Volunteers needed to monitor bluebird and frog populations in DuPage

Wildlife fans 18 and older can become volunteer bluebird or frog monitors for the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County.

The forest preserve district will have kickoff meetings for interested volunteers Saturday, Feb. 20, at the Grounds and Resources Complex, 29W220 Mack Road, West Chicago. People interested in attending should register with Volunteer Services at (630) 933-7681 by Friday, Feb. 12.

From 10 a.m. to noon, district ecologists will explain the volunteer bluebird monitoring program and share data from previous seasons. The presentation on the amphibian program will be from 1 to 3 p.m. A pizza lunch will be served between the two sessions, and returning volunteers will be able to pick up forms, equipment and other materials for the 2016 monitoring season.

Amphibian monitors help district ecologists assess frog and toad populations and update forest preserve species lists. They complete surveys at night at least once every two weeks during four different breeding periods between late March and late July. They must commit to at least one breeding season but ideally will observe a site for several years.

Bluebird monitors record observations and inspect nesting boxes a minimum of once a week from mid-March until the last fledging leaves, usually around the end of July. Their data helps district ecologists assess populations and track trends. Volunteers must commit to at least one breeding season, but this flexible program allows them to complete their inspections any day of the week any time between one hour after sunrise and one hour after sunset.

"Volunteering is a very rewarding experience, a wonderful way to learn more about our native wildlife and give back to nature," said Joe Cantore, forest district president.