Linda May discusses frog monitoring and community science in Georgia

Residents of Milton, Fulton County, gathered for an engaging community meeting on May 16, 2025, focused on the importance of frogs in local ecosystems and how citizens can contribute to scientific research. The session highlighted various citizen science initiatives that allow community members to participate in frog monitoring and environmental data collection.

Attendees learned about programs such as iNaturalist and FrogWatch USA, which enable individuals to record their frog sightings and sounds. These platforms encourage participation from everyone, regardless of their scientific background, and help gather valuable data for biologists. The meeting emphasized that frogs serve as vital bioindicators, reflecting the health of their environments.

Participants were also informed about the Georgia Adopt-A-Stream program, which includes a frog monitoring component. This initiative aims to expand its reach beyond Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, and Gwinnett counties, fostering greater community involvement in environmental stewardship.

In addition to practical information on how to identify and record frog calls, the meeting provided resources for residents to enhance their knowledge. Attendees were offered a free frog call CD and access to online resources for learning about different frog species and their calls.

The discussion also touched on funding challenges faced by wildlife conservation efforts in Georgia, highlighting the importance of community support through initiatives like wildlife license plates, which contribute to conservation programs.

As the meeting concluded, participants expressed enthusiasm for future events, including an upcoming talk on bears, further fostering a sense of community engagement in wildlife conservation. The session not only educated residents about local amphibians but also inspired them to take an active role in preserving their natural surroundings.