Indiana NAAMP announces 2009 Training Dates
Mood:  sharp
Topic: Places to go

I hope everyone had a great holiday season. It's now that time of year to begin getting ready for the 2009 North American Amphibian Monitoring Program calling season. I already have several people signed up to continue volunteering for this year. Please send me an email if you would like to be assigned to a route. As of now, there are many open routes.
 
This year I am joined by the new state herpetologist Sarabeth Klueh, who will be coordinating NAAMP with me. We are in the process of planning training workshops again for this year. These will most likely be in the first and last weekends of February; we are still working on getting locations booked for those. I will send out an email as soon as those dates and locations are set. These training workshops will be a review of how NAAMP works as well as a refresher on identifying Indiana frogs and toads. Attendance is not required in order to be a volunteer, and you are not obligated to become a NAAMP volunteer by attending the workshop.
 
Also, I encourage all of you to check out the updated NAAMP website. http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/naamp/index.cfm
One new feature that is really nice is the Route Availability Map. This shows you where the Indiana routes are, and if they currently have volunteers assigned to them. One thing to keep in mind regarding this map is that last year we had a large number of volunteers and several routes had more than one volunteer assigned to it. This may be the case again this year, depending on number of volunteers. The map will say the route is assigned if there is one volunteer assigned to it. If you have any questions about a particular route, feel free to contact me. There are several other new mapping features, and soon there will be a feature where volunteers can look at their past quizzes, data and current quiz status. Remember that the frog call quiz and frog call look-up are helpful tools for practicing your ID skills. If you use Internet Explorer as your browser you may need to change your security settings to Medium in order to view the maps properly. Other browsers, such as Firefox, Safari and Opera are working ok.
I wanted to let you know that we will be holding Frog and Toad ID workshops again this year. These training sessions will consist of two parts. The first will cover what the North American Amphibian Monitoring Program is, and how you can become a volunteer. The second half will teach how to identify Indiana's frogs and toad by call and physical characteristics. Since you are already familiar with NAAMP, much of this will be a review. You are not required to attend this workshop in order to participate in NAAMP. Attendees are not required to become NAAMP volunteers. Anyone who wishes to learn more about Indiana's frogs and toads is welcome. The dates, times and locations for the workshops are listed below. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

All training sessions will be from 2:00pm to 4:00pm EST.
 

February 7, 2009
Fort Harrison State Park (Park Office)
5753 Glenn Road (located at E 59th St. and N. Post Rd.)
Indianapolis, IN 46216
(317) 591-0904

February 28, 2009
Salamonie Lake
9214 West-Lost Bridge West
Andrews, IN 46702-9731
(260) 468-2125 http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/6743.htm

March 1, 2009
Spring Mill State Park
3333 Hwy 60 E
Mitchell, IN 47446
(812) 849-4129

If you would like to be assigned to a route, or have any questions at all feel free to contact me.
Thanks again for volunteering with NAAMP,

Angie Garcia agarcia@dnr.in.gov
Asst. Herpetologist
IDNR Wildlife Diversity Section
553 E. Miller Drive
Bloomington, IN 47401

Herp Survey Technique Workshop in California
Mood:  sharp
Topic: Places to go

NEWS RELEASE
The Center for North American Herpetology
St. George Island, Florida
http://www.cnah.org
8 January 2009

RARE POND SPECIES SURVEY TECHNIQUES WORKSHOP

Where: Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, California
When: Lecture: Saturday, 21 March 2009; Field Trip: 20-21-22 March 2009

Registration Opens Monday, January 5, 2009
http://www.lagunadesantarosa.org/pdfs/Pond%20Flyer%202009.pdf

This workshop is designed to provide practical training on aquatic survey techniques for
the California Tiger Salamander, California Red-legged Frog, and Western Pond Turtle. The
range of these three rare and protected species overlap and they often occur in similar
pond habitats.

