Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge

Events at Montezuma

Montezuma NWR Piloting a Frog Call Survey Program - Volunteers Needed
Thursday, March 15, 6:30 - 8:00 PM., MNWR Visitor Center
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge is in search of volunteers who would like to help collect information about the frogs and toads that depend on the refuge to survive. Volunteers will be trained to recognize frog and toad calls, and to collect and record data before heading out onto the refuge to conduct what we're calling our FrogWatch Surveys. An information and training session will be held at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center (3395 U.S. Route 20 East, Seneca Falls, NY) on Thursday, March 15, 6:30 - 8:00 PM. Kevin Zippel, Amphibian Program Director for Amphibian Ark and refuge staff will talk with you about wetlands, the importance of frogs and toads to our ecosystems and our lives, and train you on how to recognize their calls. To sign up to volunteer and to register for the March 15 session, contact Andrea VanBeusichem at the refuge at 315/568-5987, extension 228 or email Andrea_VanBeusichem@fws.gov.

This year's pilot program is the first step in a larger phenology program planned for the refuge. Phenology is the study of the timing of natural and life cycle events (like when frogs start mating, when birds return to an area, or when buds burst open) and how they are affected by climate changes. Frogs and toads are considered indicators of an area's environmental health. Over the years, this FrogWatch Survey data will help refuge managers better plan for Montezuma's future and protect the habitats and wildlife we all appreciate.

Montezuma's FrogWatch Surveys are modeled after FrogWatch USA, a citizen science program that allows individuals and families to learn about the wetlands in their communities, and help conserve amphibians by reporting the calls of local frogs and toads. During this pilot year at Montezuma, volunteers and staff will conduct the FrogWatch Surveys every other Thursday evening from March 15 through the month of June. Training dates are March 15 and 29, at the refuge. Next year and thereafter, surveys will be done one to two times per week, March through August.

For more information, contact Andrea VanBeusichem at 315/568-5987, extension 228 or email Andrea_VanBeusichem@fws.gov.