Be a citizen scientist for Bay of Quinte

American Toad photo by Derek Dafoe for Nature Stuff.

The Bay of Quinte RAP (BQRAP) is looking for volunteers to monitor frogs and birds in the area as these species are great indicators of the health of wetlands.

Can you tell a Bullfrog’s croak from a Spring Peeper’s peep or a Least Bittern from a Virginia Rail? If you’re not even sure what they are, don’t worry. In a workshop set for Monday, March 2, Quinte area naturalist and columnist, Terry Sprague will walk everyone through how to monitor a local wetland for frogs or birds whether it’s in your backyard, at the cottage, or a selected monitoring site.

“These monitoring programs are all user friendly and even inexperienced volunteers will feel comfortable taking part,” Sprage said, “The majority of wetland species of frogs and birds have calls that are different enough from each other that they can be identified with little trouble.”

By participating in Community Wildlife Monitoring Program participants helping in the rehabilitation and long-term protection of the bay’s overall ecosystem, as wetland birds and frogs are good indicators of environmental health.

There are two programs, you can choose one or do both, Frogwatch Ontario is a good entry level program and great for the kids due to its simplicity. The Marsh Monitoring Program is more extensive and includes both birds and frogs.

You will receive training and support through the Community Wildlife Monitoring Program. For more information contact Terry Sprague, Community Wildlife Monitoring Coordinator at naturestuff.tours@gmail.com or 613-848-4549 or the Bay of Quinte RAP at 613-394-3915 ext 214.