Searching for Utah's Cryptic Boreal Toad
Wild Utah Project interns recently visited Lake Blanche in search of boreal toads. Credit: Alli Hoffman
Our volunteers have been scouring mountain areas across Utah for the cryptic boreal toad. This work is critical to support future conservation plans for the species.
We're grateful for all the data volunteers have recorded so far. Thank you to those of you who have monitored independent sites or joined us for a field trip. This project is only possible because of your dedication.
As you may have noticed, because of COVID-19 cases in Utah, we had to cancel some of our recent group camping trips. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused and hope you're all staying safe during this time.
Please note that there's still room to sign up for independent surveys and get outside for a cause. We have just a few spots left on the project in need of volunteers:
Independent Site Visits - View sites and sign up here.
These opportunities end on September 19, so sign up soon to support the boreal toad. To watch the training and get started, check out our project page.
Volunteer Highlight
First-time boreal toad volunteer Alex Baldwin joined Kayleigh Mullen and Hogle Zoo interns on a recent field trip to Grouse Creek. There, he got to see all life stages of the boreal toad, from egg strands to juveniles to a toad so old its tag type had never before been seen by the team!
Alex, a Salt Lake City-based writer, carefully catches a boreal toad to measure data including weight, length, and whether it has been tagged.
Alex has this to say of his trip: "This was a wild experience from beginning to end. To get to spend three days camping and collecting data with a wildlife biologist and passionate interns steeped in all things herptology was amazing. They taught me so much about toads and their habitats, and really broadened my awareness for future independent surveys.
The beautiful granite outcroppings we camped in, the constant, living and hands-on learning environment, and the kindness and fun of everyone involved—definitely an amazing experience! It got me excited to continue doing independent surveys."
Thank you for joining us, Alex!
Volunteer Resources
As you continue your work, you can review the virtual training as needed. You can also access our community science project resources page for further support.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at kmullen@hoglezoo.org or mary@wildutahproject.org.
Can't Volunteer? That's Okay!
With the challenges of COVID-19, our differing physical abilities, and our busy lives, not everyone can be a community scientist for this project. And that's okay—there are other ways to help!
If you have the resources, please consider donating so that this and other conservation projects can continue through this uncertain time. This statewide effort to conserve sensitive amphibians would not be possible without you.
We appreciate your generosity and dedication to Utah's wildlife and lands. Thank you so much!