Ranger Jen hosts webinar on Georgia's frog species with Linda May from DNR

The Wildlife 101 webinar, held on May 16, 2025, in Milton, Fulton County, Georgia, focused on the diverse frog species native to the region. Hosted by Ranger Jen Young, the session aimed to educate participants about Georgia's frogs and their habitats, featuring Linda May from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as the guest speaker.

Ranger Jen opened the meeting by engaging attendees with a challenge to name all 32 frog species found in Georgia. She emphasized the importance of understanding local wildlife and encouraged community involvement in nature-related programs, including fishing and outdoor cooking classes. The session also highlighted upcoming topics, such as black bears and fungi in the Piedmont region.

Linda May, the outreach coordinator for the DNR's Wildlife Conservation Section, took over to provide insights into Georgia's frog populations. She explained that Georgia is home to 32 species of frogs, with 16 to 18 species commonly found in the Milton area. May discussed the characteristics of various frog groups, including true frogs, tree frogs, and toads, and noted the presence of non-native species like the Cuban Tree Frog, which poses a threat to local ecosystems.

The presentation underscored the ecological significance of frogs as bioindicators, meaning their health reflects the overall condition of the environment. May explained that frogs are sensitive to pollutants and toxins, making them crucial for monitoring ecosystem health. She also shared information about the rare gopher frog, which is associated with gopher tortoise burrows in South Georgia.

Throughout the webinar, participants were encouraged to engage by sharing their experiences and questions in the chat. The session concluded with a reminder for attendees to complete a survey to provide feedback on future topics of interest.

Overall, the Wildlife 101 webinar successfully fostered community awareness and appreciation for Georgia's frog species, emphasizing the importance of conservation and coexistence with local wildlife.