Boreal Toad Conservation Season Is Starting - Join Our Team!

A volunteer carefully examines a boreal toad to record data for our Amphibian and Aquatic Habitat Assessments project.

Utah's boreal toad populations are declining. Once common in our mountains, they face numerous threats, from the quickly-spreading chytrid fungus to climate change to development pressures.

To make matters worse, little is known about this alpine toad. This makes it nearly impossible for decisionmakers to create effective conservation plans.

That's why our Amphibian and Aquatic Habitat Assessments project seeks to answer questions about the boreal toad. Learning about habitat, population distribution, and other details will mean better conservation outcomes for this sensitive species.

Volunteers on the project have a real impact on conservation while getting outside, learning about local ecosystems, and having fun.

How to Get Involved

You can become a force for boreal toad conservation, starting today. Simply follow the steps below:

1. Review the Training - Use this to get started if you didn't attend the training or could only watch part of it. It's also a great resource to refer to as needed throughout the project.

2. Complete the Volunteer Form - Before participating in this project, fill out our online Conservation Field Technician Volunteer Application Form.

3. Sign Up for a Field Visit - Once you've filled out the form, please visit our signup sheet to sign up for independent surveys, day trips, and/or camping trips to survey for boreal toads. Don't forget to carefully read the notes at the top of the page, including information on COVID-19 requirements.

4. If You're Doing Individual Surveys, Print Field Forms and Protocol Materials - Those doing individual surveys will want to review the protocoland print field forms and a cheat sheet to take with you on site visits. Volunteers on group trips will have these materials provided.

5. Optional Toad Buckets for Individual Surveys (Starting May 15): If you'd like to gather water measurements, you can pick up field equipment from the Guest Services office at the front of Hogle Zoo—just ask to check out a toad bucket. You can check equipment in or out starting May 15, Monday-Sunday, 9am-1pm (you may keep the buckets for a few days, but please try to check them back in for other volunteers to use). Those doing group field trips will have these materials provided.

Thank You

This statewide effort to conserve sensitive amphibians would not be possible without your dedication. Thank you so much!

For printable resources, signup sheets, field forms, project updates, and survey protocols, visit our Project Page. Please contact us with any questions.