Most cyclists on the 50-mile route were full of energy. By the time the last cyclist rolled into Southern High School, some 55,000 combined miles had been ridden. Teeming with sweat as they flew by in search of the next cookie, the riders had found a great way to spend a Spring Saturday. We began at sunset, following moonlit trails to several wetland habitats. At each site, we listened for five minutes to identify frogs.
Amphibians are good indicators of environmental health.
Their skin is extremely sensitive to toxins, excess solar radiation and extremes in temperature. Beginning as early as mid-February, frogs and salamanders emerge from their forest homes, usually on rainy nights, and migrate to their breeding ponds. There, male frogs and toads begin advertising themselves to females through their calls. Calling peaks on warm, damp nights. Each species has its unique call, so identification is done simply by listening.