Volunteers needed to monitor frog species in area wetlands

A training session for monitoring frogs in local wetlands will be from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Pottawatomie Community Center, 8 North Ave., St. Charles.

Frogs, with their sensitive skin and habits that bring them into both uplands and wetlands, are good indicators of the health of the environment.

Scientists have noted a serious decline in the numbers and kinds of frogs that inhabit the area in recent years. Scientists and land managers want to find out why frogs are declining.

Amphibian experts will familiarize people with the various species of local frogs and how to tell them apart by listening to their songs. Volunteers will be given a CD with the different frog species' calls, data sheets and monitoring protocol.

They will be asked to visit there area wetlands at least three or four times in the evening during the spring mating season. Volunteers will listen for and sort out the various calls they hear.

This project is part of the Chicago Wilderness Recovery Plan. The coordinator for Kane County is Pam Otto, (630) 513-4346 potto@st-charlesparks.org.