Let’s Go Herping
at Gillmor Sanctuary

April 16, 2026
8:30am—2pm

Sageland Collaborative staff, agency partners, and volunteers survey for amphibians. Photos: Sierra Hastings.

Join biologists from Sageland Collaborative, Utah’s Division of Wildlife Resources, and Audubon Rockies to survey for amphibians behind the gates at Gillmor Sanctuary!

All ages are welcome, but projects are not suited for children under 10 years old. Volunteers under 18 years old require a guardian’s signature and those under 15 years old must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

When: Thursday, April 16, 2026 from 8:30am—2pm
Where: Gillmor Sanctuary near Salt Lake City, UT (specific meetup details will be shared in a confirmation email following signup).

The project site is approximately a 20 minute drive from the Salt Lake City area. There are no restrooms at the sanctuary, just nature. Please plan accordingly before arriving.

What to expect: We will be surveying Audubon Rockies' Gillmor Sanctuary looking for amphibians, with a focus on Columbia spotted frogs and northern leopard frogs. We will demonstrate how to do a survey in the field using the Survey123 app before breaking into teams to survey the ponds. Surveying will involve walking in or around the edge of muddy ponds where footing may be slick and uneven. We will be taking photos of any life stages we find, audio recordings, and collecting GPS coordinates. We will not be handling species or collecting biometrics.

We will break for lunch around noon, and volunteers are encouraged to take breaks throughout the day.

Please watch our 2026 training video and download the Survey123 app before joining us in the field (for iOS - for Android).

What we'll provide: 

  • A high-quality, fun, and safe volunteer experience

  • Complimentary snacks and cold beverages

  • Extra safety equipment, sun protection, and a first aid kit

  • Opportunities to learn about wildlife while connecting with restoration practitioners and community members

  • Resume-building skills relevant to natural resources careers

What to bring: Bring lunch, plenty of water, sunscreen, insect repellent/bug net, eye protection, and binoculars (for admiring birds and other wildlife!) Audubon Rockies will have extra bug nets available.

What to wear: You'll need clothing appropriate for the weather conditions - we work in rain or shine! Wear close-toed shoes (sneakers you don't mind getting muddy, muck boots, or waders.) We have some extra muck boots & waders in various sizes.

Attendees are required to fill out Sageland Collaborative’s Volunteer Liability Form & Waiver in order to participate. Minors must have a guardian sign the waiver on their behalf.

Reach out to Mary Pendergast with any questions or for accommodation requests.

Please RSVP below to register:

Due to limited space, we are restricted to 20 volunteers, so we kindly ask that each attendee RSVP separately.