What is the Ryder Lake Community Amphibian Protection Program?

The Ryder Lake Community Amphibian Protection Program aims to help communities such as the Ryder lake neighborhood learn about their local environments and how to help take care of it. As people and nature are pushed closer to one another, it’s increasingly important to learn how to coexist. Connections and access to different habitat types across a landscape are essential to many species, and are a priority to protect. We work towards this protection with local stakeholders, landowners and communities.  

What Does the Ryder Lake Community Amphibian Protection Program Do?

Native and Invasive Species Education

Knowledge sharing in the community about the plants and animals that live in Ryder Lake. Opportunities to learn about invasive management and restoration.

Wildlife Protection

Through education, habitat restoration and events, we are dedicated to helping wildlife in the Ryder Lake area.

Volunteer Opportunities

With ongoing projects such as the annual toad migration, and groups such as the Ryder Lake nature team, we are always looking for people who want to get involved.
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Community Education

We are dedicated to continued education and learning. In cooperation with other groups such as B.C. Bats. We are happy to provide these opportunities to people in the community.

Toad Migration

Every summer when the migration of juvenile western toads occurs in the Ryder Lake neighborhood, the FVC plays a part in keeping them safe. Read more about this here
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Habitat enhancement

We work with landowners to enhance their backyards for the benefit of local species by planting and providing stewardship advice. Learn more about how you can enhance your land through our nature stewards program
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Work throughout the years

The FVC has been a presence in the Ryder lake neighborhood for over 10 years. In that time we have run many different projects centered around amphibians and the community. Some of our most notable projects include: 

 

Annual toad monitoring and tunnel installation – The FVC has been involved with helping Western Toads in Ryder lake for over a decade. To learn more about what this process involves click here.

 

Bullfrog monitoring – The FVC was at the forefront of Bullfrog management and research in Ryder Lake for several years, which led to a great deal of new information about how these invasive frogs effect ecosystems. More information about American Bullfrogs is available here.

 

Community events – Throughout the years the FVC has put on numerous events in the community, including Christmas trees for frogs, bat education night, guided nature walks and invasive species workshops. You can find more information on our events here.

Amphibian Science

With the help of Ryder lake community members, we have been able to collect data on amphibians in the area. Information such as toad numbers, biodiversity baselines, bullfrog habits and amphibian migrations have all been collected over time. These projects have provided us with a significant amount of information about how important the area is for amphibians, and given us guidelines for how best to help them going forward. To see more in-depth information about the data and studies, check out the documents provided below.  

Amphibian protection Bullfrogs in Ryder Lake

Amphibian advice

Amphibians are present in the Ryder Lake neighborhood. To help these animals as best we can there are some easy steps that anyone can take.

Leave things as they are

Its tempting to pull out that tree stump or move that pile of wood but these are often the places that local amphibians rely on for habitat during different seasons. Leaving them in place allows microhabitats to remain where otherwise they may vanish. You never know what an amphibian might find to be a suitable home.

Handle only if necessary

Amphibians can absorb chemicals through their skin. Even the oils from human hands can harm them if they are picked up. In general, it’s best not to touch an amphibian, but if you need to move one it is recommended to do so with clean, wet hands or nitrile gloves. Relocating amphibians is not recommended, so only move them if they are directly in harm’s way.

Keep an eye out

During certain times of the year, amphibians will be on the roads. While driving safely, remember that these animals are out there and avoid migration routes if possible. To learn more about the times of year when amphibians will emerge onto the roads, check out our toad migration page.

Additional Information

Ryder Lake Amphibian Protection Project Toad Tunnel Report

Download File

Amphibian and Reptile Conservation during Urban and Rural Land Development in BC

Download File

Program Partners

The Ryder Lake Amphibian Protection Program is made possible by the generous support from these partner organizations. Thank you.

Join

There are many ways to get involved in our work. It takes all of us working together to truly make a difference.
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Your gift today will help us continue to protect the natural beauty of the Fraser Valley. Learn how you can support our work.
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