Citizen Scientist Data Helps Prioritize Wetland Conservation

Citizen scientists with the Chicago Wilderness Calling Frog Survey have been listening for and noting the nighttime peeps and trills of frogs in spring for the last three years. Now the Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission and the Chicago Wilderness (CW) Wetlands Task Force are using the data to create maps that highlight the most significant wetlands in Chicago Wilderness.

Knowing the locations of the rarest frogs and toads — the hotspots of greatest biological diversity — will help the task force prioritize wetlands with the needs of frogs and toads in mind. The Wetlands Initiative and the CW Wetlands Task Force have already incorporated data on rare wetland birds, as well as other habitat features that make a wetland high priority for conservation. Now the CW Habitat Project is helping to bring amphibians into the equation as well. Once this prioritization is completed, CW partners will begin crafting a region-wide wetland conservation strategy that will bring increased resources for the protection and restoration of important wetlands.

To become involved in the Habitat Project's frog, bird, butterfly, and plant monitoring programs, contact Audubon-Chicago Region, (847) 965-1150.

— Karen Glennemeier and Laura Barghusen