Get Hopping for Boreal Toad, May 18

Boreal Toad (aka: Anaxyrus boreas boreas)
Status: Colorado Endangered Species
Fun Fact: A probiotic bath for tadpoles called “Purple Rain” strengthens their skin microbiome, providing resistance to the chytrid fungus

Boreal toads inhabit a variety of high-altitude wet habitats – such as marshes, wet meadows, streams, beaver ponds, glacial kettle ponds, and subalpine forest lakes- at altitudes primarily between 8,000-11,500 feet. They are Colorado’s only alpine amphibian and an indicator of the environmental health of our mountain streams and wetlands.

In the past two decades 168 known amphibian species on the planet have gone extinct. One third of the world’s amphibians are considered threatened, and almost half of all species are declining. The causes for recent amphibian declines are many, but an emerging disease called chytrid fungus and global climate change are thought the be the biggest threats to amphibians. Here in southern Rocky Mountain region boreal toads, once a common member of our alpine ecosystems, are estimated to occupy just 1% of their historical breeding areas.

Partners

A huge thank you to our Get Hopping for Boreal Toad partners:

Here are just some things you can do to get hopping for boreal toad:

Join us:

Join us on on May 18 for an in-person discussion of the current status of boreal toad and how you can help them through Denver Zoo’s community science project!

As deadly chytrid fungus continues to spread across Colorado’s mountain wetlands, boreal toads need our help if they’re going to persist in the Southern Rockies. In collaboration with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Denver Zoo is taking two conservation actions to bring boreal toads back from the brink in Colorado. Join us on May 18 for an in-person discussion of the current status of boreal toad and how you can help them through Denver Zoo’s community science project, the Boreal Toad Conservation Team.

Please be aware that Green Spaces is a plastic-free facility. You are welcome to bring drinks and snacks as you may need them, but be sure that any food or beverages brought to the facility, all flatware, plates or bowls, and linens, etc are reusable or compostable.

For everyone’s safety, we ask that all attendees be fully vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours of the event. Please do not attend this event if you feel ill.

When: 6:00-7:00 pm, Thursday, May 18
Where: Green Spaces: Co-working and Marketplace, 2590 Walnut St., Denver, CO 80205
Registration: This is a free event, but it is limited. Register to save your spot.

Read:

For Adults:

Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Boreal Toad webpage
“Behind the Boreal Toad Project,” by Denver Zoo
“Denver Zoo, CPW release endangered toads,” by Denver Zoo

For Kids:

Kiddle’s Boreal toad facts for kids

Do:

For Adults:

Join Team Toad! Colorado’s boreal toads are in trouble. As deadly chytrid fungus continues to spread from wetland to wetland, they need our help if they’re going to survive. To save the boreal toad, we need to understand how it’s doing in Colorado, and that’s where you come in! In the summer months, volunteer community scientists play a key role in boreal toad conservation by monitoring historic toad habitat. This data will help by identifying future sites for wild reintroduction and locating unknown populations (potentially even ‘super-toads’ that may have natural resistance to chytrid fungus).
Register for Project-Based Learning: Boreal Toad, June 20-21, June 26-27, or July 17-18. This behind-the-scenes opportunity gives you access to Denver Zoo conservation experts, connections to content for your classroom, daily breakfast and lunch and opportunities to brainstorm and network with fellow educators.
Purchase a Boreal Toad sticker, shirt, cup, or other goodies to support Rocky Mountain Wild’s work!

For Kids:

Join Team Toad! Colorado’s boreal toads are in trouble. As deadly chytrid fungus continues to spread from wetland to wetland, they need our help if they’re going to survive. To save the boreal toad, we need to understand how it’s doing in Colorado, and that’s where you come in! In the summer months, volunteer community scientists play a key role in boreal toad conservation by monitoring historic toad habitat. This data will help by identifying future sites for wild reintroduction and locating unknown populations (potentially even ‘super-toads’ that may have natural resistance to chytrid fungus).
Check out Kristy’s tutorials on how to use face paint to transform into a boreal toad! Kristy created two looks to help you get inspired. Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of the tutorial. Consider sending your finished face to Chris and we’ll post it on our social media.
Color our boreal toad coloring page and send to Chris