HOLT, Fla., Sept. 16, 2018–Calling all volunteers for a habitat restoration day Sept. 21 at the Yellow River Wildlife Management Area west of Holt.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is celebrating National Public Lands Day with a volunteer work day to restore the natural habitat for the Florida bog frog.
Florida Bog Frog
The Florida bog frog is a threatened species protected by the state, according to a release by the FWC.
These amphibians inhabit boggy areas along slow-moving streams and pond edges in Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties.
One of their main threats is habitat loss as woody plants and trees overtake their bog habitat and shade out vegetation vital to the bog frogs.
Starting at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 21, volunteers will begin hand-clearing boggy areas with loppers and other hand tools to remove woody plants and saplings and other growth to help provide more bog frog habitat.
Volunteers wanting to participate in habitat restoration can register online. Registration closes Sept. 20.
Information
Yellow River Wildlife Management Area: 30.6559167, -86.817749
What to bring:
- Waterproof/rubber/muck boots – there will be standing water in the restoration areas
- Water bottle, snacks
- Clothes to get dirty in – long pants and sleeves are recommended
- Optional: loppers
What’s provided:
- Water jug to refill water bottles
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- Work gloves
- Limited pairs of loppers
There are no facilities at the site
Directions:
- U.S. 90 west toward Milton
- Turn left onto Garner Landing Road
- Turns into a dirt road shortly after passing over I-10
- Stay to the right at fork
- Veer right onto Blue Barnes Road
- Meeting spot will be on the right
For more information, email or call Emily Hardin, NW Region Volunteer Coordinator at Emily.hardin@myfwc.com or 850-508-8557
