FrogWatch USA Volunteer Training Workshop

FrogWatch USA is a community science program that offers individuals an opportunity to learn about the wetlands in their community, to identify local frog calls and to report data.

If you have a passion for learning about your local frog populations and have the ability to regularly visit a local wetland for data collection February - August, this program is for you! No previous frog or science background is needed, only a desire to learn about the world around you. We encourage you to participate if you live in the following counties: Alachua, Bradford, Union, Clay, Putnam, Marion, Levy, Gilchrist, Columbia.

Pre-registration is required. Please choose from one of the two dates offered to attend the 3-hour workshop. For any further questions, contact Jade Salamone at frogwatch@sfcollege.edu or call 352-395-7358.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can children attend the workshop?

We welcome children age 10 and up to register for the workshop. The workshop is three hours long and contains a lot of information, as well as an exam offered at later date if you choose to become certified. For these reasons, this workshop is not appropriate for young children.

2. Do I have to take a test to become certified?

Yes. If you would like to become certified after completing the training workshop, you must take an assessment, which will take place two weeks after the workshop. This test evaluates your understanding of survey protocols and frog call identification skills. The course will give you the materials needed to be successful on the test. The date and location of the test will be discussed at the workshop.

3. Are the surveys time intensive?

You can put as little or as much time as you can realistically do within your busy schedule. The surveys only take 5 minutes and then submitting your data online takes 5 minutes or less. You will also save time if you choose a survey site that is close to your home. Some volunteers do as little as 4 surveys in the season or as much as 4 surveys a week.