Frog and Toad Survey

Frogs and toads are hopping about in greater numbers than expected in the ponds, marshes, and fields around the Rouge River. There may even be a reversal in the decline of some species.

The annual Friends of the Rouge Frog and Toad Survey helps to identify and monitor wetlands and other valuable wildlife habitats. By listening for the calls of frogs and toads, you can learn more about the local environment, help in efforts to identify and preserve the most valuable habitats in your area, and get out of the house to enjoy a bit of nature. The surveys are popular with everyone from scouts and school groups, to retirees.

In 2001, the nearly 400 volunteers who covered 231 survey blocks of a quarter acre in size, heard a greater number of green frogs and northern leopard frogs than in the year 2000. This appears to be a reversal of a trend. A five-year study by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), completed in 2000 had expressed concern that green frogs and leopard frogs were in decline.

Throughout the entire survey area, the American toad was the most commonly heard species. It is also important to note that there were a few pockets of frogs and toads in the most urbanized areas of the watershed.

As the Rouge River watershed becomes more developed, it is critical to find these pockets of wildlife diversity so that they can be protected. To volunteer for the Friends of the Rouge 5th Annual 2002 Frog and Toad Survey, contact Sally Petrella at (313) 792-9628 or picoordinator@therouge.org to register or for more information. Training sessions will be held at various locations to assist volunteers in learning the calls of the frogs and toads.

Learn more about the Friends of the Rouge Frog and Toad Survey.

Please address all comments and suggestions about the contents of this Web page to rougeweb@co.wayne.mi.us.

The Rouge River National Wet Weather Demonstration Project is funded, in part, by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Grants #XP995743-01, -02, -03, -04, -05, -06, -08 and C-264000-01.