The tiny Western toadlets are at the shores of Allen Lake, preparing to migrate to their terrestrial homes in the forest. Toadlets at this age are dime-sized and travel en-masse, so it is impossible to avoid them when walking, biking or running across their migration routes. This is why we need the Toad Patrol to help to protect this species of conservation concern during their epic migration!
The Toad Patrol is an info booth located at the bottom of Sutton Rd at the main entrance to the Cumberland Forest Park (<- see Google maps link) and trail network where volunteers inform trail users of toad whereabouts and ask them to choose a different route.
Toad Patrol starts this Saturday July 27 and will run until the toads have dispersed enough to be less easily squashed on the trails. The migration usually lasts 2-3 weeks.
We will be looking to fill the booth with at least 2 people from 10 am – 4 pm Saturday and Sunday, and this Monday from 1-7 pm.
After this weekend we’d like to fill the booth Friday Aug 2 – Monday Aug 5.
Email heather@cumberlandforest.com to lock in your 2 hour shift! At the booth, your job will be to kindly share information with people about why we are out here caring for the toads, and what they can do to help by sharing this info and choosing alternate trails than the ones the toadlets are on. You will receive updated & accurate information every morning on which trails the toads are on. You can choose to passively share this info or gently call out – “Have you heard about the baby Western Toads?” to invite people to come and engage with you on the topic.
Folks who are in the first shift and last shift may be asked to pick up and drop off a bin, table and chairs at the info booth. The tent will remain set up.
We are proud to work collaboratively with UROC and the Village of Cumberland on raising awareness about Western Toads.