Northern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens) at Lib Conservation Area in northern Illinois.

Mimicry of Cope’s gray tree frog Hyla chrysoscelis / versicoloron.

Think all frogs sound alike? Think again.

Frogs have distinctive voices just like birds do, and one way to tell who’s hanging around in one’s own back yard, wetland or nearby stream is to become a volunteer frog monitor. Experts at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center will teach frog fans how to distinguish a Cope’s Gray Tree Frog from a Western Chorus Frog and recognize the difference between a Green Frog and a Bull frog.

Keeping track of local frog populations is an important way to evaluate the ecological health of a region, according to Pam Otto, Manager of Nature Programs and Interpretive Services at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center. Because frogs transition from water to land during their life cycles, knowledge of frog populations and habits can help area ecologists determine when an environment may be in stress.

If frogs help scientists monitor an area’s health, then who helps scientists monitor frogs? Volunteers with a concern for nature and love of frogs can learn how to become a volunteer frog monitor during a training session held at Hickory Knolls from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 13.  The program is coordinated by the Chicago Wilderness Habitat Project.

Participants will be provided with all the appropriate training materials, including records of the various calls of local frog species.  Instruction will be given in proper listening techniques and visual identification, and volunteers will learn how to record and report their observations.  Monitors are asked to visit a specific wetland at least three times between March and June to find their frogs and listen to their calls.

For more information, contact Pam Otto at 630-413-4346.

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SOURCE: St. Charles Park District news release