Want to help frogs during leap year? Call the Minnesota DNR

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Want to help frogs during leap year? Call the Minnesota DNR
(Released February 27, 2012)

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Nongame Wildlife Program is looking for volunteers to participate in its ongoing Minnesota Frog and Toad Calling Survey. The survey is part of the nationwide North American Amphibian Monitoring Program.
“Without the dedication of generous volunteers, this project would not be possible,” explained Rich Baker of the DNR Nongame Wildlife Program. “Many frog and toad species are indicators of habitat quality and provide valuable information on the condition of Minnesota’s wetlands.”

New volunteers receive a kit that includes a CD of calls by Minnesota’s frog and toad species, a poster of Minnesota’s frogs and toads, a map of a predefined route in an area of their choice. Route availability and past survey results are on the DNR website, as are directions on how to run the route. A vehicle is required to travel between stops.

Participants will conduct nighttime “listening surveys” on three evenings per year between April and July. These 10-stop routes are run after dark, in good weather, and in each of the following time periods to capture seasonal variation in calling frog species: April 15 – 30, May 20 – June 5, and June 25 – July 10. Participants will record their information on datasheets provided in their volunteer kit.

Help is needed statewide, but especially in southwestern Minnesota. Those interested should choose a route and then call Heidi Cyr, survey volunteer coordinator, at 651-259-5107, or send an email to heidi.cyr@state.mn.us.

With the continued support of Minnesotans who volunteer their time and donate to the Wildlife Checkoff on their state income tax returns, the DNR Nongame Wildlife Program will be able to perform more than 60 surveys and research studies this year that will help keep Minnesota a state rich in wildlife resources.