The lecture session will include a review of the biology and ecology of these species,
identification of life stages, state and federal regulations, and approved survey protocols.
The field trip sessions will provide field training in aquatic survey techniques, including dip
net sampling for CTS larvae, evening spotlighting for frogs, and turtle visual encounter
and trapping. Also, seining (netting) and snorkel survey techniques will be demonstrated,
if weather conditions permit.

Cost:
$325 Early registration, $350 after March 6th
$150 Full-time undergraduate or junior college student
$250 Turtle field session and lecture only option, $275 after March 6th

Registration opens Monday, January 5, 2009. Registration forms will not be accepted in
advance. For questions, please contact Maggie (707) 527-9277 x 107.

Co-Sponsor:
The Wildlife Project
Wildlife Project specializes in environmental compliance and technical field surveys.
Specifically, assisting clients with mitigation development and monitoring, special-status
species surveys and habitat evaluations, biological assessments, survey and monitoring
technique development, and biological consultation. To find out more, visit:

http://www.thewildlifeproject.com

The Laguna Foundation works to improve the ecological health of the Laguna de Santa
Rosa, Sonoma County's richest wildlife area, and to inspire appreciation and enjoyment of
this unique natural treasure.
To find out more, visit: <http://www.lagunadesantarosa.org>www.lagunadesantarosa.org

Rare Pond Species
California Tger salamander, California Red-legged Frog and Western Pond Turtle. The two
amphibians are federally listed as threatened or endangered and all are State Species of
Concern.

About the Instructors
Dave Cook and Jeff Alvarez are experts on amphibian, turtle, and reptile ecology and
conservation, conduct herpetological research, and hold state and federal permits for the
three pond species.

Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation
P. O. Box 7886
Santa Rosa, California 95407

Tortoise Training in FL
Mood:  sharp
Topic: Places to go

NEWS RELEASE
The Center for North American Herpetology
St. George Island, Florida
http://www.cnah.org
7 January 2009

COURSES OFFERED FOR THOSE WANTING TO QUALIFY FOR SOON TO BE REQUIRED FWC
CERTIFICATION

Individuals interested in working with gopher tortoises must demonstrate a certain level of
experience, or attend classes, to become an Authorized Gopher Tortoise Agent certified by
the Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission. The Ashton Biodiversity Research &
Preservation Institute, Inc. and Wildlands Conservation, Inc., have joined together to offer
classes designed to train people to become Authorized Gopher Tortoise Agents in all the
required areas. Our new course schedule is now posted at

http://gophertortoisetraining.org/index.html

Classes in February and March will be taught at the Ashton Biodiversity Research &
Preservation Institute east of Gainesville, Florida. We are in the process of scheduling other
locations throughout the state over the year. Registration information can be found on the
previous site or at

http://www.ashtonbiodiversity.org

Ashton Biodiversity Research & Preservation Institute, Inc.
14260 W Newberry Road PMB 331
Newberry, Florida 32669
352-495-7449
Tortfarm2@aol.com

Amphibian Specialist wanted at Atlanta Botanical Garden
Mood:  sharp
Topic: Places to go

AZA Job Listings

Amphibian Specialist           
Organization: Atlanta Botanical Garden         
Location: Atlanta, Ga.         
Date: Sep 24, 2008             
               
www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org

The Atlanta Botanical Garden, located in midtown Atlanta, GA, needs a talented, energetic and knowledgeable Amphibian Specialist to work with the garden’s world-renowned amphibian collection. The Atlanta Botanical Garden began its amphibian program in 1993 and currently houses multiple educational exhibits featuring frogs as well as maintains a large and very diverse off-exhibit collection for conservation purposes. The candidate must be dependable, friendly and a self-starter and should be proficient with and competent in husbandry, capture and restraint, propagation, nutrition and proper record keeping of a large collection. There may be some field and travel required for this position. No relocation assistance is available for this position.
The Amphibian Specialist will:

• Observe general animal health and behavior and report any abnormal situations to the Lead Amphibian Specialist and/or Amphibian Conservation Scientist.

