Springtime Research: Frogs in our wetlands

Ribbit-ribbit!

The sound of frogs is always welcomed as we emerge from the cold months and the flora and fauna awakens fully. The Creek 53 Conservancy Trust is home to extensive wetlands, creeks, and ponds, and therefore home also to many species of amphibians, including frogs and toads.

We are excited to announce another research project that is commencing this spring. With the generous help of Dr. Jessica Ford, we will be embarking on a monitoring project to understand what frog species exist in our protected areas. Dr. Ford will be establishing monitoring plots in various locations, whether the ephemeral ponds or the standing ponds found throughout the territory.

In addition to being an expert in amphibians, Dr. Ford teaches at Dawson College, and some students will be joining the field teams, and helping us learn more about the species in our midst. The field teams will also be accompanied by other trained Creek 53 volunteers and trustees.

The teams will be doing an evening route around the territory several times over the main breeding season for frogs, which is anticipated to begin in mid-April. At each site the teams will turn off their headlamps, stand quietly in the dark, and listen, and with keen ears, will be able to detect the different species (here’s a link in case anyone is interested in getting to know the frogs of Quebec!). 

This project will provide us critical information about the biodiversity to be found on the properties protected by the Creek 53 Conservancy Trust, and will also contribute to our goal of education and awareness, and engaging with local educational institutes. We are immensely grateful that Dr. Ford is helping us with this research, and we look forward to sharing the results in the future. Wish us luck as we charge up headlamps, and get ready to enjoy the cacophony of frogs this spring!