'Froggy Friday' attracts hundreds to Nature Center

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- Over 400 people attended the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center annual Froggy Friday event April 13.

Frog presentations highlighted spring peepers, western chorus, cricket, leopard and green frogs, as well as bullfrogs, the American toad and the Fowler's toad. Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Naturalist Greg Jacobs said the numbers of frogs in the world are surprising to most.

"There are 4,145 species and subspecies of frogs in the world, and 26 of them reside right here in Missouri," said Jacobs.

In the midst of many frog themed children's activities, the favorite was a comparison of how far the children could jump against the leap legnth of several different species of frogs and toads. Guests listened for different frogs and toads along guided walking tours to the Nature Center's Duck Wood Swamp and the fishing pond in front of the Nature Center.

"Even if you don't hear frogs by a pond, that doesn't mean they aren't there. It just means they aren't calling for a mate at that time," said Sara Turner, the manager of the Nature Center.

"Frogs sing to attract the lady frogs, and many frogs are already finished calling due to the unusually warm days in February and March," Jacobs explained. "Frogs lay their eggs in the spring because that is when conditions are just right for the eggs to hatch into tadpoles."

Froggy Friday is one example of how the MDC helps adults and children discover nature. For more information events at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center, call 573-290-5218 or go online to www.mdc.mo.gov.