The 2026 Utah HerpSearch Training Video is Now Available!
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our virtual Utah HerpSearch community science training! We had a blast introducing you to the project, and cannot wait to see what herps you find out there.
If you were unable to join us live, no worries! Get started by watching the recording above before diving into all the resources below to kick off the 2026 field season!
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!
Ways to Participate
Choose Your Own Adventure: Sign up for an independent survey area to search for our 2026 focus species (Columbia spotted frog, northern leopard frog)
Download Survey123 - for iOS - for Android
In the app, search “Utah HerpSearch Observations” to begin a survey
Optional: Download ArcGIS Field Maps - for iOS - for Android
Find Google Map Links to these sites on the sign up form OR access the Choose Your Own Adventure Map on ArcGIS Field Maps here.
iNaturalist: Log observations of any amphibians or reptiles that you see or hear in Utah on the free iNaturalist app!
Download iNaturalist - for iOS - for Android
Join the Herps of Utah project on iNaturalist
Get a limited edition Utah HerpSearch enamel pin (pictured above) by completing at least 2 Choose Your Own Adventure surveys in Survey123 throughout the season!
Reach out to Sierra (sierra@sagelandcollab.org) after you've submitted your observations to get your pin or with any questions.
Volunteer Resources
2026 Utah HerpSearch Volunteer Training Video
Recommended Herpetofauna Field Guide:
Access these resources and more at any time on the Utah HerpSearch program page!
Upcoming Opportunities
Eager to get into the field? Us too! Don't miss out on these great upcoming opportunities to get involved with us and our partners in herpetofauna conservation.
Western toad © Sierra Hastings
Western Toad Project Trainings
Join our partners at Utah's Hogle Zoo (UHZ) for in-person volunteer trainings for the Western Toad Project! UHZ hosts several guided toad surveys throughout the summer that give volunteers a chance to learn how to survey.
When: April 18, 9am--12pm
Where: RendeZoo Room, UHZ
Salt Lake City, UT
When: April 23, 6pm-8pm
Where: RendeZoo Room, UHZ
Salt Lake City, UT
Desert iguana © Keaton Wood
Iguanathon 2026
Join biologists from Utah Tech University and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources to document the range of desert iguana in Utah!
When: May 8th & 9th
Where: St. George, Utah
Columbia spotted frog © Sierra Hastings
Save the dates! This spring, we're inviting our HerpSearch volunteers to join us in the field to survey priority and "behind the gates" areas to support herp habitat protection. Keep on eye on your email to be first to know when spots open up!
When: April 16, 9am-12pm
Where: Audubon's Gillmor Sanctuary, Salt Lake City, UT
When: May 14, 9am-12pm
Where: Heber Valley, UT
Thank You
This work would not be possible without the generous contributions of our volunteers, partners, and donors - thank you! Your support through this project puts Utah's imperiled herpetofauna species on the map which informs 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.