DULUTH,
Minn. – Outdoor enthusiasts of all ages are invited
to learn about two research opportunities taking place at Hartley Nature
Center, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Saturday workshop will provide
information and hands-on activities for frog monitoring and vernal pool
identification and assessment. Presentations and guided walks to vernal pools
starting at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon.
“Anyone who is looking for an excuse to hike in beautiful
Hartley Park is welcome to join us to learn about data collection for our
long-term frog monitoring project and vernal pool status in northeastern
Minnesota,” explained Jennifer Olker, scientist at UMD’s Natural Resources
Research Institute. Vernal pools are temporary ponds that are vital breeding habitat
for many forest creatures. They are not
currently protected in Minnesota and scientists lack critical information about
them.
Workshop participants will learn about Minnesota’s frogs and
toads, the current state of amphibians, importance of small wetlands, and how
they can help, including two volunteer opportunities:  |
| Vernal Pool in Early Spring |
 |
| Western Chorus Frog and Wood Frog helping collect data |
1) Frog Monitoring Project: conducting surveys at Hartley Park during three periods: April 25 – May
15, May 30 – June 15 and July 5 – July 20
2) Vernal Pool Identification and Field Verification: in Hartley Park and other locations across northeast
Minnesota from snowmelt through July.
Pre-registration is recommended by
contacting Jennifer Olker at, jolker@d.umn.edu,
720-4344 or Ryan Hueffmeier, rhueffme@d.umn.edu,
720-4379.
April 26 is also national Save The Frogs Day, the world’s
largest day of amphibian education and conservation action. Poetry and art
contests are being held as part of the celebration. Learn more at www.savethefrogs.com.
The Natural Resources Research Institute’s mission is to
foster the economic development of Minnesota’s natural resources in an
environmentally sound manner to promote private sector employment.
