Latest news with #KarlaGriesbaum
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Champaign volunteers leap into action with FrogWatch training
CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — It's springtime, which means we'll soon see plenty of birds in the sky, but also some amphibians in the ponds. The University of Illinois Extension hosted a FrogWatch training class today. The community science program teaches volunteers how to collect scientific data on frogs and toads. It helps scientists nationwide improve and monitor conservation practices. When should I clean up my garden? Illinois Extension has answers: Extension educator Karla Griesbaum said the class learned different frog sounds. 'A big part of this training was to practice all these calls,' Griesbaum said. 'There are 12 in this area. And so we went through each call, we worked on using all of your senses in order to recognize each call and to differentiate them. And then they had to take an assessment at the end to see if they remembered them all today. But then they can also go online later after practicing and do it then as well.' 34 people showed up, with more participating online. Griesbaum said if you missed today's class, the online option is always open. They will also host another field training on June 4th. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Hop to it: Volunteers needed in Champaign to track frog, toad populations
CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — Calling all amphibian enthusiasts! FrogWatch USA — a nationwide program which tracks the health of frog and toad populations — is seeking volunteers in Champaign County. The Champaign County Forest Preserves and the University of Illinois Extension will provide training for the program on March 26 from 1-5 p.m. at the Illinois Extension Auditorium, located at 801 N. Country Fair Dr. in Champaign. You can also join virtually by contacting Karla Griesbaum at kherzma2@ Illinois Ag Trade Day declared to celebrate farmers, raise awareness For more than 10 years, FrogWatch USA has trained citizens to monitor amphibian populations and gather data that tracks the health of wetlands and creatures living there. Organizers said this is an opportunity to get involved in local conservation while learning more about these animals. Frogs and toads are important in controlling insect populations, some of which can be harmful to humans. However, they are also sensitive to changes in the environment and have recently seen population declines due to habitat loss, pollution and climate change. By understanding the causes behind the declines, it may be possible to protect the animals and their ecosystems. Unfortunately, many frog and toad populations have experienced dramatic declines due to habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. Understanding the causes behind these declines is critical to help protect these important animals and their ecosystems, according to the U of I Extension. Bill protecting Mahomet Aquifer from carbon sequestration passes House committee The Extension added that you don't need to be an amphibian expert to participate. But, volunteers should be willing to learn, commit to identifying distinctive calls, and have the time to visit local wetlands on several nights throughout the year. 'This program offers a unique opportunity for anyone to make a meaningful contribution to environmental science,' Karla Griesbaum, University of Illinois Extension Educator, said. 'By volunteering, you become a part of a nationwide effort to track frog and toad populations and protect these incredible creatures. No expertise is required—just curiosity and a willingness to learn.' To register for FrogWatch USA, or to learn more about the program, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
