Ways to Help & Fun Frog Activities

So we have a international amphibian crisis, but what can we do here in Rhode Island? Some of the most important ways you can help is by spreading the word; forwarding this URL to your friends and family; following the 8 simple steps below; and join us as a Frog Watch Volunteer this spring. Get involved; you'll be "hoppy" you did!

Be a Friend to Frogs…and Toads and Salamanders, too!
Top 8 Things You Can Do in 2008 to Help Amphibians

Frogs are going extinct. So are toads, salamanders, newts, and the intriguingly unusual caecilians. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums is highlighting 2008 as the Year of the Frog to mark a major conservation effort to address the amphibian extinction crisis. There are ways to help!  Help your visitors understand all these ways that they can be a friend to frogs.

• Look, listen, and learn: educate yourself and your family about amphibians. With almost 6,000 frogs, toads, newts, salamanders, and caecilians worldwide, there’s a lot to learn. Pick up a book, hop around the Internet, or watch your favorite animal television show to educate yourself and your family about amphibians.

• Visit an Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited institution near you and experience your very own amphibian adventure! AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums are helping to save frogs and other amphibians through breeding programs and by providing support for field conservation.  They are also some of the best places to see and learn about amphibians from around the world. Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting an institution dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things.

• Create amphibian friendly environments by providing clean water, hiding places, and insects to eat. Prime amphibian real estate includes leaf litter, rocks, logs, and a source of water - backyard ponds make a great family project! Click here for instructions on how to build a "Toad Abode" (PDF).

• Don’t pollute. Do your part to keep garbage, chemicals, and non-native plants and animals out of the natural environment. Amphibians absorb chemicals through their skin easily and are sensitive to competition and becoming prey to non-native species.

• Be a responsible pet owner. Discourage your canine and feline family members from pestering wildlife, especially amphibians and birds. Curious cats and digging dogs cause a lot of stress for frightened amphibians. Please don't take animals from their native habitat or buy animals taken from the wild.  If you or your pet encounter an amphibian, study, look, listen, and then leave it where it is.

• Conserve water at home, school, and work. The water you save now remains a clean habitat for wild amphibians without being chemically treated. For example, save water by using collected rainwater for watering gardens and potted plants.

• Reduce the use of fossil fuels, such as oil, coal and natural gas.  Climate change is impacting amphibian populations worldwide. By using less energy or choosing renewable sources of energy, you can help slow the rate of climate change.  Drive less, buy fuel-efficient cars, and use compact fluorescent light bulbs!