Frogwatching Tips

So Many Wetlands...How Do I Choose?

What is a monitoring site?

We know that frogs and toads need water to breed, so by identifying a specific wetland, you are likely to be able to hear frogs during the breeding season at that location. All Frogwatch USA volunteers must register a specific location at which they would like to monitor. Once you are registered online as a volunteer, you have two options when selecting a monitoring site. You can (1) choose to register a site that is already monitored by a fellow volunteer, or (2) choose to register a brand new site.

Add an existing site to your list

© National Wildlife Federation

When you are logged into the Frogwatch USA website, take a look at the list of registered sites in your area to see if there is one nearby. Make sure you check out the map for that site so you know the exact location. You should also visit the site in person before adding it to your list of monitoring sites. This way you will know if the site will be convenient for you to visit to conduct your surveys.

Enter a new site

You may already have a few wetland areas in mind; or you may need to learn about the wetlands in your area before choosing a site. Choose one or more wetland sites that are convenient for you to access in the evening when you will be conducting your surveys.

Of all the swamps, marshes, and ponds that are in your neighborhood, you should choose sites for Frogwatch USA that:

• Aren't noisy because of traffic
• Will be safe to visit at night
• Are convenient for you to visit a couple times a week

You may have a wetland site already picked out on your own property. But if you are not monitoring in your own backyard or on public property, be sure to get permission from the landowners before registering or listening at a new site.

How can you find a monitoring site if you don't know where the wetlands are in your area? Here are some ideas for how to find a monitoring site in your area:

• © U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

  Call or visit your town hall and ask to speak with someone from your town's planning agency. Explain that you are interested in learning more about where the wetlands are in your town. They will be able to tell you where to find wetlands and who owns the property where they are located.
• Call or visit your local Parks and Recreation Department. You may be able to monitor a wetland site at a local park. However, keep in mind that you may need to get special permission to survey in the evening as many parks close at dusk.
• Give the U.S. Fish and Wildlife and the U.S. Geological Survey's Wetlands Mapper tool a try. Just paste this link into your browser (http://wetlandsfws.er.usgs.gov/) and follow the directions online. You can zoom into see a map of the wetlands in your town.

Full List of Easy Frogwatching Tips:

General Frogwatching Tips
Mapping your site made easy!
Name That Tune: Frog Calls
So Many Wetlands...How Do I Choose?
Safety First… Data Second
Bring Frogwatch to Your Community