Chesterton Tribune

 

 

Shirley Heinze free frog monitoring workshop coming next week

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The public is invited to attend a free workshop in which they can learn how to help assess the health of wetlands in the Calumet Region by monitoring frog populations on Tuesday, Feb. 23, at the Meadowbrook Conservation Center in Valparaiso.

Staff from Shirley Heinze Land Trust, The Field Museum, and Indiana University Northwest will present the workshop which will start at 7 p.m. and close at 9 p.m. Hosting will be Alan Resetar, Amphibian and Reptile Collections Manager at The Field Museum.

The Meadowbrook Conservation Center and Preserve is located at 109 W. 700 N., in Liberty Township.

By monitoring frog populations, citizen scientists can provide an important resource for land managers and herpetologists by collecting large amounts of data that would otherwise be unattainable. The abundance and distribution of frogs over time is an important indicator of the health of aquatic ecosystems, as frogs are very sensitive to changes in their environment. Land managers utilize these indicator species as an early warning sign of a declining habitat.

Workshop participants will learn about characteristics of each species, their preferred habitat, and how to identify their calls. Participants will be given a data collection protocol, survey sheet, and CD with audio frog calls of the various species found in the region. Newcomers to the program will be assigned a preserve or natural area close to their home, or they can attend the session just to learn about the issue.

To RSVP, or for information, please call Shirley Heinze Land Trust at (219) 242-8558 and ask for Jim or email jerdelac@heinzetrust.org

 

 

Posted 2/16/2016

 

 
 
 
 

 

 

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