News Release Archive
NS MUSEUM/EDUCATION&CULTURE--FROGWATCH 96 ------------------------------------------------------------ The Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History wants to know if anyone in the province heard Spring Peeper frogs calling during the January thaw. These tiny treefrogs wake up from hibernation in response to a rise in temperature. This normally happens in the spring, but with recent mild weather the peeping may have started early. What museum officials are seeking may sound like a strange request, but it's all part of a bigger undertaking, called Frogwatch 96. Frogwatch 96 is a two-part program for students, youth groups, families and individuals. Between Mid-March and mid-June frogwatchers listen for, record and report calls of the Spring Peeper. By spying on the peepers, frogwatchers locate wet places where amphibians live. The second part of the program invites a close look at these froglands. Information recorded by frogwatchers can help scientists to understand the status of Nova Scotia's amphibians. Each registered Frogwatch group receives a kit before the March school break in order to allow time for review before the normal peeping time starts. The kit includes workbooks, instructions, as well as other materials, such as pH paper and a thermometer. The workbooks are filled with information on the life cycle of frogs and other amphibians and the natural history of freshwater habitats in Nova Scotia. Sprinkled throughout are thought provoking questions, activities, frog trivia and facts. There is also information on local and global environmental issues, and a glossary of useful ecological terms. Last spring thousands of Nova Scotians opened their eyes, ears and hearts to frogs as part of this popular environmental education program. The second province-wide Frogwatch welcomes back "seasoned peeper seekers" and invites newcomers to take part. Information on Frogwatch 96 can be obtained from the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History, 1747 Summer Street, Halifax, N.S., B3H 3A6; phone: 902-424-3727; fax: 902-424-0560; e-mail: frogwatch@nsm.ednet.ns.ca Registration deadline is Feb.14. Contact: Sue Browne 902-424-3727 trp Jan. 26, 1996 - 2:07 p.m.