• Be responsible for general care and feeding of the collection as well as exhibit and records upkeep. Minimum of two years experience in amphibian, reptile, and/or aquatics husbandry is required.

• Be willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

• Work a schedule that includes weekends and holidays for proper care of collection.

• Be able to lift heavy objects (up to 60 pounds).

• Have good communication, presentation, and organizational skills, as well as work in a team environment.

• Have a degree in biology or zoology or equivalent, plus 2 years experience working with amphibians, aquaculture or related area.

Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to: jobs@atlantabotanicalgarden.org with the subject line - Amphibian Specialist. No phone calls please.          

Association of Zoos and Aquariums

Herp Faculty Positions at Richmond
Mood:  sharp
Topic: Places to go

NEWS RELEASE
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
16 September 2008

University of Richmond Minority Postdoctoral Position
ANURAN SYSTEMATIST

A campus-wide minority postdoctoral fellow program was recently established at the
University of Richmond, School of Arts and Sciences. We are trying to recruit a researcher
to contribute to an ongoing program on molecular systematics and phylogeography of
neotropical anurans. This position would be particularly attractive to someone considering
a job at a primarily undergraduate institution. The position has an expectation that
approximately 75%
effort would be placed on research, but meaningful teaching experiences would be
acquired at a top tier liberal arts college. The ideal candidate will have strengths in one or
more of the following areas: molecular systematics, phylogenetics, phylogeography and
biogeography. The post-doc would interact and collaborate with Rafael O. de Sá, who is
committed to providing strong mentorship in all aspects of the post-docs professional
development. Interested
parties should contact him (see below). For more information about the University of
Richmond Biology Department, see the web site shown below.

University of Richmond Tenure Track Faculty Position
EVOLUTIONARY FIELD ECOLOGIST

The Department of Biology at the University of Richmond invites applications for a tenure-
track position at the Assistant Professor level to join a growing department and to
strengthen our expertise and course offerings at the interface of ecology and evolution.
Individuals working with vertebrates (particularly amphibians, reptiles, turtle, and/or
crocodilians), plants, or plant-animal interactions are strongly encouraged to apply.
Successful applicants must have a field research program that will actively engage
undergraduates. Teaching expectations include participation in the introductory biology
curriculum (100 and 200 levels) and upper electives in the successful applicant's area of
expertise. A doctoral degree and a record of research productivity are required. Applicants
should submit: (1) a curriculum vitae, (2) up to three recent publications, (3) separate
statements of (a) teaching philosophy and experience and (b) research interests and plans,
and (4) 3 letters of recommendation to Rafael O. de Sá (see below). Review of applications
will begin 17 October 2008, with an anticipated starting date of August 2009. For more
information about the University of Richmond Biology Department, see the web site shown
below.

Dr. Rafael O. de Sá
Department of Biology
University of Richmond
Richmond, Virginia 23173
rdesa@richmond.edu
http://biology.richmond.edu/

*****

The University of Richmond, a private and primarily undergraduate university, is
committed to increasing the diversity of our faculty and strongly encourages applications
from minorities and women. The University has a policy of non-discrimination with regard
to race, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, status as
a veteran or any classification protected by local, state or federal law. It is the intent of the
University's employment and personnel practices to conform with all applicable federal,
state and local laws and regulations regarding non-discrimination. It is the obligation of
each Employee of the University in his/her area of responsibility to adhere to this policy.

Reptile Days at the Indiana State Museum (amphibians too!)
Mood:  sharp
Topic: Places to go

Click the picture for info!

 

Welcome back to the Indiana State Museum for our annual reptile event. This weekend event will offer even more opportunities to get up close and personal with a variety of critters as well as the opportunity to have a photo taken with your favorite reptile, snake, or amphibian. Join the Hoosier Herpetological Society, "Snakehead Ed" Ferrer and others and meet with Department of Natural Resources and Indy Parks representatives who will be on hand to discuss native species and their populations in Indiana.

