Toad Abode

The days are getting shorter and there’s already been frost on the pumpkin as well as on the windshield of our cars! Winter is coming and if you’re staying, it’s time to start figuring out how you’re going to adapt whether you’re an animal, an insect, or an amphibian.

What were you thinking when we checked to see how ready our shelter was for wintry conditions? Together, we decided that we will need to rethatch the roof, insulate the floor, fill in the gaps, and add more tree branches to the walls. Think about which of these jobs you want to do and how you can help. 

While we continue to live above ground during winter, some other creatures choose to go

underground. After listening to the book, “Under the Snow”, which critters can you name? Try to imagine what it would be like to sleep away the winter months in a burrow beneath the snow.

During the summer and in the fall, we were surprised by the number of crayfish we saw but wondered why we didn’t see many toads. We wondered if there was anything we could do to help increase the population. But first, we needed to find out more about toads. Can you remember what the toad uses the 'spades' on its hind feet for?

As budding conservationists, we decided to build a toad hibernaculum. Use the photos below to help explain what materials we used, how we designed it, and where we built it.

 How does it feel to know that your actions may help toads have a better chance of surviving the winter?

With October 31st only a couple of days away, we found ways to celebrate it early by using some of nature’s gifts.

"Please" and "thank you" are often words we hear throughout the day. Please remember to use them if you are out on Friday night and let's keep our fingers crossed that we might hear a croaky 'thank you" from our toad friends in the spring!