Making Connections

What do frogs, toads and other amphibians tell us about water quality? As it turns out, quite a lot. On June 18 at 7 pm, Scott Craven will present “Reptiles, Amphibians & Water Quality” as part of The Ridges long-running summer speaker series, Lake Lessons, at the Baileys Harbor Town Hall.

“Monitoring the health of the amphibian and reptile species that inhabit an area can tell us a great deal about the health of the surface and groundwater,” said Craven.

Craven’s discussion will include the status of various amphibian and reptile species, as well as information about those which can be found at The Ridges. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

On June 19 at 10 am, Craven turns his attention to the populations of amphibians and reptiles at The Ridges. His workshop, “Frogs, Lizards & Salamanders, Oh My!” will begin with a classroom style discussion, following by field work to discuss techniques of setting up a monitoring trail and assembling proper traps to live-capture to study them. The workshop meets at The Ridges Cabins, 8288 County Q in Baileys Harbor. Fees are $30 for Ridges members and $40 for the general public.

Craven served as the University of Wisconsin-Extension wildlife specialist and professor in the UW Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology in Madison for 32 years, a position held decades earlier by Aldo Leopold. Although he retired in 2011, he is still immersed in his passion for wildlife and is a frequent guest on the Larry Meiller show on Wisconsin Public Radio. For more information or to register, visit RidgesSanctuary.org or call 920.839.2802.