Citizen Science Opportunity: Reptile and Amphibian Monitoring

lschultz • April 8, 2021

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is encouraging anyone out and about this spring to report any sightings of frogs, toads, salamanders, snakes, turtles and lizards to their database. The data collected annually by citizens helps the DNR understand species abundance and distribution of reptiles and amphibians in Michigan, and assists the DNR in making conservation decisions that impact these species and their habitat.

According to DNR wildlife technician Amy Bleish in an April 6, 2021, DNR Press Release, “Reptiles and amphibians benefit from conservation work done by the DNR and partners, but we also need assistance from community scientists to track how their populations are doing. Your observations help provide that data.”

While enjoying the outdoors this spring, keep a special eye out for rare reptiles like the eastern massasauga rattlesnake and Blanding’s, wood, spotted and eastern box turtles. These species of special concern can be reported at Michigan.gov/EyesInTheField . Sightings of these species provide valuable insight into the health of the populations so that future conservation efforts can align with the needs of the species.

According to the DNR Wildlife Division, in addition to reporting your sightings of Michigan reptiles and amphibians, you can also support conservation efforts of these species through the Nongame Fish and Wildlife Fund .

To learn more about this great opportunity to get outdoors and become involved with citizen science, please review the press release HERE . The MDNR website also has an abundance of resources for learning how to identify Michigan’s reptiles and amphibians.

Screenshot of the Michigan Herp Atlas species webpage. According to the DNR press release on April 6, 2021, The Michigan Herp Atlas is a community science program administered in partnership with Herpetological Resource and Management to collect observational data on Michigan’s herpetofauna, or “herps.”

Recent Posts

On the Ground: Jack Pine Planting Day 2026

By Olivia Triltsch • May 7, 2026
On Saturday, May 2, 2026, a group of dedicated volunteers joined Kirtland's Warbler Alliance, Huron Pines, Saginaw Children’s Zoo, and MUCC's OTG program in planting approximately 4,800 jack pine saplings within the Grayling Forest Management Unit in Crawford County. Jack pines are a critical nesting habitat feature for the once-threatened Kirtland’s warbler. In total, volunteers directly impacted about 7 acres of land were prepared by the Michigan DNR for this planting to allow volunteers to maximize their efforts across the land. This is one of our annual events that is perfect for helpers of all ages and interests.

MUCC Announces Dissolution After Nearly 90 Years of Conservation Advocacy

May 4, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) announces its decision to dissolve after nearly 90 years of conservation advocacy, citing ongoing financial challenges and outlining next steps in an orderly wind-down process.

On the Ground: Trees and Trash in Grayling Forest Management Unit

By Olivia Triltsch • April 30, 2026
On Saturday, April 25, 2026, MUCC's On the Ground program partnered with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Ruffed Grouse Society, National Wild Turkey Federation, and Backcountry Hunters and Anglers for a crabapple tree planting and dump site clean-up event in the Grayling Forest Management Unit. Volunteers worked as a team to plant, compost, mulch, and fence 25 eight-foot trees at various locations in Crawford County on the public lands to offer forage for wildlife. Many species, like grouse, turkey, and deer, utilize mast-producing trees for food when other resources are not available. These trees were planted along an old logging road for both game and non-game wildlife, while enhancing the local recreational opportunities. Another group of volunteers branched off to remove trash from three dump sites on public land in Kalkaska County, which included couches, mattresses, shingles, and tires. Volunteers filled a 30-yard dumpster with trash found in the landscape in an attempt to keep the environment better than how it was found while improving future recreational opportunities. In total, volunteers directly enhanced 2.1 acres of wildlife habitat through this project.
More Posts