In this program, we will explore the diversity of regional frog species, learning about their ecological roles, habitat associations, conservation status, and how to identify them by sight and sound. We will explore how acoustic frog surveys conducted by community scientists contribute valuable ecological data facilitating the examination of changes in species distribution.

Dr. Allison Sacerdote-Velat is the Curator of Herpetology at Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, conducting research focused on conservation and restoration of local reptiles and amphibians including the smooth greensnake, wood frog, and blue-spotted salamanders. Allison directs the Calling Frog Survey, a community science program that monitors amphibians across the northeastern Illinois and northwestern Indiana regions of the Chicago Wilderness.

Dunes Learning Center is part of the Association of Nature Center Administrators (ANCA), made up of environmental education centers throughout the country. Since most programs are virtual right now, you can join great virtual workshops from many different places! Check out the many program offerings in the ANCA Program Exchange by clicking the button at right!