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

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. For more information, visit the FrogWatch USA website.

Join your local FrogWatch chapter!

2019 Volunteer Training Dates

Saturday, January 19, 2019, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Saturday, February 9, 2019, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
City of Greenville Public Works
475 Fairforest Way, Greenville, SC 29607

Please register in advance!

For more information about FrogWatch, 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

"Through this initiative, Upstate Forever and project partners will continue to increase the number of Upstate streams/sites being monitored for water quality and expand the AAS program to all ten counties of the Upstate. 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, Upstate Forever is helping implement and expand such a program in the Upstate of South Carolina.

For more information on the Upstate AAS program and how you can become involved, please email Erika Hollis, Clean Air and Water Project Manager or visit Upstate Forever's Adopt-A-Stream page.

The Greenville Zoo has two water quality testing kits available for check out and use to support this citizen science program. Please email the Education Curator, Lynn Watkins for details.