If you’ve not done so already, circle Saturday, April 28th on your calendar for “Save the Frogs Day – 2012″ and plan to celebrate by participating in the activities slated from 1 to 3 p.m. in Scidmore Park.
The special day has been planned in conjunction with SAVE THE FROGS!, a nonprofit organization billed as “America’s first and only public charity dedicated exclusively to amphibian conservation.”
Locally, the upcoming celebration has official status through a ‘Save the Frogs Proclamation’ approved by the Three Rivers City Commission on March 6th and signed by Mayor Tom Lowry.
At the state level, the special day has been recognized by adoption of House Resolution 230 with state Rep. Matt Lori (R-Constantine) as the primary sponsor.
Vic Eichler discussed wetlands, frogs and plans for Save the Frogs! Day during a presentation to the Three Rivers Lions Club on March 27th.
Vic Eichler, a retired biology professor and naturalist and rural Three Rivers resident, has been spearheading preparations for this year’s Save the Frogs Day observance. The effort has included a Carnegie Center for the Arts exhibit of artwork created by Three Rivers students and a special frog display in the entry area at the Three Rivers Public Library, the latter in place through April.
During an interview with the River Country Journal, Eichler said that frogs “are the basis of the food chain” and are important for a variety of reasons. (Vic Eichler audio clip – 1:22)
Saturday’s activities in Scidmore Park will include FREE hot dogs provided by “The Weenie King.” The event will feature PACMAN, the Cranwell’s Horned Frog. Originally from Argentina, PACMAN is a three-year resident of the Scidmore Park Petting Zoo who “will eat ANYTHING that can fit into its enormous mouth!” (Vic Eichler audio clip – 1:11)
Frogs – Threats and Importance (Click on image to enlarge)
A presentation that will provide an opportunity to “learn why frogs need our attention” will take place at the picnic pavilion near the Petting Zoo at 1:30. Games are slated to begin at 1:45 and a drawing for prize packets is set for 1:45.
For additional insights about frogs and plans for Save the Frogs! Day in Three Rivers on Saturday, click on the following link to hear the entire interview with Vic Eichler, conducted by Bruce Snook of the River Country Journal: Vic Eichler interview (17:49 – 16.3 MB).
Frog exhibit at the Three Rivers Public Library (Click on photo to enlarge)
You can also learn much more by visiting the SAVE THE FROGS! Website at www.savethefrogs.com.