Wednesdays in the Wild~Fantabulous Frogs and other Amazing Amphibians
Mood:  sharp
Topic: Places to go

Amphibian Disease Ecology position in Zurich
Mood:  special
Topic: Places to go
NEWS RELEASE
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
24 July 2008

University of Zürich Institute of Zoology invites applications for a

PHD POSITION IN DISEASE ECOLOGY

The successful candidate is expected to further develop a new research project on

The interaction of symbiotic microbiota and innate immune defenses of amphibians

The project will focus on amphibian host-pathogen interactions with particular emphasis
on the amphibian chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. The project will
combine field sampling of Swiss amphibians for microbial diversity with laboratory
experiments and analyses of innate immune defenses. This work will include molecular
analyses in the lab. The final stage of the project will include semi-natural mesocosm
experiments to explore the potential of microbial bioaugmentation as a conservation
management strategy.

Applicants should have some knowledge in at least one of the following areas:
microbiology, population or community ecology, immunology. Familiarity with field work
on amphibians, lab techniques (PCR, bacterial isolation), experimental design and
statistics would be advantageous. Possession of a driving license and good knowledge of
the English language are mandatory.

The position begins 1 October 2008 and extends for a period of 3 years. Salary follows
standards of the SNF and Kanton Zurich. If you are interested, please send your CV with
list of publications, two letters of reference, and a cover letter summarizing your research
interests and relevant experience by 20 August 2008 to

Dr. Douglas C. Woodhams
Zoological Institute
University of Zurich
Winterthurerstrasse 190
CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland

Tel: ++41 (1) 635 4982
Fax: ++41 (1) 635 6821
dwoodhams@gmail.com
http://savethefrogs.com/who_we_are/doug_woodhams.html

Further information on our lab and institute is available at

http://www.unizh.ch/zool>www.unizh.ch/zool

2008 NEPARC early registration ends Thursday July 10!?
Mood:  sharp
Topic: Places to go

Note - Early registration is ending July 10th (this Thursday).

There is still some free student housing available.

2008 Northeast Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (NEPARC) meeting

Date and Location: The meeting will be held August 13-15 at the Powder Mill Nature Preserve in Rector, PA.

Low Registration Costs:

Student early registration: $60*

Regular early registration: $75*

Student registration: $75

Regular registration: $100

*Early registration ends July 10th

Great presentations on a variety of topics - See agenda for more information

- Free on site housing for 1st 15 students!

- Poster Session

- Student Cash Prize Drawing - Students contributing a poster will be eligible for a cash prize

- Silent Auction - Attendees are encouraged to bring items for the silent auction

- Working group breakout sessions to prioritize and implement actions for reptile and amphibian conservation in the Northeast.

Meeting information, including registration and agenda are now available on the NEPARC website (www.pwrc.usgs.gov/neparc/Meetings/index.htm ). To register on line, http://www.regonline.com/neparc.

We hope to see you there! 

- Holly Niederriter and J.D. Kleopfer (Northeast co-chairs)

2008 Midwest Partners in Amphibian & Reptile Conservation (PARC) Annual Meeting Deadline 8/1/08
Mood:  sharp
Topic: Places to go
2008 Midwest Partners in Amphibian & Reptile Conservation (PARC) Annual Meeting
WHEN:  Sept. 4-6, 2008
WHERE:  YMCA Camp Abe Lincoln, Blue Grass, Iowa

Visit: www.mwparc.org
Note the updated information on presentations and the BioBlitz (below). 

We are pleased to announce Dr. Ray Semlitsch as the keynote speaker for the 2008 meeting.  Dr. Semlitsch received the 2008 National Wetlands Award from the Environmental Law Institute this May, and is well known for his research that has provided valuable information for on-the-ground conservation of Midwest amphibians.

