Vancouver’s Water Resources Education Center is looking for individuals and families to assist in searching for frogs, snakes, salamanders, lizards and other amphibians and reptiles during the annual Critter Count from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Critter Count is an annual field survey to keep track of the numbers of local amphibians and reptiles present in their natural habitat at sites throughout Clark County.
A brief training session with a wildlife biologist will begin at 9 a.m. at the Water Resources Education Center at 4600 S.E. Columbia Way. It will give an overview of the identification of frogs, snakes, salamanders, lizards and other local amphibians and reptiles. Then, participants will venture out to one of four field sites to find and record critters until 12:30 p.m. A wildlife expert and a site coordinator will be on hand at each location to help with the search and critter identification.
Frogs and other amphibians are extremely sensitive to changing environmental conditions and reduced habitats. The annual survey aims to provide a better understanding of the conditions they are facing. Data gathered during count will be sent to a statewide wildlife database to help with this effort.
No pre-registration is required and all ages are welcome to participate. Children must be accompanied throughout the count by adults. The center requires at least one adult chaperone is for every three students in grades third through eighth. Younger ages must have one adult chaperone per child. Participants must provide their own transportation to field sites.
Those wanting to take part in the count should come equipped with boots, warm clothes, a lunch and, if possible, binoculars. Training, field guidebooks, equipment, snacks and water will be provided.
After the survey, the Water Center will provide an opportunity to see more critters up close at a live show of snakes, lizards and other reptiles at 1 p.m. and 2:15 p.m. Brad's World Reptiles will bring a wide variety of reptiles—some that could be found in the backyard and some that are more unique.
The show is free and participation in the count is not necessary to attend.
-- Susan Green