by Dominique Storm

Created on: March 02, 2009

When I was a young girl I loved to go out into the fields and riverbeds and listen to the frogs. I was always so excited when I saw my little green friends hopping in the grass. During the summer time I would listen for the sounds of their croaking and it would soothe me to sleep. Now many years later the same fields and riverbeds are quiet and empty. On the odd occasion I can still hear their croaking or see their painted green backs hopping in the grass, but it is rare.

How can you help?

The National Wildlife Federation has founded an organization to help preserve and monitor the frog population. If you would like to become an official frog watcher go to their website http://www.nwf.org/frogwatchUSA/ and register to be a volunteer. It only takes a small portion of your time and will help to monitor and assess the frog population in your area.

Find out what frogs reside in your area.

If you are going to be an official frog watcher it is a good idea to do some research and find out what types of frogs live in your area.

1. Search the web for your area plus frogs. Example: Louisville, Kentucky + Frogs

2. Use the frogwatch website they have some fantastic resources that allow you to learn all about frog types, as well as see what data has already been collected for your area. http://www.nwf.org/frogwatchusa/frogmap.cfm

3. Once you have names of some of the frogs for your area use an online image search, such as google images. Type in the name of the frog, search images and presto you will have some fantastic pictures to look at. Hopefully you will be able to view them in their natural habitat.

Document what you learn:

A good way to keep track of what you have seen and learned is to keep a notebook handy when you go out frog watching. Record the date, time, location and what you see. This will make submitting and tracking your information much easier.

Take along a digital camera and photograph you green friends in their natural habitat. Be cautious not to disturb their home.

Once you have gathered some information, return to the frogwatch website and log in your data.

Set aside a time each week and get your whole family involved.

Whether you have a small or large family get them involved. Make it a weekly family outing and make it fun for everyone. A good start would be a scrapbook. Fill it with memories from the time spent frog watching. Pictures, leaves you collect, thoughts, memories, and laughter can turn frog watching into a fun and memorable time.

The amphibian habitat is disappearing at an alarming rate. It would be very unfortunate if our children or grandchildren do not have the opportunity to observe and enjoy the wetlands in the years to come. Becoming a frog watcher is a simple easy way for you to help preserve, monitor and assist in the preservation of the amphibians in your area. The National Wildlife Federation sums it up really well in their motto "Inspiring Americans to protect wildlife for our children's future". Become a frog watcher today, and be inspired to protect the wildlife.

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