With the weather warming up the amphibians of Ryder Lake will soon emerge from their winter hibernation and start their trek to the  breeding pond. We are currently updating our amphibian road survey volunteer list to help us monitor their migration. So if you enjoy cold walks on rainy nights and you would like to learn how to identify the different amphibians as they cross the road we could use your help!

We are looking for volunteers to help with night time amphibian surveys as a component of our Ryder Lake Amphibian Protection Project. The objective of this survey is to determine the effectiveness of our toad tunnel and associated fencing at reducing road mortality. We will be counting live and dead amphibians along a stretch of Ryder Lake and Elk View roads in Chilliwack, BC.

Volunteers must be prepared to walk 6 km in cold, dark and wet conditions while searching for amphibians along the road. Surveys will start after dark generally take 2-3 hours to complete, depending on how many amphibians are out. You will need weather appropriate gear (rain jacket, rain pants, boots or waterproof shoes, gloves).

Unfortunately, surveys cannot be scheduled in advance as they are dependent on rainy weather conditions – the adult amphibians only migrate in the rain! We manage for this by compiling a list of interested volunteers for the season. When it looks like the conditions will be good for a survey (i.e. wet) Sofi will email everyone on her registered volunteer list, requesting help for a specific date and time. The first volunteers who respond will be her helpers for that survey. Usually this e-mail is sent the day before or sometimes even the day of, a survey night.

If you are would like to sign up for this interesting and challenging experience please e-mail Sofi to be added to this year’s volunteer contact list.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to e-mail or call 604-625-0066.