Community Science
IMPORTANT UPDATE: With consultation from industry experts and our Community Scientists, we have decided to transition our Community Science programs to iNaturalist! The Adopt-A-Pond Community Science app and website will no longer accept submissions after December 31, 2024. Following this date, you will not have access to your submitted sightings. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like a copy of your submission history.
As a world-class facilitator of Community Science, iNaturalist will allow us to expand our reach throughout Ontario and maximize the impact on protecting wetland species and their habitats. For more information, check out the FAQ document on this page. Become a Community Scientist and join our iNaturalist projects today!
Adopt-A-Pond iNaturalist Transition - Frequently Asked Questions
Submit Your Sighting Online Through
Adopt-A-Pond Ontario Turtle Tally FrogWatch Ontario
Submit Your Sighting Using the iNaturalist App
Learn more about iNaturalist and how to submit sightings
Looking for information on how to use iNaturalist or tips to make your observations even better? Check out this webinar from Adopt-A-Pond and our partners at the Canadian Wildlife Federation to learn how to make the most of iNaturalist’s features to support conservation and share your sightings with other Community Scientists. Whether you’re a seasoned user or new to the platform, this webinar will provide valuable insights and tips for using the iNaturalist app and website effectively!
FrogWatch Ontario is part of the national initiative FrogWatch Canada, administered by NatureWatch. Adopt-A-Pond is the provincial coordinator of the program, working in partnership with NatureWatch, the David Suzuki Foundation, Nature Canada, the University of Ottawa, and Wilfrid Laurier University
Using Adopt-A-Pond's online resources, you can learn to identify frogs in your area and submit your observations to help inform conservation efforts! All data collected online is shared with the Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC).
Why should I participate?
Over time, trends in FrogWatch observations can help scientists detect measurable climate change in Ontario! FrogWatch data also contributes to scientific databases on frog distributions in Ontario.
- FrogWatch observations help scientists:
- track climate change and its effects on amphibians using data on phenology (the study of times of recurring natural phenomena)
- identify positive and negative population trends
- learn about the range and distribution of frogs and toads (especially in the northern extent of known ranges)
- It's a fun, easy family or community activity which can help protect wetland habitat and species!
How do I participate?
Follow these 4 easy steps to become a FrogWatcher!
- Learn frog calls and how to identify frogs using our species guides here
- Register for an account on iNaturalist.ca
- Join the FrogWatch Ontario project
- Go out, look, and listen for frogs and toads!
(FrogWatchers are encouraged to monitor for 15 minutes at least three times a week, but even a single observation is useful!) - Record and submit your observations!
Ontario Turtle Tally is a fun, easy turtle monitoring project for people of all ages. It's a great activity for schools, families, cottagers, and community naturalist groups across the province.
The goal of this project is to collect information on the location and distribution of Ontario’s turtles, including Species-At-Risk. Turtles are most often seen in June when they are traveling to their nesting sites. Using Adopt-A-Pond's online resources, you can learn to identify turtles in your area and submit your observations to help inform conservation efforts! All data collected online is shared with the Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC).
Why should I participate?
- To help scientists study turtle distribution and ranges, identify areas of concern and threats, and design conservation efforts
- To learn more about the threats facing turtles in Ontario
- To have fun!
How do I participate?
Follow these 4 easy steps to become a Turtle Tallier!
- Learn how to identify turtles using our species guides here
- Register for an account on iNaturalist.ca
- Join the Ontario Turtle Tally project
- Go out and look for turtles!
- Record and submit your observations!
Please note that red-eared sliders are not native to Ontario. Please let us know if you found a slider by leaving a comment in the "Additional Comments" box on the sighting submission form!
If you have a turtle question that needs an immediate answer please email us directly at
