Workshop focuses on monitoring frogs

Outdoor enthusiasts of all ages can learn about two research opportunities taking place at 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 26 at Hartley Nature Center.
The Saturday workshop provides information and hands-on activities for frog monitoring and vernal pool identification and assessment. Presentations and guided walks to vernal pools start at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon.
“Anyone who is looking for an excuse to hike in beautiful Hartley Park is welcome to join us to learn about data collection for our long-term frog monitoring project and vernal pool status in northeastern Minnesota,” said Jennifer Olker, scientist at UMD’s Natural Resources Research Institute. Vernal pools are temporary ponds that are vital breeding habitat for many forest creatures. They are not protected in Minnesota and scientists lack critical information about them.
Workshop participants will learn about Minnesota’s frogs and toads, the state of amphibians, importance of small wetlands, and how they can help, including two volunteer opportunities.
The frog monitoring project is conducting surveys at Hartley Park from April 25 to May 15, May 30 to June 15 and July 5 to July 20.
Vernal pool identification and field verification in Hartley Park and other locations across northeast Minnesota will take place from snowmelt through July.
Registration is recommended by contacting Olker at jolker@d.umn.edu or 218-720-4344 or Ryan Hueffmeier at rhueffme@
d.umn.edu or 218-720-4379.