FrogWatch USA is a citizen science project of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) whereby individuals and groups can learn about wetlands and help contribute to science by recording local calls of frogs and toads. Tracking the behavior of frogs and toads, such as when they begin calling each spring, is a useful endeavor for several reasons. Frogs and toads are very sensitive to changes in their environment and can tell us a lot about the health of a local ecosystem. In addition, many populations of frogs and toads have experienced dramatic declines over the past few decades. Understanding their behavior and relationship to their environments is crucial for researchers working to conserve them. 

You can help by enrolling as a volunteer and listening for calls in evenings between February and August. This project is a great way to connect with nature and contribute to an important body of research! Learn more by visiting AZA’s FrogWatch USA page.

The Minnesota Zoo would love to see examples of how you used this activity at home! Please share pictures or comments via email at [email protected], and take less than 5 minutes of time to provide us feedback by completing this short survey.