Amphibians are sensitive indicators of environmental quality.  Changes in frog and toad populations can reflect changes in water quality and land use. Surveying these populations over time provides baseline data that can be used to track the effect of development and other changes on the watershed.  For the past five years, Friends of the Rouge has trained thousands of volunteers to survey for these sensitive creatures throughout the watershed. The survey is fun and simple and does not require volunteers to get wet or muddy, just to go out and listen for the springtime calls of the frogs and toads.

The surveys began in 1998 in one small part of the watershed in the communities of Salem, Northville, Plymouth, and Novi. Overwhelming response led to the addition of another part of the watershed in 1999.  In 2000 the survey expanded to include the entire watershed. Participants include families, students, retirees, scouts, etc.   Participation in the survey requires attendance at one of the workshops held throughout the watershed in February and March.  The workshops provide all the information and materials needed to participate, including a training manual and a recording of Michigan frog and toad calls.  At the workshop, participants may choose or be assigned to, a quarter square mile block in which to survey. 

There are currently nine species of frogs and toads that have been heard in the watershed.  The frogs and toads have been categorized according to the sequence in which they begin calling in the watershed. Please click on the link below for details on how to become part of the next frog and toad survey.

• Friends of the Rouge Frog and Toad Survey
• DataView and RPO Data CD

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.