Lisa Cove, Margot Fass, Lindsay Graham at Lindsay’s pop up lawn sale. September 2024
What You All Made Possible
A Frog House is Proud to Announce!
Thanks to your generous donations over the years, we are thrilled to confirm the creation of at least two vernal ponds this spring in the Robert C. Corby Arboretum and Wildlife Sanctuary—just in time for .Save The Frogs Day.
Wetland specialist Tom Biebighauser will be supervising, and we hope to welcome Kerry Kriger, founder of SAVE THE FROGS!, to the event.
Join us on April 25 for the ribbon-cutting celebration and the ceremonial first shovel of dirt before construction begins.
We’re also exploring ways to enhance these ponds with community involvement and recognize our incredible donors.
What We Accomplished in 2024
Advocacy
- Secured Village of Pittsford board approval for up to three ponds in the Robert C. Corby Arboretum and Wildlife Sanctuary, pending funding,
Collaboration
- Partnered with wetland expert Tom Biebighauser, funding his presentation, site survey, and pond plans.
Education
- Hosted both a live presentation and a webinar by Tom Biebighauser, introducing inexpensive and sustainable vernal pond design to the Pittsford community. You can see his plan here.
- Conducted weekly open houses with educational opportunities for all ages on frogs, wetlands, and conservation.
- Rescued tadpoles from his swimming pool for the second year in partnership with Ari Freedman.
- Held our 6th Annual Save The Frogs Day at the Kotwas-Wochner property.
- Celebrated at our 2nd Annual Gala featuring Broadway stars to raise funds for wetland conservation.
- tabled at various events, such as the Ladybug Festival
- Published monthly educational blogs and newsletters.
Our Goals for 2025
Advocacy
- Develop and maintain wetlands in the Arboretum.
- Replace invasive plants with native species to enhance habitats.
- Create interpretive signage about riparian ecosystems and local amphibians.
- Recruit facilitators and volunteers to support projects.
Collaboration
- Build relationships with local schools, organizations, and environmental groups, such as Pittsford Scouts, local colleges, and the Pittsford Garden Club.
- Expand relationships with Monroe County environmental organizations like the Audubon Society, Climate Solutions Accelerator, Pachamama, Rochester Ecological Partners, and Sierra Club.
Education
- Launch programs like “Learning About Our Local Frogs and Wetlands” to support student credits for scout badges or independent studies.
- Host seasonal public information sessions, wetland tours, and special educational events.
- Continue annual events such as Save The Frogs Day, the Froggy Family Fun[d]raiser Birthday Party, and our wetland-focused Gala.
How We Operate
Running A Frog House requires $30,000 annually to cover expenses like bookkeeping, advertising, insurance, payroll, and educational materials.
As the Founder, I initially supported our operations through a minimum distribution requirement (MDR) over the first five years. Neither I nor Lindsay receive compensation for the countless volunteer hours dedicated to sustaining A Frog House, its grounds, and its mission.
While we have some financial reserves, your ongoing support is essential to maintain and expand our impact.
How You Can Help
- Make a Tax-Deductible Donation
A Frog House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN# 47-5562806). Your contributions are fully tax-deductible.
- Donate via IRA
If you’re 73 or older, donating part of your IRA’s Required Minimum Distribution can be a tax-smart way to give.
- Write a Poem
This will go on the signage for our second (Spector) Vernal Pool:
Frogs are an indicator species,
In an environment stressed by human foot prints
they are the first species to disappear-but never the last
These vernal seasonal ponds are here to protect
The most fragile among us.
—Stan Spector
- Volunteer Your Time
Join us in building a stronger community through sustainable projects and education.
Springing Into Action
With just a few months remaining, we need your support to raise the final $5,000 needed to ensure the creation of a third vernal pond in 2025. These ponds will play a critical role in combating climate change, supporting biodiversity, and providing enhanced habitats for wildlife.
Once we complete these ponds, we will focus on additional wetland projects. If you know of a public site in urgent need within the Village or Town of Pittsford, please let us know! One location A Frog House has identified is Mendon Ponds, where the frog population is struggling due to invasive plants choking their habitat.
Together, we can create a greener, more sustainable future. Let’s continue to grow and nurture our community, one pond and one frog at a time.
We understand there are countless worthy causes and requests for support, especially during this season of giving. That’s why we are deeply grateful for your compassion and commitment to protecting the little frogs and their ecosystems.
Please make your tax-deductible donation today and join us in creating a brighter, healthier future for amphibians and the planet!