Beyond Identification ... On to Implementation

Worldwide declines of amphibian and reptile populations have been well documented and publicized. What is being done to reverse these trends in the Midwest? Come find out, as Midwest PARC moves beyond identification of the threats facing native populations, and on to implementation of solutions. Presentations will focus on programs that have benefited herpetological biodiversity and how these can become models for successful conservation throughout the region. From the construction of vernal pools and wildlife passages under roadways, to successful repatriation and outreach programs, the Midwest is full of individuals, agencies, and organizations that are making a difference -- Midwest PARC wants to highlight these projects and people, and we want YOU to be a part of our efforts!

When: September 4 - 6, 2008.

Where: Camp Abe Lincoln, Blue Grass, Iowa (http://www.ymcacampabelincoln.org/facilities.asp)

Field Opportunities: In celebration of the dedication of the nation's first Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Area (link), MW PARC will be leading an all day BioBlitz of the area on September 4. Space is limited for this event, so register now!

Cost: Organizers have made every attempt to keep costs to a minimum to encourage a wide range of particpants. Registration includes lodging for two nights (September 4 and 5) at Camp Abe Lincoln and six meals (dinner on the 4th through lunch on the 6th) for just $99! Student registration is just $74. For those wishing to participate in the BioBlitz, lodging on September 3 and breakfast and lunch on the 4th is also available for a modest cost.

Registration: On-line at http://www.regonline.com/MWPARC

Download the minutes from the MW PARC 2007 meeting:
http://www.mwparc.org/MWPARC_2007_Meeting_Minutes.pdf

Wednesdays in the Wild in the Greater LAfayette Area
Mood:  sharp
Topic: Places to go

Central Indiana FrogWaters April 9 meeting, Dr. Finkler, IU Kokomo-Salamander Reproduction
Mood:  sharp
Topic: Places to go
 

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Contact:

Wendell Zetterberg, Jr.

95 N Spring St. Apt. B

Frankfort, IN 46041

765-249-2298

wzetterberg@gmail.com

 

The Central Indiana Frog Watchers (CIFW) will have very special guest speaker Dr. Michael Finkler, Indiana University Kokomo, at the April meeting speaking about SALAMANDERS!

 

Frankfort, IN April 9, 2008 (the Year of the Frog), The guest speaker for the April 9^th CIFW meeting, 7pm at the Camp Cullom Lodge will be Dr. Michael Finkler, Indiana University Kokomo. Dr. Finkler has a wide range of field experience throughout the Midwest involving snakes, turtles, salamanders and frogs. He has also recently released the book, Biology of the Snapping Turtle. The topic will be “Salamander Springtime Love-In: A Look at the Physiological Ecology of Ambystomatids During Reproduction”.

Of the 23 salamander species in Indiana, 8 of them fall in the Ambystoma (mole salamander) family with many having elaborate mating rituals, not to mention the rule breaking unisexual hybrids, the rebels of the amphibian world. The Central Indiana FrogWatchers are equal opportunity amphibian conservers. Even though the salamanders do not have have calls that can be heard for FrogWatch, we still want to make things better for them, since like frogs, they act as environmental health indicators..

Central Indiana Frog Watchers (CIFW) is a group of nature enthusiasts with a special fondness for amphibians. Frogs and toads are declining throughout the world, and through the NWF program Frogwatch USA www.nwf.org/frogwatchusa , citizen volunteers can listen for frogs in their community and let scientists know about the populations. We are a small, but growing, group that meets at the Camp Cullom (near Frankfort IN) on the second Wednesday of each month at 7pm. While being a Frogwatch USA volunteer is not required, it is encouraged. We have special guest speakers each month as well as our newsletter the ToadTimes. Check us out at www.myspace.com/cifw

Frogwatch USA, a joint partnership of the National Wildlife Federation and the United States Geological Survey (USGS), is a long-term frog and toad monitoring program educating citizens on how to get involved in their community to:

*Collect and report information about frog and toad populations in the United States.

*Promote an appreciation for the diversity of frog and toad species in the United States.

*Foster an understanding of the importance of protecting wetland habitats.

*Provide an opportunity to learn about and establish a closer relationship with the natural environment.

