Adopt-A-Pond Citizen Science

Biologists from the Toronto Zoo and the team at LBC IT Solutions Inc, with the support of Environment Canada's Habitat Stewardship Program, have created this app with the purpose of encouraging public awareness and participation as a citizen scientist with Turtle Tally and FrogWatch. The information gathered from this new app will help to identify abundances and locations of frogs, toads and turtles, which is crucial to prevent further population losses for these native groups of wildlife. Participants in our Turtle Tally and FrogWatch programs will find it easier than ever to share their observations with our team by submitting sightings through this app or our new and improved web reporting system on the Toronto Zoo website.

If you are unfamiliar with the Turtle Tally and FrogWatch programs, there is no need to worry! It is easy and fun to get started saving our local species! Do you think you may have spotted a Blanding's turtle, Gray tree frog or maybe an American toad? If so, please record the details of your experience through the app. Information from your findings will be shared with our partner organizations, including the Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas (Ontario Nature) and the Natural Heritage Information Centre (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry), to help determine the status of native reptile and amphibian populations and to supplement conservation programs and initiatives.

The Adopt-A-Pond Citizen Science App is fun and easy to use. Once you have created an account, your profile will keep track of all your past sightings. You can also log in to our website to view and download information about all of your submissions. Consider the app your personal log book for turtle and frog sightings.

The Toronto Zoo's Adopt-A-Pond Wetland Conservation Programme works to design and deliver impactful conservation-focused research, restoration, and outreach that highlights the importance of saving Canada's sensitive wetland species and their habitats. This app is the next step in reaching out to engage more Canadians in protecting local biodiversity through citizen science.