2025 FrogWatch USA Training Starts in Southern Maryland
Volunteer Opportunity to Monitor Local Frog Populations
Training Sessions and Registration Information
Join FrogWatch USA Today!
In a bid to protect local frog populations and contribute to valuable environmental research, FrogWatch USA is calling on residents of Southern Maryland and the greater DMV area to join their citizen science initiative. Hosted by the Calvert Marine Museum in partnership with Calvert County Parks and Recreation, this program relies on volunteers to observe and document frog calls in the region.
During the 2024 season, participants from the Southern Maryland chapter submitted over 1,100 observations, identifying an impressive 14 different frog species. As the program gears up for the 2025 season, they are seeking community members to select monitoring sites near their homes or workplaces and report frog calls during specific times. This initiative offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature while making a meaningful contribution to scientific efforts.
To prepare volunteers for the upcoming monitoring season, four training sessions will be conducted. These sessions will cover essential information about local frog species and teach participants how to identify their unique calls. Whether attending in-person or virtually, volunteers can choose a date that suits them best. Virtual attendees will receive a video link one week before their selected session.
The training dates are as follows:
– Wednesday, Feb. 5: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (Virtual via TEAMS)
– Saturday, Feb. 8: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Calvert Marine Museum, Solomons, MD
– Thursday, Feb. 13: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, St. Mary’s City, MD
– Saturday, Feb. 15: 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. at Kings Landing Park, Huntingtown, MD
Interested individuals can register for a training session by visiting the provided form. No prior experience is necessary to participate, making this program inclusive and accessible to volunteers of all ages and backgrounds.
FrogWatch USA plays a crucial role in monitoring the health of frog populations, serving as vital indicators of environmental well-being. By collecting data on frog species presence and calls, volunteers assist researchers in tracking the impacts of climate change, pollution, and habitat loss on amphibians. The information gathered supports conservation efforts and environmental policies aimed at preserving biodiversity.
For more information or inquiries, please reach out to Matt Neff at Matthew.Neff@calvertcountymd.gov or Kim Curren at Kimberly.Curren@calvertcountymd.gov. Join FrogWatch USA today and contribute to the conservation of the frogs in Southern Maryland.
David Higgins, a local journalist with a passion for environmental conservation and community engagement, recalls his childhood fascination with frogs near his home in Southern Maryland. He vividly remembers spending hours observing their behavior and listening to their calls, fostering a deep appreciation for these amphibians and their role in the local ecosystem. Now, as an adult, he is thrilled to see programs like FrogWatch USA providing opportunities for individuals to get involved and make a positive impact on the environment. David encourages everyone to take part in this initiative and take a leap towards protecting the precious frogs of Southern Maryland.