In 2002, The NWF joined forces with the USGS to work on an exciting amphibian conservation initiative called Frogwatch USA. A volunteer based monitoring program, Frogwatch USA is instrumental in collecting desperately needed amphibian data and raising citizen awareness about species and habitat decline.

Many of our country’s once-thriving frog and toad populations have declined dramatically. Today, even previously abundant species can be hard to find. The degradation and destruction of wetland habitat and increased air and water pollution contributes to their decline. Since amphibians can serve as “canaries in a coal mine”- indicators of larger, broader environmental problems- it is essential that we have a better understanding of our amphibian crisis.

Frogwatch USA was created to meet that need. Frogwatch USA gives citizens across the country-young and old alike- an opportunity to be directly involved in gathering the information that can ultimately lead to practical and workable ways to help stop the decline of these important species.

Frogwatch USA is also a great was for parents, teachers and youth group leaders to teach children about nature. It is not only a great way to help wildlife in your community, but also a great way to experience nature with its future stewards.

 

For more information about Frogwatch USA, visit http://www.nwf.org/frogwatchUSA/

For more information about the CIFW: Wendell Zetterberg, Jr. wzetterberg@gmail.com 765-249-2298

###

Upcoming FrogWatch USA Trainings
Mood:  sharp
Topic: Places to go
Training Locations and Times

For those in the Dallas - Fort Worth area, the Dallas - Fort Worth
Herpetological Society will be hosting a FrogWatch USA training on April
5th from 1-4pm at the Fort Worth Nature Center. Please contact Mark
Pyle at ratsnake@charter.net for more information.

For those in the NYC area, Greenbelt Park on Staten Island will be
hosting a training on April 6th from 1-4pm at the High Rock Park
Education Building. Please contact Beth Nicholls at
Elizabeth.Nicholls@parks.nyc.gov for more information.

For those in the Rhode Island area, the Roger Williams Park Zoo will be
hosting a training on April 10th at 5:00pm and a second one on April
27th at 2:00pm. Please contact Lou Perrotti at lperrotti@rwpzoo.org for
more information.

For those in the Maryland area, the Eden Mill Nature Center in
Pylesville will be hosting a training on April 11th at 6:00PM. Please
contact Aimee Harris at eden_mill@hotmail.com for more information.

For those in the Philadelphia area, the Schuylkill Center will be
hosting a a training on April 24th. Please contact Camila
Rivera-Tinsley for the time and additional information at
crivera@schuylkillcenter.org.

FrogWatch USA trainings and Year of the Frog
Mood:  sharp
Topic: Places to go
Here is the new list of FrogWatch USA trainings and Year of the Frog
events:

FrogWatch USA Trainings

1. Central Indiana FrogWatchers - March 22nd at 9:00AM at Camp Cullom
Nature Center. For more information contact, Wendell Zetterberg at
wzetterberg@hotmail.com

2. Bergen County Zoo in New Jersey - March 25th For more
information contact, Liz Carletta at 201-262-3771 ext. 125 or
lcarletta@co.bergen.nj.us

3. Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut - March 29th at 3:00PM and April
27th at 3:00PM For more information contact, Mary Ellen Mateleska at
mmateleska@mysticaquarium.org

4. Greenbelt Nature Center in New York - April 6th at 1:00PM For more
information contact, Beth Nicholls at 718-667-7475

5. Roger Williams Park Zoo in Rhode Island - April 10th at 5:00PM and
April 27th at 2:00PM For more information contact, Lou Perrotti at
lperrotti@rwpzoo.org

6. Eden Mill Nature Center in Maryland - April 11th at 6:00PM For
more information contact, Aimee Harris at 410-836-3050 (I will be
hosting this training!)

7. Schuylkill Center in Pennsylvania - April 24th For more
information contact, Camila Rivera-Tinsley at
crivera@schuylkillcenter.org

Year of the Frog Events

1. Palm Beach Zoo in Florida - April 19th to 20th. Earth Day and the
Year of the Frog together!

2. Blank Park Zoo in Iowa - April 19th A celebration in which
children will be learning about amphibians and habitats, monitoring a
wetland site on zoo grounds, research and designing an amphibian
educational brochure and creating the plans to restore a wetland. The
students will also be the volunteers to do the construction on the
restored areas.

