Local Volunteers Needed for Frog and Toad Surveys

Two major frog and toad surveys overlap in the Eastern Upper Peninsula. One is the Marsh Monitoring Program, a division of Bird Studies Canada. The second is the Michigan Frog and Toad Survey by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The surveys are considered critical to determine long term trends in amphibian population. Information is used, in part, to measure water quality.

For both programs, volunteers are provided with regular routes and training materials to estimate the number of frog and toad calls in their areas. Participation fluctuates annually. Several routes are open in Mackinac and Chippewa counties this year.

The Michigan Frog and Toad Survey is in particular need of volunteers to cover routes in the Eastern Upper Peninsula, said Lori Sargent of the DNR, Wildlife Division. To participate, contact Ms. Sargent at (517) 373- 9418.

The Frog and Toad survey began in 1988. A 10-year survey was completed in 2006. It is available at http://www. michigan.gov/dnr. Click on "Wildlife and Habitat," then "Research Projects," then "Frog and Toad Survey."

The Marsh Monitoring Program also published a 10- year report in 2006. It is available at www.bsc-eoc.org/ library.html.

To participate in the Marsh Monitoring Program, contact Kathy Jones at (888) 448- 2473, extension 212.