Conservation Education through Citizen Science

Citizen science is where the public volunteers time to assist scientists in their research. Citizen scientists can support professional researchers in a lot of ways – by submitting data, sharing experiences or spreading valuable information. Scientists benefit from having a lot more data to analyze and a pool of volunteers willing to help.

Looking for a Way to Get Involved?

Become a FrogWatcher!


FrogWatch USA™ is a citizen science program of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). FROGZ are the FrogWatch Researchers of the Greenville Zoo chapter.
Frog Watch USA

 A special Thank You to Legacy Early College High School and PBS News Hour's Student Reporting Labs for creating the video below! 

Mission


Volunteers of FrogWatch USA can help scientists understand which frogs and toads may be increasingly common or in decline throughout the United States. It is estimated that at least 40% of known amphibian species are threatened with extinction. You can be directly involved in gathering information that may help stop the decline of these important and treasured animals.


FrogWatch Volunteers


FrogWatch USA volunteers learn to identify local frog and toad species by their calls during the breeding season and how to report their findings accurately. By mastering these skills, volunteers gain increased experience and control over asking and answering scientific questions which, in turn, augments science literacy, facilitates conservation action and stewardship and increases knowledge of amphibians. Volunteers register a wetland site and make multiple evening visits from February through August to collect data on the calls of frogs and toads. Participating individuals and families learn about the wetlands in their communities and help conserve amphibians.
 

Join your local FrogWatch chapter!


2023 Volunteer Training Dates - Coming February 2023

Training sessions will supply all your training materials, but please plan to bring your own lunch and refillable water bottle. Training includes a lecture styled workshop at Lake Conestee Nature Park, and then a trial monitoring session at Lake Conestee Nature Park to conclude the day. Please note that face masks will be required to be worn while participating in the training. 


For more information about FrogWatch USA, or to register for the training, contact the Education Department at 864-467-4850 or zooed@greenvillesc.gov and like us on Facebook.

Adopt-A-Stream

The Upstate's volunteer water quality monitoring program

The SC Adopt-a-Stream program is led in partnership by SC Department of Health and Environmental Control and the CU Center for Watershed Excellence.  The SC Adopt-A-Stream program offers the opportunity to participate in volunteer water-quality monitoring. Across the country, citizen-based monitoring programs are educating the general public about water quality issues and the actions they can take to help by providing engaging hands-on experiences to citizen volunteers. With several partner organizations, the Greenville Zoo is helping implement and expand such a program in the Upstate of South Carolina.

For more information on the SC AAS program and how you can become involved, please email Katie Callahan, Center for Watershed Excellence or visit SC Adopt a Stream.

The Greenville Zoo has two water quality testing kits available for check out and use to support this citizen science program. Please contact us the Greenville Zoo education department at 864-467-4850 or zooed@greenvillesc.gov for more information on how you can participate in the program.

Adopt A Stream