The Minnesota Frog and Toad Calling Survey (MFTCS) is a volunteer based community science program run by the DNR’s Nongame Wildlife Program. Our goal is to monitor frog and toad populations statewide.
The original survey ran from 1994-2017, and volunteers collected thousands of observations of Minnesota’s frogs and toads. With your help, we learned valuable information on the location of species throughout the state, as well as changes in their population and distribution.
The survey re-launched in 2023 with updated tools and protocols and continues to develop and grow.
Volunteer sign up for 2025 Frog and Toad Calling Survey is now closed, thank you to everyone who has applied to be a Frog and Toad volunteer! We are still processing your applications, so if you have signed up for a route please keep an eye on your inbox for your confirmation.
If you are interested in signing up for our 2026 Frog and Toad Calling Survey, please fill out this Microsoft Form to be added to our mailing list.
How does it work?
Volunteers conduct surveys along pre-set routes after dark. Most routes have ten roadside stops where volunteers stop and listen to the frogs and toads that are calling.
Different frog and toad species breed and call at different times during the season, so it is important that volunteers repeat their route during three different survey periods throughout the season.
Volunteers record all of the frog and toad species that they hear at each stop, as well as weather and other basic information.
Who can participate?
Anyone! You don’t need to be a frog and toad expert to participate. If you are willing to learn and can commit to the terms of the survey, you are welcome to join. The 2025 Frog and Toad Calling Survey is now closed, but please fill out this Microsoft Form if you are interested in signing up for the 2026 season.
Frog and toad learning resources
Use these resources to start learning about Minnesota's frogs and toads now.
USGS frog and toad lookup and quiz pages-use these tools to practice identifying frogs and toads and quiz yourself.
Reptile and Amphibian Survey of Minnesota-this page has resources about frog and toad calls, ecology, breeding phenology (timing), and distribution
