Frog and Toad Calling Survey

Minnesota Frog and Toad Monitoring Survey 2025 

Purpose: The Minnesota Frog and Toad monitoring survey is designed to monitor statewide frog and toad distribution and population trends.

Desired outcomes: Volunteer participants learn to identify Minnesota’s frog and toad species by call, adopt a route, navigate to specific survey locations, and collect data according to a standardized protocol.

Impact: Data collected through this project contributes to a valuable long-term dataset and is useful for a variety of research goals across the state and region. 

Responsibilities:

1. Apply to become a Minnesota DNR Volunteer and complete all required forms
2. Sign up for the Minnesota Frog and Toad Monitoring Survey 2025 (this activity)
3. After sign up, use the link provided to select the route you are interested in surveying
4. Complete your survey route three times per season during early, mid, and late season survey periods as defined by the program coordinator 
5. Collect and submit data according to the survey protocol including: 

• Download and use a data collection application (Survey123) on a phone or tablet, or use alternate approved methods for data collection 
• Collect data at night and under appropriate environmental conditions 

5. Keep track of the hours you spend on the project and report them by the end of the season 
6. Contact the frog and toad program supervisor if you have problems or questions 

Restricted work: All surveys must be conducted on public land or private land with permission. Some parks and other areas may have restricted hours that are incompatible with the timing of the survey. Always get permission before surveying on private land or in a public park outside of open hours.

Qualifications needed:

• Able to walk or travel over uneven ground (if this is an issue for you please contact the program coordinator. Some routes are on pavement only and do not require much walking.)
• Able to learn to identify all 13 of Minnesota’s frog and toad species by call 
• Able to use a personal vehicle or other appropriate means to complete your survey route
• Able to collect data by written or electronic means

Training and preparation: Online orientation sessions are available and will be recorded for participants who cannot attend. Online training and reference resources are available through the volunteer webpage and through Volunteer Impact. Volunteers are responsible for developing the skills necessary to navigate their route and complete their survey. 

Minimum Time Commitment:

 Survey your route three (3) times during the survey season. Routes may take 1-3 hours to complete each time. 

DNR Contact Person: Mags Edwards