Minnesota FrogWatch Lets Families Become Backyard Scientists

Are you fascinated with the little creatures that live in Minnesota? Spring is almost here, and that means it’s time to listen for the croaks, trills, and peeps of Minnesota’s little green jumpers.

You're invited to participate in the Minnesota Statewide FrogWatch, which is coming up sooner than you think.

MINNESOTA STATEWIDE FROGWATCH SCIENCE PROGRAM

The Minnesota Statewide FrogWatch (formerly the Minnesota Frog & Toad Survey) is a volunteer-based community science program led by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Nongame Wildlife Program. Since the 1990s, volunteers have helped build one of the state’s most valuable long-term wildlife datasets, and they are once again inviting you and your family to be part of it.

Get our free mobile app

HOW DOES THE FROGWATCH PROGRAM WORK?

First, if you would like to become a volunteer, you will select a site or multiple sites to monitor throughout the spring and summer, and record all the frogs and toads that that you hear and see over a 2-4 week period of time.

Don't know exactly how to do that? No worries. There are upcoming trainings that will cover things like:

The goals of the survey
How to sign up as a volunteer
How to learn frog and toad calls
How to conduct a survey in the field

TRAININGS ARE OPEN TO EVERYONE!

These trainings are open to everyone who wants to volunteer or learn more about the survey before volunteering. It sounds like a great way to get your kids off their phones and outdoors in nature, learning something exciting and new!

WHEN WILL THESE TRAININGS BE TAKING PLACE?

Online trainings are happening on March 23rd, 25th, and 28th. There will also be a recorded option for anyone who is not able to attend so make sure to indicate if you are unable to attend using the form link.

The survey season runs from March through the middle of August. If this sounds like a super fun activity for you to take part in this spring and summer, just click HERE to get registered for all the fun.

WHY TAKE PART IN THE FROGWATCH PROGRAM?

The program isn't just for fun. The data you retrieve will help us:

Monitor population trends of frogs and toads
Contribute to conservation efforts for these wildlife species
Spend evenings enjoying Minnesota’s wetlands and forests

HELP THE MN DNR KEEP TRACK OF MINNESOTA'S CROAKING CHOIR

We hope you will hop on board and help us keep track of Minnesota’s croaking choir.

If you’re looking for a fun way to get the kids outside this spring, this might be one of the coolest opportunities you'll ever have. Maybe you'll make it a yearly tradition. We hope you will hop on board and help keep track of Minnesota’s croaking choir.