Sorry for the late and shorter post for this term. I'm a bit over occupied at home right now, but so happy spring is finally here! It's been a record breaking winter with the polar vortex cold twice(?!) and 40 inches of February snow! Amazing. Minnesota, you've outdone yourself.
Now just today I heard frogs in SW Rochester :) Glory Be.
(Look at this beautiful print I found by Maria Sibylla Merian! )
For parent preparation, start with reading the section "amphibians" in The HONS on page 170.
Make sure to take time every week to talk about amphibians, notice amphibians, journal amphibians. For those with younger ones, Quarry Hill Nature Center has some frogs, toads, and maybe salamanders you get see close up through the aquariums. Also, if you head to the quarry this time of year, its full of frogs and tadpoles! Consider snatching some tadpoles and see if you can raise them! There is a fun book that might help you out here. The HONS also takes you through caring for tadpoles and toads at home. (disclaimer: You might want to check with the folks at the desk first. As of a few years ago, they didn't mind.) . Read some of the questions in the HONS. Perhaps some might be applicable when discussing amphibians with your children.
Extra read aloud ideas:
Lets Read and Find Out Why Frogs are Wet and From Tadpole to Frog
Reptiles and Amphibians trail guide by Herbert Spencer Zim
Among the Pond People by Clara Dillingham
A First Look at Frogs, Toads and Salamanders By Millicent Selsam
About Amphibians: A Guide for Children by Cathryn Sill
All About Frogs by Jim Arnosky
Bufo: The Story of a Toad by Robert McClung
Face to Face with Frogs by Mark Moffett
Frogs by Gail Gibbons
Growing Frogs: Read and Wonder by Vivian French
Animal Lives The Frog by Bert Kitchen
Also it's very fun to learn the sounds of different frogs and toads! Just as fun as learning bird songs!
Lang Elliot has many wonderful audio recordings from nature and he has a frog and toad book.
The Frogs and Toads of North America: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Identification, Behavior, and Calls
Also the DNR is always a good resource to find MN specific information. https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/reptiles_amphibians/index.html
So far there are a couple specific trips in mind to correlate with the study.
*Tentatively*
Wednesday, April 24th 7pm Eastside WMA with naturalist Jeremy from Whitewater.
Friday, May 3rd Ney Pond/ Nature Center, Henderson, MN (They had an incidence of deformed frogs in the 90's. Here's an article about it. )
Have fun out there and enjoy spring!
