Welcome to the 2024 Boreal Toad Team!

 

Volunteers and partners on a boreal toad survey. Photo by Sierra Hastings.

We cannot wait to get back in the field this summer to hike throughout Utah's mountains in search of boreal toads. We could not do this work without our volunteers - thank you for your enthusiasm and support!

We invite you to join us on May 4, 2024 for our upcoming project training, where you'll learn everything you need to identify and document boreal toads in the field!

Sign-ups for our volunteer training day close on April 24th, so if you haven't had a chance to sign up yet, please take a moment to do so now!


2024 Volunteer Training

Join project leads and fellow toad enthusiasts to dive into the importance of this work, learn how to ID toads in the field, and practice survey protocols. Beverages, light snacks, and lunch will be included for all registered participants. Training materials will be available in English and Spanish.

The training will be hosted on Saturday, May 4, 2024 from 10:30am-12pm at the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Wildlife Education Center in Farmington, UT.

Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions about accessibility or accommodation requests.

Unable to attend in person? That's okay! Training videos, resources, and survey sign-ups will be available on the project page following the event.


 

We are grateful to Kristen Vardanega (@littletinyegg) for designing our 2024 Boreal Toad Project sticker!

These collectable honeycomb stickers are a small token of appreciation for the volunteers who make this work possible! Be sure to grab one at the volunteer training or your first survey of the season!


Why this Work Matters

Boreal toad on a 2023 survey. Photo by Sierra Hastings.

The data collected throughout the Boreal Toad Project during independent surveys, guided day-trips, and overnight camping trips supports the conservation of boreal toads and other amphibians across the West by giving us insights into their populations and needs for protections.

We hope that our volunteers are able to build their skillset while participating in this project. Here are just a few benefits of this work:

  • Learn how to ID boreal toads & other amphibians

  • Experience completing surveys and data forms

  • Develop a fresh understanding of Utah's ecosystems

  • Get outdoors and connect with nature

  • Meet fellow toad enthusiasts

  • Connect with conservation professionals

We're always looking for ways to enhance our volunteer experience. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any feedback!


Meet our 2023 Volunteers of the Year

2023 Boreal Toad Volunteer of the Year: Gabe Brown

Gabe has been involved in Sageland's work since 2022, working with Austin Green in the Human-Wildlife Coexistence Lab at the University of Utah. Last year, Gabe joined us for several boreal toad surveys, and while he hasn't met a boreal toad yet, he holds out hope he may meet them on future surveys!

2023 Overall Volunteer of the Year: 
Julia Dalesandro

Julia embodies the spirit of connectivity across our projects. Last year, Julia observed rosy-finches, built beaver dam analogs, created habitat for pollinators, and surveyed for boreal toads across 5 independent and group surveys!


Thank You!

This huge effort to conserve sensitive amphibians would not be possible without your outstanding contributions. Thank you!

Not able to join us in the field this year? Please consider supporting this work through donating, sharing on social media, or passing this email along to family or friends who might be interested. 

Don't hesitate to email us at borealtoad@sagelandcollaborative.org with any questions.

 
Sierra Hastings