5.9 GETTING THE JOB DONE
(Level: 2 : 4 : 6 : 7 : 10 acad : 10 appl : 11 appl : 12 acad :: ADOPT-A-POND! )

Purpose: To design a realistic and achievable project which can benefit amphibians.

What You Need: suitable references :: advice and expertise from Toronto Zoo Adopt-A-Pond Staff, or others involved in wetland conservation

What You Do:

1. Discuss with students factors which are detrimental to the survival of amphibians (pesticide spraying, mowing to the edge of wetlands, lack of habitat, no linkages between habitats).
2. Explain to the students that amphibian habitat can exist right in their own schoolyard. Discuss the Toronto Zoo's Adopt-A-Pond Program with the students.
3. Have the students work in groups to generate ideas about how to get a project started that will work towards addressing one of these detrimental factors affecting amphibians in your area. Considerations that need to be discussed are:
   • What action or action is needed? Do we need to change current practices such as mowing or pesticide use? Do we need to create or improve habitat? Are there other actions we need to look at?
   • If we choose to build a wetland, where would it be located, and what habitat components are necessary for amphibians? What ones are already there that we can improve upon?
   • What positive values does the project bring to amphibians and the school?
   • What problems might arise and how would they be resolved?
   • Who would need to be consulted for approval?
   • How much would it cost and how would it be funded?
   • Is the project is self-sustaining so that continuous work would not be required?
   • Who would be responsible for maintaining it?
4. After the initial planning, elect a representative to make a presentation to the school superintendent, principal, teachers, or others that may be involved in the decision making.
5. If the plan is accepted, reinforce the idea that students can make a difference in making a constructive contribution to the environment which they live.

Some Sources:

"The Urban Outback - Wetlands for Wildlife: A Guide to Wetland Restoration and Frog-friendly Backyards", Heather Gosselin and Bob Johnson, Adopt-a-Pond, Toronto Zoo, 1995.

"Yes In My Back Yard", A guide to rehabilitating streams. Laurie Fretz. Conservation Council of Ontario, Toronto, ON. 1992

Addresses & Phone Numbers: (See also: Unit 12. Resources, "Organizations You Might Wish to Contact")

Canadian Wildlife Federation
2740 Queensview Drive
Ottawa, ON K2B 1A2
Contact the CWF for information about "Habitat 2000" and other programmes.

Ducks Unlimited (see "Unit 12, Resources", for nearest office) have supported wetland restoration for fifty years. They sponsor educational programs but also provide financial support for wetland restoration and conservation on private and public lands.

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