Amphibians of PNW Ponds and Wetlands
Event Details
- When
- Jun 20, 2026 from 09:00 AM to 04:00 PM
- Where
- Instructor
- Stephen Nyman , Vikki Jackson
- Class Tuition
- Minimum Age
- Add it to your calendar
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How well do you know your local frogs and salamanders? Join North Cascades Institute and the Whatcom County Amphibian Monitoring Program (WCAMP) for an immersive spring field course exploring amphibian adaptation and survival in the Anthropocene—the era of human-driven environmental change. Biologists Stephen Nyman and Vikki Jackson will guide participants through hands-on learning focused on observation, identification, and conservation in action.
Oregon Spotted Frog yearling; photo by Stephen Nyman
The wetlands and ponds of the South Fork Nooksack and Samish River Valley east of Bellingham support a remarkable amphibian community. This landscape is one of the last strongholds for the federally threatened Oregon spotted frog, a species extirpated from much of its former range in western Washington. These fragile habitats are also home to several more common pond-breeding frogs and salamanders still found across the Puget Trough.
Photo by Hannah Black
During this June field class, participants will learn how to find, identify, and closely observe many of these species—including their aquatic, gilled life stages. Through guided amphibian searches, you’ll practice field identification, compare methods used for species inventories versus population sampling, and deepen your understanding of amphibian natural history and habitat relationships. Instructors will also demonstrate ongoing restoration efforts led by WCAMP to support Oregon spotted frogs and other wetland species at a Whatcom Land Trust property.
Photo by Hannah Black
Enrollment in this field course includes access to the virtual class Frogs and Salamanders of the Puget Trough, which provides essential background and context to support and enrich the in-field experience.
Oregon Spotted Frog tadpole; photo by Stephen Nyman
Scholarships and Student, Military and Disability discounts are available for most in-person programs. Call (360) 854-2599 for more info!
Top photo: Northwestern Salamander paedomorphic adult; by Stephen Nyman