3. Sedgwick County Zoo in Kansas- Year of the Frog activities every
Friday during June and August with Wet-n-Wild events.

4. Capron Park Zoo in Massachusetts - April 22nd Earth Day and the
Year of the Frog celebration

5. Turtle Back Zoo in New Jersey - During Saturdays in April and May,
the zoo will be hosting Amphibian Awareness Activities for multiple
grade levels focusing on New Jersey amphibians and global conservation
efforts.

6. North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher - During Thursday nights in
July the aquarium
will be open late for "Family Fun Nights" and this
year each night will highlight a different amphibian. On July 10th,
come see Flumpa (www.flumpa.com) for three performances about
amphibians.

7. North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island - April 19th Earth Day
celebration

8. Roger Williams Park Zoo in Rhode Island - April 14th to 18th and
April 20th Come see the community get involved with frog and amphibian
related activities developed and facilitated by local middle school
parents.

9. El Paso Zoo in Texas - August 2nd to 3rd. Ribbit, ribbit, ribbit!
This Leap Year, our zoo is jumping in to join other AZA-accredited zoos
and aquariums nationwide to celebrate frogs and bring awareness of
man-made problems for all amphibians. So, hop on down to the El Paso
Zoo to find out how you can help frogs.

Thank you for supporting FrogWatch USA and your local amphibians. Get
outside as much as possible to listen to nature!

Frog Exhibit
Mood:  sharp
Topic: Places to go

Fun with frogs

Where: National Geographic Museum at Explorers Hall, 17th and M streets NW, Washington, D.C.

"Frogs! A Chorus of Colors" will be on display through May 11. There is also a photo exhibit, "Face to Face with Frogs," featuring photographs by Mark W. Moffett, which also closes May 11.

 

Reptiland has a similar exhibit at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, but Peeling said the National Geographic exhibit is bigger and is more interactive.

 

Admission to the National Geographic Museum is free.

 

Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. The nearest Metro stops are Farragut North and Farragut West.

 

For information, call 202-857-7588 or go to www.nationalgeographic.com/museum.

Pacific University to have Amphibian Speaker
Mood:  sharp
Topic: Places to go

Barbara Han to speak on amphibian population declines

By Stacey Halpern

On March 6, Barbara Han will present "Amphibian population declines: cause and consequence of infectious pathogens?" as part of the Biology Seminar Series. The talk begins at 4:30 p.m. in Strain 121.

 

The biology seminar continues with a visit from Barbara Han, presenting "Amphibian population declines: cause and consequence of infectious pathogens?" Barbara Han is a graduate student in Zoology at Oregon State Universit. She studies the effects of infectious diseases on communities, focusing on an emerging fungal pathogen that affects amphibians.

The seminar will begin at 4:30 p.m. in Strain 121, with cookies and conversation at 4:15 p.m. All members of the Pacific community are welcome. We gratefully acknowledge support of this seminar series by the Biology Club and PUCC.

Posted by Stacey Halpern (shalpern@pacificu.edu) on Jan 19, 2008 at 6:56 PM

Year of the Frog Events on LEAP DAY
Mood:  sharp
Topic: Places to go

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leap Year Day Is Special, and Marketers Know It

It's one giant leap for frogs..  Edinburgh Zoo

Red Panda Is New Addition to Prospect Park Zoo  Prospect Park Zoo in Brooklyn

 Saving frogs: scroll down at the link) Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Zoo will survey sounds of frogs in wildlife study Stone Zoo in Boston Free FrogWatch USA Training Workshop

To sign up for Saturday's free workshop, which runs from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., call 617-989-3742. Registration is encouraged but not required. The zoo is at 149 Pond St. in Stoneham.

