Toad-ally Worth It

Having been virtually untouched for 40 years, Bunchberry Meadows yields some of the last old-growth forests remaining in Central Alberta. Jack pines with a girth of over two meters have been discovered on the property, attracting porcupines, long-tailed weasels and wood frog.

This 259 hectare (640 ac.) plot of land is managed between NCC and the Edmonton & Area Land Trust. NCC acquired Bunchberry Meadows with the assistance of the Government of Canada’s Natural Areas Conservation Program.

We’ll begin our evening by conducting visual surveys for amphibians on the property, documenting any species we find along the way. Right before sunset, we’ll break for coffee and snacks and lead you in an engaging workshop that will put your ears to the test! Together, we’ll listen to recordings of the various frog and toad calls and learn how to identify each species by sound. Then we’ll put your new knowledge to the test! Since amphibians call more at night, we’ll be embarking on the auditory half of our survey approximately half an hour after the sun has gone down.

Who doesn’t love learning about the creatures behind those croaks you hear in the distance! The data we collect helps NCC document the current health of the local habitat, and will also be used to help determine future stewardship needs for the property.

Contact Zoe Arnold: alberta@conservationvolunteers.ca