Leapin' into Field Season!

 

Volunteers, staff, and partners at our Gillmor Sanctuary Herp Surveys. Photo by Sierra Hastings.

Thank you to the volunteers who braved the weather for our first ever guided herp survey last month! The information gathered during these surveys inform habitat management and restoration activities with wildlife in mind, and we couldn't do it without you.

If you weren't able to join us, don't fret! There's still plenty of field season left to get out and scour the hills for Utah's herps. Just last month, over 440 HerpSearchers logged 1,090 observations in the Herps of Utah iNaturalist project so we know: the herps are out and so are we!

Read on to learn how you can get involved in herpetofauna conservation in Utah!

Join a Guided Herp Survey

Join the Utah HerpSearch team to survey for amphibians in the wetlands and ponds surrounding the Provo River in Heber Valley!

When: Thursday, May 14, 2026, 9am—12pm
Where: Heber Valley, UT

These surveys are a great opportunity to learn how to use Survey123 and iNaturalist, get comfortable with the survey protocol, and connect with fellow herpetofaunatics.

Learn more & Sign Up

Space is limited to 20 volunteers, so sign up today to secure your spot!

Volunteer Resources

Northern leopard frog. Photo by Kaitlyn Purington.

Choose Your Own Adventure!

There are many ways to get involved in herpetofauna conservation through Utah HerpSearch! Join us on a guided survey, log any herp observation in iNaturalist, or grab a friend and Choose Your Own Adventure!

Get started by signing up for an independent survey area where you will search for our 2026 focus species (Columbia spotted frog, northern leopard frog) and then:

  • Download Survey123 - for iOS - for Android

    • In the app, select "Continue without signing in"

    • In the Search bar, type “Utah HerpSearch Observations” to add the survey to your menu

    • When you're ready to begin, tap the icon and select "Collect" - the survey includes simple prompts to guide you!

Volunteers who submit at least 2 independent surveys in the Survey123 app will receive a limited edition Utah HerpSearch enamel pin!

Please reach out to Sierra (sierra@sagelandcollab.org) after you've submitted your surveys to get your pin or with any questions.

2026 Start of Season Volunteer Survey

2026 program sticker design by Frances Ngo.

Please take 2-5 minutes to help us understand the experience, perspectives, and needs of our volunteers.

Volunteers who complete the survey will have the chance to win a piece of herp merch!

Take the Survey

Western Toad Conservation

Staff and volunteers collect biometrics during a toad survey. Photo by Sierra Hastings

Interested in gaining hands-on field experience? Join our partners at Utah's Hogle Zoo, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, and the U.S. Forest Service on the Western Toad Conservation Program! Watch the virtual training videos to get started to help scientists better understand this cryptic herp species.

Watch the Virtual Training Videos

Thank You

This work would not be possible without the generous contributions of our volunteers, partners, and donors - thank you! Your support puts Utah's imperiled herpetofauna species on the map, informing habitat management and state wildlife conservation plans.

If you're unable to join in the field this year, you can still make a positive impact by donating or sharing on social media. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns, and visit our project page to learn more about this work.

 
Sierra Hastings