with many of us going to Dizzy Issies
(other options explained at workshop)

Working examples of some working solutions, undoing the well intended
[Chris Swarth, Director Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary Session Chair]

1:00-1:15 PM Gopher Tortoise Wars, the State vs. common sense. (Ray
Ashton, Ashton Biological Reserve)
1:15-1:30 Project Bog Turtle (Dave Lee, The Tortoise Reserve)
1:30-1:45 The role of private land trusts in protecting rare species
(Mike Hollins, Ecosystem Recovery Institute)
1:45-2:00 to be announced

2:00-2:15 Break

Natural History education and public awareness, what was it, where did
it go? [D. S. Lee, Session Chair]

2:15-2:25 PM Nature education through public media (Jean Worthley;
Miss Jean of Hodge Podge Lodge)
2:25-2:40 Local Environmental Public Education, perspectives and
hindsight of below average students (Kevin Miskelly and Tessy
Brungardt, survivors of Towson High's biology program)
2:40-2:50 Raising conservation funds through local educational events
(Tim Hoen, MARS Preservation Fund)
2:50-3:00 The role of The Maryland Natural History Society in local
education and maintaining the State's scientific data base (Charley
Davis, Md Natural History Society)
3:00-3:15 How to get good media coverage for complex conservation
issues (Tom Horton, Baltimore Sun, retired)

3:15-3:30 Break

The Workshop
3:30-4:45 PM
[This is just to establish working-groups, except for some
generalities and committee organization it is not realistic to expect
these groups to complete complex task in a one day event. We will try
to have key people in each group and then allow the audience to work
with whatever group is the best fit for their interest and experience.]

Suggested working groups: [expect changes in these]
· Working with state and federal agencies,
· Working with legislative groups,
· Networking with conservation organizations on a grass roots level,
· How to improve existing systems,
· Holding agencies to be responsible,
· Getting nature back into the public eye.
· How can we actually help tiger salamanders: a case study
[These should become standing committees, brief end of workshop
reports from each to be presented.]

4:45-5:15 PM How can we form this workshop into an effective
conservation network? (Questions and comments from participants)

5:15-5:30 PM Concluding remarks (Where do we go from here?)

5:30 PM Adjourn for now. We will refocus from what we learned today
and regroup. This will be an ongoing conservation effort. Stay tuned.

7:30-9:30 Social hosted by Ecosystem Recovery Institute.

To register

The registration fee is $30. The total number of participants will be
limited to sixty. Registration will be on a first-come first-serve
basis. To register by mail send a check for $30 to MATTS, P. O. Box
22321, Baltimore, Maryland 21203. Include your name address phone
number and email address. Make checks out to "The Tortoise Reserve"
and identify then for JHU Workshop.

To register electronically email your name and address to
JHUworkshop@hotmail.com and pay your registration fee at the door.

Information concerning recommended places for lunch and dinner will be
provided at the meeting, as will the site of the after meeting social.
Hopkins does not allow food or drinks in the meeting room.

Frogs in Newsweek-Cover Story everywhere except US
Mood:  irritated
Topic: Articles

Why the Frogs Are Dying

Please don't get me wrong, I'm am very happy that Newsweek put out such a wonderful informative article about how Global Warming is effecting amphibians and other animals on a global scale. What irritates me is that it is more newsworthy for a politician to make inappropriate emails than the loss of entire class of animals in the United States. With our priorities so screwed up, its no wonder we have so many problems.

Fish vs Frogs
Topic: Articles

Trout stocking target of lawsuit While this case is sure to hold water, what will be allowed in that water is in question. Many of the stocked species are destroying native species, this is a proven reason of declines, but since much of the money used for conservation comes from the sportsmen, what will the outcome be? I have always been amazed at how someone will go ballistic about introduced red eared sliders and bullfrogs, because they are eating the fish they stocked the pond with. Or the same person is upset that bullfrog tadpoles are included with his shipment of non native fish. I see both sides, and don't know what the answer should be. I think its great this is going to court to have some professional decision makers look at the problem.

POWER of Conservation conference set for Oct. 13 in Ohio
Mood:  a-ok
Topic: Places to go

Get in touch with nature

Students are free; the cost for adults is $15 per person, including a continental breakfast, lunch from the Fox &Hound and workshop materials.

Reservations are required. Registration forms and information are available at www.StarkParks.com in “Hot Topics” or by calling 330-477-0448.

Registration is from 7:45-8:15 a.m.Workshops follow from 9:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m., with several choices in each time segment.

Many presenters including:

• “It’s Not Easy Being Green,” Amphibian Decline, Brandon Sheafor, Mount Union College; follow-up discussion with keynote speaker John M. Hoopingarner

 

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Stark Parks - Environmental Conference
Friday - October 13, 2006
R.G. Drage Career Education Center

---Environmental Conference Registration Deadline Extended to 10-10-06---

Water quality, Ohio plants and animals, and outdoor education will be the major topics of the Environmental Conference scheduled for Friday, October 13 at R.G. Drage Career Education Center. This all-day event is sponsored by the Stark County Park District, Malone College, Mt. Union College, Quail Hollow State Park, and the Stark County Educational Service Center. “The P.O.W.E.R. of Conservation” is open to the public, but may be of special interest to environmental professionals, nature enthusiasts, teachers and students. Cost is $15.00 per person including lunch. Students under age 18 or with a college ID are FREE. Reservations are required by October 5th. Call the Stark County Park District at (330) 477-0448 or visit www.starkparks.com for the required registration form and more information. For reserving your spot at the Environmental Conference click here To view the Environmental Conference brochure click here To view the Environmental Conference flyer click here

6000 more Cane Toads destroyed
Topic: Articles

6000 cane toads gassed

There is some debate in the comment section of this article, but I think any step in the right direction, regardless of the size is progress.