I have been has been working in riparian (streamside) conservation, environmental education, and species-at-risk management since 2005. I have a B.Sc. from the University of Guelph and a Diploma from BCIT in Fish and Wildlife Management. Since 2008, I have been working with the Oregon spotted frog Recovery Team (OSFRT) to provide Oregon spotted frog community outreach and landowner contact programming, as well as habitat monitoring, assessment, restoration, and habitat creation.

The Oregon spotted frog (Rana pretiosa - OSF for brevity) is Canada’s Most Endangered Amphibian.  (The Leopard Frog folks might protest, and Monica would be happy to give up the label once she has implemented some serious recovery planning). There are three known breeding populations of OSF in Canada, all in the Fraser Valley, and all have fewer than 100 breeding females.  A fourth population in Aldergrove has recently declined and have not been found breeding for 3 years now, although in Spring 2009 a lone male was heard calling for a mate.

The Oregon spotted frog Recovery Team, a BC Ministry of Environment-led team of scientists, land managers, municipal, provincial and federal representatives and zoo professionals have been working to help this frog for over 10 years. They work in partnership with OSF researchers in Washington and Oregon, zoos, municipalities, and government agencies as well as with local ENGOs and First Nations bands to improve the odds of survival for our local amphibians and other species-at-risk.

This is the place that we will give you some details on the work that we do: rejoice our successes, vent our frustrations, and hopefully provide you with interesting information. Feel free to ask questions, comment, and bring your ideas.