Photo Credit David Clode on Unsplash.com
With our decision in January 2024, to focus on vernal ponds in the Robert C. Corby Arboretum, it seems like Mother Nature—or Gaia, or God—is making A Frog House hop all over the place!
First Hop Stop
The photo above is from a recent interview on “How Reforestation Combats Climate Change.” Now, it’s our turn! Host Jasmin Singer will be speaking with us about Vernal Ponds, Microhabitats and the Environment.
Radio Interview: Environmental Connections on WXXI
Friday, February 28 | 1-2 PM
105.9FM | wxxinews.org | WXXI Mobile App
Theme: Frogs are disappearing, and climate change, habitat loss, and pollution are to blame. But in Rochester, a new conservation effort is working to fight back—by building vernal ponds. These temporary, seasonal wetlands provide essential breeding habitats for amphibians, supporting biodiversity and creating a ripple effect for the entire ecosystem.
Joining the conversation:
- Professor Jacques Robert – (URMC, Dept. of Microbiology & Immunology) – a leading researcher on genetics and the urgency of conservation efforts. Dr. Robert’s recent article recognizes the the approximately 41% of amphibian threatened with extinction. You can read the abstract here.
- Robert Corby – former mayor of Pittsford and the visionary behind the Robert C. Corby Arboretum & Wildlife Sanctuary. His lifelong dream of preserving this land dates back to his childhood explorations of the property.
- Margot Fass, MD – psychiatrist, and drawn into frogophilia fourteen years ago by sheer unknown forces.
The show will air live on 105.9FM, on the website, wxxinews.org, and mobile WXXI app. A link to the podcast and a live streamed visual on You Tube will be posted after it airs. In addition to the video, footage also is likely to be used on PBS Passport, @WXXINews Instagram, @WXXIRochester Instagram and Facebook, Connections website, and WXXI TV interstitials
More Exciting Hop Stops
Saturday, March 1 | 9 AM – 12 PM
The Little House, Home of Historic Pittsford
From “200 Years of The Little House,” adapted from a 2019 presentation by Audrey Johnson
Join me for an informal and family-friendly gathering! My longtime friend Rob Corby has served on the Historic Pittsford board since 1991 and recently has posted a wonderful summary with photos on Facebook. Come chat about conservation, history, and frogs!
Sunday, March 2 | 3:15 – 4:30 PM
A Frog House
Our first Girl Scout Troop making Mini Terrariums, December 2023. Photo Credit, Bonnie Abrams
Girl Scout Troop #60222 (ages 9-13) will be visiting to learn about frogs, conservation, and our work. They’ll also make their own miniature terrariums—just like a previous troop that crafted tiny habitats inside glass ornaments.
Wednesday, March 5 | 10 AM
Victor Parks & Recreation Center
Pittsford Garden Club members, 2023
Exciting news at the NYS Garden Clubs Members Council Meeting! Thanks to a grant written by Priscilla Varland and myself for the Pittsford Garden Club, funding has been secured for a “Tiny Forest” Sustainable Garden at RCCAWS. This project, approved by the Village Board in 2020, is finally coming to life! A check will be presented to PGC co-presidents JoAnne Shannon & Jessica Berlet at the meeting.
Seneca Waterways Council – Scouting America
Wednesday, March 5 | 6 PM
Pittsford Siegel Recreation Center
Rob Corby and I will be discussing the role of youth and community involvement in wetland restoration and conservation, and the opportunity to collaborate and learn from leaders of SAVE THE FROGS!, the Village & Town of Pittsford, Friends of the Village Arboretum, A Frog House and especially Wetlands Construction Expert, Tom Biebighauserl.
Volunteer Opportunities – Mid-March (Date TBD)
- We need many hands to help prepare the site for:
The Tiny Forest – Laying cardboard & mulch for permaculture gardening - Vernal Pond Installation – Removing invasive plants as soon as the snow clears and sprouts emerge
March (Date and time TBD)
- Community Mulching & Cardboard Installation Day
April 18, 2025
- 10:30 AM – Brighton Memorial Library Children’s Event with fElissa Schaeffer
April 22, 2025 – Earth Day!
- 12:30 PM – Pittsford Senior Center Presentation
- 5:00 – 7:00 PM – Pittsford Community Center Celebration
- 6:30 PM – Zonta Meeting in Fairport
First Final Destination
April 24, 25, 26, 27, 2025 9 to 5 pm
Our biggest undertaking this year is the creation of vernal ponds in the Robert C. Corby Arboretum and Wildlife Sanctuary.
Wetland specialist Tom Biebighauser will teach us and lead the effort in building these critical breeding grounds for amphibians to boost biodiversity in Pittsford during our Save The Frogs Day event on April 25-27.
You will meet the real heroes of the effort there, our many collaborators, donors, and volunteers. Read more in our past and future blogs and event description of the Save The Frogs Day event extraordinaire.
Be a Part of It
- Register and/or donate here: STFD Pond Building at Robert C. Corby Arboretum & Wildlife Sanctuary
And This is Just the Beginning!
Frog in Costa Rica, 2018. Photo Credit, a SAVE THE FROGS! ecotourist with me.
No, we don’t have to travel to Costa Rica to be inspired – small efforts make a huge impact globally.
How You Can Help:
- Become a member: Your support funds conservation efforts. Join today!
- Volunteer: Help with events, education, and habitat restoration. Sign up here!
- Donate: Contributions support pond projects and outreach. Donate now!
Thank you for being a part of A Frog House and this amazing collaborative effort!
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Stay tuned for a full lineup of April events!
Hope to see you soon—and as always, thank you for your support
