The Henson Robinson Zoo is seeking volunteers to serve as knowledgeable and responsible wetland and amphibian stewards through the zoo’s Frog Watch USA chapter. FrogWatch USA, which is owned and managed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), is a long term frog and toad monitoring program. The collected data is essential in describing local species diversity, range, seasonal timing and shifts in species diversity.
Volunteers will help conserve our nation’s amphibians by monitoring local wetland sites to identify local frog and toad species by their breeding calls. Frogs and toads play an important role, serving as both predator and prey in wetland ecosystems and are considered indicators of environmental health.
The Henson Robinson Zoo is offering two cost free training sessions for individuals interested in participating in the program. The first session will be held Feb. 19 and 26 from 6-8 p.m. and the second session will be held March 2 and 9 from 4-6 p.m. Each session will provide volunteers with the knowledge necessary to participate in this vital research program.
Interested parties should contact the Henson Robinson Zoo at 217-585-1821 for more information or to indicate intent to attend a training session.
