New Hanover County 4-H is demoing a potential School Enrichment Program this spring. Stop by the New Hanover County Arboretum and N.C. Cooperative Extension Center in the administration building to meet our two Leopard Frog tadpoles!
Their names were voted on my our New Hanover County 4-H members and the winning names are Meadow and Poly because Leopard frogs are also known as Meadow Frogs and Polly is short for Polywog which is another name for tadpoles. This species of frog takes several months to metamorphosis and every visit they may look a bit different.
Not only does this project show the wonders of metamorphosis, but also helps us learn about the importance of taking care of the environments where these animals are found! Amphibians like Leopard Frogs all across North Carolina have an important role as Indicator Species. Indicator Species are very sensitive to various factors that show the health of an ecosystem. If we notice a decline in the health of Amphibians in an area, it indicates that the health of the entire environment is in decline.
There are some things you can do to help frogs and keep your local water sources clean!
- Use native plants and compost in your garden to reduce the need for harmful chemicals that could become runoff.
- Follow the 3 R's Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, in that order
- Pick up after your pet's waste, this will help keep the water in out ponds and streams clean and free from harmful bacteria.
Visit Our New Hanover County 4-H School Enrichment Page to keep up with the latest updates on School Enrichment Programs.
To learn more about New Hanover County 4-H, contact N.C. Cooperative Extension,New Hanover County Center/4-Hat 910-798-7675, email Elizabeth_stratton@ncsu.edu or visit our website and like us on Facebook at New Hanover County 4-H or stop by to see us at 6206 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC.
