Calling Frog Survey: Home

In the 1960's, the cricket frog was the most common amphibian in Illinois. Today, it has nearly disappeared from the northern third of Illinois, for unexplained reasons. By monitoring amphibian populations in the Chicago region, we will be able to detect population changes before it is too late as well as assess the effects of management regimes on amphibians.

HOW DO WE DO IT?

Chicago Wilderness has initiated a calling frog survey as part of its amphibian biodiversity recovery plan. Educated volunteers collect and submit data each spring. The level of commitment is only:

  • One late winter workshop If they are not listed, then you have missed them for the current season.
  • 3 site visits per season for multiple seasons
  • Each site visit lasts for about an hour
  • Best of all, you only have to learn the calls of 13 frogs and toads!

WHO ARE WE?

Our group is comprised of ordinary citizens, citizen-scientists and scientists who share a strong environmental ethic and a love for frogs. It does not matter if you are a beginner or a seasoned frogger; as a team we will all contribute valuable information that will help amphibians in our region. In the process, you will find that this is a fun way to spend time with friends and family.

GOALS

Our goal is to establish calling frog survey routes throughout the Chicago region, resulting in amphibian abundance and distribution data. We particularly want to continue monitoring sites that have thus far been monitored regularly, so that we can obtain long-term data on amphibian trends within key sites. Data from the Calling Frog Survey will be used to guide regional conservation planning and local land management, to ensure that no other amphibian suffers the fate of the cricket frog.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

If you would like to monitor frogs, please attend one of the winter workshops (if they are not listed, then you have missed them for the current season, but you can still get involved). If you would like to help with the organizational aspects of the project or with data entry or analysis, or for more information, contact Karen Glennemeier, 847.328.1250.

For specific information about the county you live in, contact the following county coordinators:

Cook County, IL - North: Diane Huebner, 773.459.4838
- South: Diana Krug, 708.839.0696
DuPage County, IL: Cindy Hedges, 630.876.5929
Kane County, IL: Pam Otto, 630.513.4346
(data entry) Judy Boehmer, 847.695.8344
Lake County, IL: Tom Smith, 847.968.3329
Nicky Strahl, 847.946.6691
McHenry County, IL: Sara Denham, 815.728.8307
Newton & Jasper, IN: Bob Brodman, 219.866.6215
Will County, IL: Glen Buckner, 815.722.9881