Museum of Natural History FrogWatch volunteer training workshop

The Auburn University Museum of Natural History is seeking volunteers for its chapter of FrogWatch USA, an amphibian monitoring program sponsored by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Alabama is home to a high diversity of frogs and toads with more than 30 species in the state. However, some amphibian populations are declining. FrogWatch USA™ gives the public an opportunity to be directly involved in gathering information that can lead to practical and workable ways to conserve amphibian populations. The program relies on volunteers to collect and report information about wetlands and frog and toad populations in their area. You can help our frogs by becoming a volunteer. All volunteers must participate in a training session with a commitment to monitor a site for at least three minutes, several nights a month during the FrogWatch season, which runs from March through August. Volunteers do not have to be frog or toad experts to participate. An interest in frogs and toads, a willingness to learn their calls, and a few minutes a week is all that is required. The program is free and open to individuals or families interested in learning more about local frogs, toads and wetlands. Participating children must be at least 10 years old, and all volunteers under the age of 16 must participate with a parent or guardian. The first volunteer training workshop will be held on the Auburn University campus at the Biodiversity Learning Center on Thursday, April 14, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The Museum of Natural History will sponsor additional training workshops at Jacksonville State University on Saturday, April 16, from 3 to 7 p.m. in 130 Martin Hall, and in Millbrook on Saturday, April 23, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Alabama Natureplex. For more information or to register, visit the website at http://aumnh.org/frogwatch or contact David Laurencio at FrogWatch@auburn.edu or 334-844-9127. More information about FrogWatch USA™ is also available at http://aza.org/frogwatch.