in Action!

Northern Spring Peeper

Habitat loss is one of the largest threats facing amphibian populations in Ohio, and Northern Spring Peepers are no e xception.

Today, Ohio has appro ximately 500,000 acres of wetlands, which may sound like a lot, but at one time it was estimated that Ohio had 5 million acres of wetland habitat.

Additionally, those 500,000 acres are actually comprised of a variety of different wetland habitat types like vernal pools, marshes, and bogs. As a result not all wetlands are created alike and some wetlands only support certain species.

There are a number of ways in which we can benefit amphibians, like Northern Spring Peepers, in our own backyards.

Creating a backyard wetland habitat

Backyard wetlands can be a great way of attracting a variety of different wildlife to your yard including frogs, toads, dragonflies, and birds.

NRCS Guide to Creating a Backyard Wetland

NRCS Guide to Creating a Backyard Pond

Create a Rain Garden

Habitat Management Guidelines For Amphibians and Reptiles of the Midwest

NRCS Wetland Reserve Program

Backyard Water Feature photo courtesy of Gary Reibert, Aullwood Audubon Center

Native Plants for Your Backyard Wetland

Here are some native Ohio plants to consider using in your wetland habitat

Swamp Milkweed	Arrowhead

Photos courtesy of Casey Tucker

Get involved with Amphibian Monitoring

Amphibians can an e xcellent indicator of environmental health in our neighborhoods and communities. Get involved with an amphibian monitoring opportunity near you to help gauge how healthy your environment is.

Ohio Amphibians

Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation

NWF’s FrogWatch USA

North American Amphibian Monitoring Program

Amphibian Malformations & Declines

North American Reporting Center for Amphibian Malformations

Northern Green Frog - Photo courtesy of Casey Tucker

Learn more about Ohio’s Wetlands and what you can do to protect wetlands near you.

Ohio EPA

ODNR Wetlands

Ohio Wetlands Foundation

U.S. EPA Wetland Fact Sheets

Blue Dasher	Twelve-spotted Skimmer	Meadowhawk

Photos courtesy of Casey Tucker