Become a Frogwatcher
Registration is closed, check back in 2025!
Amphibian species are disappearing at an alarming rate across the globe due to a number of factors such as habitat loss, pollution, and disease. As a community scientist with FrogWatch USA, you can help save our frogs!
“Amphibians act as an important indicator species for healthy environments and are a vital part of the food chain, making up the diet of many other species; some that rely on amphibians as a sole source of food. Without amphibians, insect populations could grow out of control and potentially spread disease that could threaten human populations and agriculture. The loss of the entire class of amphibians would have a catastrophic effect on the ecosystem. FrogWatch is an easy, enjoyable way for people who have an interest in amphibians and the environment to help.” Lou Perrotti, director of conservation programs
Trainings:
Price: $10/household (includes up to 2 adults and children of that household)
FrogWatch trainings cover the importance of amphibians in the environment. The instruction focuses on how to:
- monitor our local frog population to protect the species;
- determine factors when choosing a site to monitor;
- tell frog species apart by their calls; and,
- report findings to FrogWatch USA.
After passing a test on identifying frog calls at the end of the training, certified volunteers then commit to monitoring a local amphibian habitat (such as a pond or lake) approximately once a week for about 15 minutes and collecting/submitting data on what they hear. Data collected will be added to the national FrogWatch USA database.
In addition to the training, registrants will also gain access to the following: Roger Williams Park Zoo FrogWatch USA Facebook Group; ongoing FrogWatch e-newsletters; and access to the RWPZ FrogWatch USA Online Resource Library.
How to Become a Certified FrogWatcher:
Attend FrogWatch Training! (2 hours)
- When: Sunday, March 17th from 11am – 1pm
- Where: Roger Williams Park Zoo
Questions? Contact frogwatch@rwpzoo.org or call (401) 785-3510 ext. 358.
Please note: FrogWatch trainings will cover a large amount of information and protocols. While FrogWatching is a great after-dark family activity for all ages, the trainings are designed for interested older children and adults.
FAQs
Program volunteers attend just one training session that discusses the importance of amphibians in the environment. The training also informs participants on how to tell frog species apart by their calls, and track our local population to help protect various species of amphibians. Volunteers commit to auditing a local amphibian habitat (such as a pond or lake) and collecting data on what they hear, approximately once a week for about 15 minutes.
Amphibian species are disappearing at an alarming rate across the globe due to a number of factors such as habitat loss, pollution, and disease. This has led to what many conservationists call a “global amphibian crisis,” with one-third to one-half of all amphibian species facing possible extinction.
While there does not appear to be any immediate threats to the species found locally in New England, the data collected through the FrogWatch program will help conservationists monitor these populations and to react to any decline rapidly.
Data collected in Rhode Island will be added to a national FrogWatch USA database. Since 2008 we have trained over 700 volunteers to monitor frog and toad populations in all 5 counties in RI.
Community scientist are community volunteers from the general public who support scientific work. It is often done in collaboration with or under the direction of professional scientists and scientific institutions. Data collected by community scientists help professional scientists answer research questions about wild plant and animal populations, as well as features of the environment such as water clarity or temperature.
Families can register as a single unit which includes 2 adults and any children in that household. Although we do not have a minimum age, as an after-dark activity the FrogWatch program is aimed towards adults and older children.
That is okay! The RWPZoo FrogWatch chapter trains community members on the 10 species of frogs and toads found in Rhode Island. Along with our Rhode Island watchers, we also have FrogWatchers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, and Connecticut! In addition to the RWPZoo chapter, there are currently a total of 136 chapters throughout the US.
FrogWatchers go outside at night at least 30 minutes after sunset but no later than 1:00am. The total observation period on a given night takes about 15 minutes.
Frogs and toads of New England are most active from March-September.
As a FrogWatcher, most of our species’ data is recorded through auditory mating calls during their breeding season. This is when you are most likely to hear frogs and toads during the season but not guaranteed to see anything. As with all wildlife, we encourage community members to observe and not disturb our amphibian friends.
In Rhode Island and surrounding New England area, we typically hear breeding calls starting in March through September. We challenge FrogWatchers to go out in the field once per week to listen depending on weather. We ask that all FrogWatchers complete a minimum of 4 observations throughout the season, though more is always better!
Yes. All FrogWatch data is submitted digitally via the website and can be done by using a computer, smartphone, or tablet.
Yes! FrogWatch can be a great way to introduce children to our Rhode Island amphibians and their importance. To involve a classroom or student group, the teacher or scout leader would complete the FrogWatch training. Once trained, the teacher will be responsible for verifying and inputting all data collected by students. Check out our teacher resources for how you might be able to incorporate FrogWatch, even if you can’t take your students out after sunset
If a student is interested in becoming a trained and certified FrogWatcher themselves, the student and their family are welcome to register for and complete the training including the assessments.