We're making Lithgow crazy

This leap year, remember the frog

Leap Day at Denver Zoo

Ohio Amphibian Research and Conservation Conference Line Up
Mood:  sharp
Topic: Places to go

* DRAFT - Subject to Change *
Time	Click program title for abstract.
8:30 AM	Registration & Setup
9:00	Welcoming Remarks: Kendra Wecker, Ohio Division of Wildlife
9:10	Keynote Presentation: Unisexual Ambystomid Salamanders in Ohio Jim Bogart
9:45	Ohio: The Cradle of Herpetology Ralph Pfingsten
10:05	Predicting Population Connectivity in a Fragmented Landscape Katy Greenwald
10:25	Morning Break and Poster Viewing
10:50	Impacts on Varying Quantity and Quality of Terrestrial Habitat on Spotted Salamanders Rebecca Homan
11:10	Phylogeography of the Four-toed Salamander (Hemidactylium suctatum) across Eastern North America Timothy A. Herman and Juan L. Bouzat.
11:30	Changes in Abundance and Demographics of Hellbender Populations in Ohio: Implications for Conservation Gregory Lipps and Ralph Pfingsten.
11:50	Comparison of Health Parameters in Eastern Hellbender Populations in Ohio and West Virgina Rachel B. Weiss, Joe Greathouse, and Barbara A. Wolfe
12:10 PM	Lunch and Poster Viewing
1:30	Historical and Contemporary Perspectives of Ohio’s Anuran Distribution Jeffrey G. Davis
1:50	The Status of Blanchard’s Cricket Frog: Initial Results from a Long-term Monitoring Program in Western Ohio Rick Lehntinen
2:10	Chytridiomycosis in Ohio: What we Know so far and What we Hope to Learn Brandon A. Sheafor and Jonathan Scott
2:30	Effects of Moquitofish (Gambusia affinis) on the Tadpoles of Ohio Frogs and Toads Geoff Smith
2:50	Afternoon Break
3:15	Amphibians as Indicators Mick Micacchion
3:35	Evaluating the Impacts of Sublethal Contamination on Amphibian Metamorphosis Michelle D. Boone
3:55	Some Factors Causing Local Amphibian Declines in Northeastern Ohio Timothy O. Matson
4:15	Common Goal -- Conservation Dean Allessandrini
4:35	Closing Remarks and Adjourn

African Frog speaker Feb. 26 at the Ridge Audubon Society, Lakeland,FL
Mood:  sharp
Topic: Places to go

 

 Frog Expert to Speak Feb. 26

Wayne Hill, who spent three years in Africa, will make a presentation about African frogs, including sighs and sounds, Feb. 26 at the Ridge Audubon Society.

Hill is a specialist in several species. Besides frogs, he has studied turtles and poisonous snakes.

The evening will start at 6 p.m. with a potluck dinner, followed by the program at 7 p.m.

Ridge Audubon Center is at 200 N. Crooked Lake Drive.

For more information, call 863-638-1355 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Indiana NAAMP Training Dates
Mood:  sharp
Topic: Places to go

I wanted to let everyone know that we have now scheduled five training sessions for the NAAMP program.  The training sessions will be held in locations scattered across Indiana.  The trainings will be held at the following locations: All dates 2-4pm.

 

1.   February 9, 2008.

Sugar Ridge FWA

2310 E. SR 364

Winslow, IN 47598

 

2.   February 10, 2008.

Falls of the Ohio SP.

201 W. Riverside Dr.

Clarksville, IN 47129

 

3. February 16, 2008.

Atterbury FWA

7970 S. Rowe St. PO Box 3000

Edinburgh, IN 46124

 

4. February 23, 2008

Fish and Wildlife NE Regional Office

1353 South Governors Drive
Columbia City, IN 46725

 

5.  February 24, 2008.

Kankakee FWA

4320 W. Toto Rd, PO Box 77

North Judson, IN 46366

 

We are still looking to fill a number of routes throughout the state.  If you know of anyone interested in helping out with the NAAMP project, please let them know of the trainings.