Callen Wenninger, 9, shows off a blue-spotted salamander he discovered at the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station. Salamanders are commonly found under logs in forested areas in Wisconsin. (Contributed photo)

For the City-Times

Saturday, April 26th 2014 marked the world’s 6th annual Save The Frogs Day.

Over 20 countries held events worldwide, as well as 30 states within the USA. In Wisconsin, the day, which recognizes plummeting frog populations around the globe and local efforts to save them, was focused in Portage County. Golden Sands RC&D partnered with the Central Wisconsin Children’s Museum, UW-Extension Lakes Convention, Sweet Frog Frozen Yogurt, and Save The Frogs! to host a field day at the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station.

The field day focused on finding amphibians such as frogs and salamanders in the wild, situation-based conservation games, and live frog demonstrations. Over 40 attendees from ages 3 – 60 went for nature hikes around CWES, finding many frogs and salamanders. Guests also attended live interactive amphibian demonstrations where they got to see, touch, and feed native and exotic amphibians.

U.C. Berkeley’s Dr. Tyrone Hayes made a special appearance to teach hikers how amphibians serve as indicators in our environment. Pesticides and other chemicals used in our environment is having increasing impacts on frogs, and if they get sick, it can indicate potential problems for humans health as well. Hayes uses these correlations to guide his research on topics from stream health to cancer research.

Special guest “Frog Guy” Randy Korb gave a hands-on learning experience to the public. He showed native and exotic species of frogs, toads, and salamanders to spark an interest in children. He also hoped to rekindle the curiosity in nature that adults seem to lose over time.

Both Stevens Point Mayor Andrew Halverson, and County Executive Patty Dreier signed proclamations declaring that Save The Frogs Day be recognized on the city, and county level. The proclamations were signed with hopes to get the community involved in conservation efforts around Earth Day and Grasslands Month.

Save The Frogs Day created a fun, enjoyable day of learning for young and old alike while raising awareness of the health challenges facing amphibians in today’s world, and what that may be telling us about our own health. Thanks to partnerships and donations, non-profit organizations like Golden Sands RC&D are able to host events like Save The Frogs Day! If you would like more information about this event, or how to donate, volunteer, collaborate, or sponsor future events, please contact us at [email protected], https://www.facebook.com/goldensandsrcd, or (715) 343-6215.