Did you know up to 14 species of frogs and toads may be found in the District of Columbia and that each can be recognized by unique calls made during the spring and summer? You can learn more about your amphibian neighbors and contribute to conservation in your community by becoming a DOEE FrogWatch Chapter Volunteer!

In order to participate, new volunteers will need to attend one of two in-person training opportunities hosted by a DOEE Fish &Wildlife Biologist at the Aquatic Resources Education Center (AREC) in Anacostia Park (view map):

· Saturday, March 2nd from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

· Saturday, March 16th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Learn more about the DOEE FrogWatch Chapter and register for a training session. The training Is Free but registration is required and space is limited to 30 participants per session.

Please note:

1. Monitoring observations take place in and around the District of Columbia after dark. Volunteers are encouraged to locate and register new stream/wetland sites convenient to them.

2. Each lecture -and activity-based training session will provide instruction on local species recognition and how to collect and submit data on calling frogs and toads observed at aquatic habitat throughout the DC-Metro area.

3. This citizen science training is geared towards adult participation, but youth may participate in data collection alongside a trained parent/adult using the resources distributed as part of the training sessions.

4. Visit the Aquatic Resources Education Center homepage to learn about other environmentaleducation programs for families and students, including a brand new “Frog Fun” Family Discovery Day program onMarch 8th from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.!

Attendees of both the DOEE FrogWatch VolunteerTraining and Frog Fun Family Discovery Day will have the opportunity to seemore than 50 species of fish, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates found inthe waters of the District that are on display at the AREC!

For questions about DOEE FrogWatch or other environmental educationprograms at the AREC, pleaseemail doee.arec@dc.gov, or call 202-440-3951 during business hours.