Frogs and Fun
Amphibian experts and amphibian lovers around the globe celebrated 2008 as the Year of the Frog. But you can help these incredible animals survive the challenges they face in their various habitats...every year. Here are some fun, family-friendly ways to support and celebrate amphibians.
Leap to learning. There are over 6,000 different species of amphibians, including frogs, toads, newts, salamanders, and the usually overlooked caecilians. You can unearth a lot of info on amphibians if you hop to the library or check out nature programs on TV.
Create a frog-friendly environment. Turn your backyard into an ideal environment for frogs and toads. Amphibians love rocks and logs, a ground cover of fallen leaves, and water. Creating a small pond in your backyard will encourage amphibians to make themselves at home
Be water wise. Every drop of water you save is a drop of water that can stay in a frog's natural environment. There are lots of ways to save water at home, like turning the faucet off while you brush your teeth.
Make amphibian art. Use crayons or markers to capture the bright color of blue poison frogs; make a collage of an American toad, gluing on dots to capture the pattern on its back; or create a life-size Popsicle-stick-and-construction-paper puppet of a marbled salamander.
Be an amphibian ambassador. Use a stuffed frog and organize a "Kiss a Frog" event at school on Valentine's Day. Or you could write a story about frogs for an English class or do a science fair project on amphibians. The Amphibian Ark Web site has a frog mask you can print out and wear to promote Year of the Frog.
Take a frog field trip. One of the best ways to learn about amphibians is to see them. Some you can see in your neighborhood and in parks and natural areas around Chicago. If you visit Brookfield Zoo, you can see exotic species like oriental fire-bellied toads, barking tree frogs, and mandarin newts.