Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo Invites the Public to Join the Chorus of Conservation with FrogWatch USA

Bridgeport, CT – Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, in collaboration with The Maritime Aquarium and Yale’s Peabody Museum of Natural History, invites volunteers to be part of an exciting and impactful citizen science initiative. Together, these institutions have formed the Peabody-BeardsleyMaritime chapter of FrogWatch USA, one of the largest chapters nationwide, and they’re calling on community members to join in an effort to protect local frog and toad populations.

What is FrogWatch USA? FrogWatch USA is a fun and meaningful way for families, individuals, and nature enthusiasts to get involved in conservation. As a trained volunteer, citizen scientists will make evening visits to local wetlands, listening for and recording the calls of frogs and toads. Observations will contribute to a national database that plays a critical role in tracking amphibian population trends and protecting their habitats.

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Why Join FrogWatch USA? This program is more than just science—it’s an opportunity to connect with nature, learn about local ecosystems, and play an active role in preserving our environment. Participants receive expert training to identify different frog species by their calls and understand their habitats. It’s perfect for families with older children, educators, and anyone passionate about making a difference.

What’s Involved? Working with experts, volunteers will learn about local frog species, then visit wetlands once or twice a week for about 15 minutes each night this spring and summer.
• Attend free training sessions led by experts (donations are encouraged).
• Learn to identify frog calls and understand wetland ecology.
 Visit local wetlands in Connecticut during spring and summer evenings to collect data.
• Become part of a supportive community of Citizen-Scientists making a real impact.

​The watch begins a half hour after sunset, making the watch ideal for families with older children. Observations are reported to a national online database to contribute to amphibian conservation efforts. FrogWatch coordinators at each facility keep up-to-date on data results for participants.

Registration for 2025 FrogWatch training is open!

Visit beardsleyzoo.org/frogwatch to learn more about FrogWatch USA and sign up for training sessions.
• FrogWatch Virtual Training February 25th from 7-8:30pm
• FrogWatch Virtual Training March 5th from 7-8:30pm
• FrogWatch Hybrid Training in Person at the Zoo or Virtual March 13th from 7-8:30pm
Whether you’re a nature lover, a family looking for an educational activity, or someone eager to contribute to conservation, FrogWatch USA welcomes you!