This article was written by Sarah Dugan, Kroening Nature Center Naturalist
Spring has finally come to Minnesota, bringing plenty of rain and mud. At least, that’s the hope for our local amphibians (frogs, toads and salamanders). While we might be dreading the mess, our amphibian neighbors are emerging from the soil and frozen lakes ready to mate, and the temporary ponds created during a wet spring are important breeding habitat.
These ponds, also called vernal pools, are made when shallow depressions in the landscape fill with rain and melting snow. Eventually, the pools will dry up, making it impossible for fish to survive in them. For amphibian species that begin their lives in water, these fish-less pools are a safer place for adults to lay eggs. By the time the vernal pools are dry, usually around mid-summer, the young will have matured into adults that can live on land.
Like birds, several frog and toad species have specific mating calls. Wood frogs are some of the first to emerge and begin breeding, generally in late March. They are particularly adapted to the cold and their eggs can even survive freezing. If you hear a giggling, duck-like sound coming from a vernal pool this time of year, it could be wood frogs looking for mates. The aptly named spring peepers begin their breeding cycle in early April. Hearing their loud, high-pitched peeping is a sure sign of spring. Though usually quieter about it, salamanders are also busy finding mates and laying eggs. Instead of calling, many salamander species use courtship displays and scent to attract females.
Look and listen for amphibians around North Mississippi Regional Park, particularly in low wet areas, under logs in the woods, and along the river. Kroening Nature Center also hosts two American Toads and a Spotted Salamander in our animal enclosures at the front desk. Unlike their outdoor relatives, Clover, Skipper and Toothless don’t hibernate, so you can visit them any time of year! Stop by to say ‘Hi!’ when you come to an upcoming program.
April programs at Kroening Nature Center
Nature Nuts Storybook Stroll · Every Wednesday, 9:30-10:30 a.m. $2/child for ages 2-6 with an adult, (activity # varies). Read a nature-themed story as you take a walk outside and look for nature. Different stories each week curated by naturalists!
Cloud Identification · Saturday, April 1, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free for ages 8+ (activity #136300). Discover the science of clouds. Explore air, wind, clouds, and rain to determine the wonders of weather on the park trails with a naturalist.
Wild Nature Challenge · Saturday, April 1, 1-3 p.m. Free for all ages (activity #136316).Practice your wilderness skills in the park through nature challenges! Fun for all ages and abilities!
Campfire Game Night · Thursday, April 6, 5-7:30 p.m. $2/person for ages 6-17 (activity #136216).Get outside for a night of fun and games in the park! Explore a nature topic, play games in the woods and hang out around the campfire.
Bird Watching: River Flyway · Saturday, April 8, 9-10:30 a.m. Free for ages 8+ (activity #136204). Develop your bird watching skills while looking for migratory birds along the river with a naturalist. All experience levels welcome. Binoculars provided.
Nature Art: Andy Goldsworthy · Thursday, April 13, 10 a.m.-noon. Free for all ages (activity #143696). This class will explore the work of sculptor and photographer Andy Goldsworthy, who is known for his land art. We will then get outside to create our own Goldsworthy pieces of art.
Bird Watching: Feathered Fridays · Friday, April 14, 9-10:30 a.m. $2/person for ages 18+ (activity #140526) Learn the basics of birding outside with a naturalist. No prior experience necessary. Binoculars provided.
Animal Tracking · Saturday, April 22, 10-11:30 a.m. Free for all ages (activity #140566). Join Bill Kass of the MN Tracking Club to learn how to identify animals that make the park their home. We will start with a classroom introduction followed by outside exploration.
Campfire Date Night · Thursday, April 27, 6:30-8 p.m. $3/person for all ages (activity #136214). Bring a date out for an evening of fun in nature! Practice nature skills, walk along the river, and answer riddles around a campfire.
Bird Watching · Friday, April 28, 9-10:30 a.m. Free for ages 18+ (activity #136206). Learn to identify some bird species that spend the summer in Minnesota. Discover the habitats and foods these birds enjoy and find out ways to attract them to backyards.
Nature Art: May Day Baskets · Saturday, April 29, 11 a.m.-noon. Free for all ages (activity #136248). Welcome the coming of summer with the tradition of May baskets. Craft a basket filled with handmade flowers and treats to leave on the doorknob of someone special.
This article was written using information from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.