SOLOMONS, MD – FrogWatch USA, a national citizen science initiative, is inviting residents of Southern Maryland and the greater DMV area to join efforts to monitor local frog populations. The program, hosted by the Calvert Marine Museum in partnership with Calvert County Parks and Recreation, relies on volunteers to observe and document frog calls, providing valuable data for environmental research.
In 2024, participants in the Southern Maryland chapter submitted over 1,100 observations, identifying 14 different frog species. For the 2025 season, the program is seeking community members to select monitoring sites near their homes or workplaces and report frog calls during specific times. The initiative offers a chance to enjoy nature while contributing to meaningful scientific efforts.
Four training sessions will be held to prepare volunteers for the upcoming monitoring season. The sessions, which are offered both in-person and virtually, will provide essential information about local frog species and teach participants how to identify their unique calls. Each session will cover the same material, allowing volunteers to attend whichever date is most convenient. Virtual attendees will receive a video link one week prior to their chosen session.
The training dates are as follows:
- Wednesday, Feb. 5: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (Virtual via TEAMS)
- Saturday, Feb. 8: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Calvert Marine Museum, Solomons, MD
- Thursday, Feb. 13: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, St. Mary’s City, MD
- Saturday, Feb. 15: 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. at Kings Landing Park, Huntingtown, MD
Interested participants can register for a training session by visiting this form. No prior experience is required to join, making the program accessible to volunteers of all ages and backgrounds.
FrogWatch USA plays an essential role in tracking the health of frog populations, which serve as critical indicators of environmental well-being. By collecting data on the presence and calls of various species, volunteers help researchers monitor how climate change, pollution, and habitat loss are affecting amphibians. The information gathered supports conservation strategies and environmental policies aimed at protecting biodiversity.
For more information or questions, please contact Matt Neff at Matthew.Neff@calvertcountymd.gov or Kim Curren at Kimberly.Curren@calvertcountymd.gov.
Join FrogWatch USA today and help make a difference in understanding and conserving the frogs of Southern Maryland.
