It's Not Too Late - Turn Your Hikes Into Toad Conservation Projects
A huge thank you to our volunteers who have already submitted data! You're having a real impact on conservation, and we hope you're having fun while doing it.
If you haven't yet joined the project, it's not too late to turn your spring/summer hikes into meaningful conservation projects or opt to join a scientist in the field.
A volunteer surveys an alpine site for boreal toads.
Why is this important? Utah's boreal toads are struggling. Once common in our mountains, they now face numerous threats, from the deadly chytrid fungus to climate change. With little baseline information on this toad, it is very difficult for decisionmakers to plan for their conservation.
But there's still hope—and that's where you come in. Our Amphibian and Aquatic Habitat Assessments project harnesses the power of community science to learn more about where boreal toad populations are, potential habitats, and other details to support effective conservation planning for this remarkable toad.
If you have questions about the project, visit our project page below or feel free to contact us.
How to Get Involved
You can become a force for boreal toad conservation, starting today. Simply follow the steps below:
1. Review the Training - Watch our recorded training to get started or refresh your knowledge.
2. Complete the Volunteer Form - Before participating in this project, volunteers must fill out our Volunteer Application Form.
3. Sign Up for a Field Visit - Sign up online for one of three options: independent surveys on your own time, day trips with a scientist, and/or overnight trips with scientists. Remember to read the notes on the sheet!
Volunteers and scientists carefully examine and document boreal toads. Photo by Sarah Woodbury.
Additional steps for Independent Surveys only:
4. Print Materials - Review/print the Individual Survey protocol and print field forms and a cheat sheet to take with you on site visits. (Group trip volunteers will have these materials provided.)
5. Pick Up OPTIONAL Toad Buckets: If you'd like to gather additional data, pick up field equipment from the Guest Services office at the front of Hogle Zoo Monday-Sunday, 9am-1pm—just ask to check out a toad bucket. You may keep the buckets for a few days, but please try to check them back in for other volunteers to use. (Group trip volunteers will have these materials provided.)
Our First 2021 Volunteer Highlight
Meet Jessica Frix, our Boreal Toad Project Highlight and the first volunteer to submit data on the project in 2021. Thank you so much for your work!
Jessica says, "This is my first year participating in the project. I decided to participate because I am always looking for opportunities to learn, explore, and better the world around us. Also, as a Zoology student at Weber State University, my desire to help is ingrained in my future endeavors. I want to help those who don't have a voice to stand up for themselves and create an environment where they can thrive in this ever-changing world. I believe that helping even some of the smallest species, like boreal toads, is one step in the right direction, and I hope they, and others, thrive for years to come."
We Want to Hear From You!
Stories: If you have any stories, photos, or videos from the field, please feel free to share them with us by emailing sarah@wildutahproject.org. With your permission, we'd love to share what you're up to in the field with other potential volunteers, donors, and supporters of Wild Utah Project. Your stories can help others get involved in conserving boreal toads.
Questions: In addition, if you have questions about getting involved or need support, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help!
Thank You
This statewide effort to conserve sensitive amphibians would not be possible without your dedication. Thank you!
For printable resources, signup sheets, field forms, project updates, and survey protocols, visit our Project Page. Please contact us with any questions.