It's the time of year to get outside (finally!!) and have some fun, and Great Rivers Greenway's Greenway Quest is just the adventure your family needs. This year, they partnered with the Saint Louis Zoo for Greenway Quest, a TOAD-ally awesome greenway hunt throughout the month of April.
Great Rivers Greenway volunteers have hidden painted frogs and toad rocks across the 135 miles of greenways in the St. Louis metro area and families are invited to search for them. To participate, look for rocks along the greenways during the month of April and if you find one you can take it with you. Then, log your rock at GreenwayQuest.com for a chance to win prizes from the Saint Louis Zoo and Frogwatch, including a grand prize winner of a guided Frogwatch walk with the Saint Louis Zoo staff!
As a bonus, STL Parent readers can get an extra entry to win prizes here!
"We teamed up with one of St. Louis’ most beloved institutions - the Saint Louis Zoo - to help them spread the word about FrogWatch Community Science Program. April is the month you can start hearing the frogs and toads across our region," said Anne Milford, communications coordinator for Great Rivers Greenway.
Rocks have been hidden along the edges of the greenways or at trailheads, not too far from the paths and not on private property. There will be no rocks hidden at the Saint Louis Zoo.
“We’re hiding rocks along all the greenways, but if you also want to listen for real frogs and toads, be sure to check out greenways that are near ponds or wetlands,” said Elizabeth Simons, Community Program Manager for Great Rivers Greenway. “We can’t wait to see photos from your adventures!”
While you’re out, LISTEN for the southern leopard frog, American toad, and spring peeper and share what you’ve heard through the FrogWatch Community Science Program. Your listening can make a huge difference in helping the Saint Louis Zoo protect these amazing amphibians.
“Frogs and toads are so important to our ecosystem, and we need your help to understand exactly where they are thriving and where they’re missing in our area, so we can understand what we can do to help keep their habitats in good shape,” said Michael Dawson, Conservation Education Liaison for Saint Louis Zoo.
Wondering what kind of frog or toad is on your rock?
Rocks with #1-100 are the southern leopard frog
Rocks with #101-200 are the American toad
Rocks with #201-300 are the spring peeper
See images of all three of these and hear their calls now at greatriversgreenway.org! You can also learn how you can participate in the FrogWatch community science project.
Milford added: "There are 135 miles of greenways across St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Charles County. We encourage families to get out and explore a new greenway while they look for painted rocks and toads. And if you don’t find a rock, you’ll still enjoy discovering a new place for walking, running, riding a bike or just connecting with nature!"
Not familiar with the greenways? Find a map and list of all the greenways in the St. Louis metro area here.
Hop into spring by bringing your family for a fun breakfast with the Bunny and other costumed characters at the Saint Louis Zoo. Guests can pose for photos with the bunny, and children 12 and under receive a gift from the bunny's gift basket. Reservations are required.
Hop on down the bunny trail and fill your basket with fun! Eckert’s Annual Egg Hunt includes animals for petting, tractor rides around the farm, planting seeds to take home, ice a cookie, gifts from the bunny, and a free photo scene with the Easter Bunny.
Take your family to watch birds of prey fly right over your head, macaws speak the English language and much more at the WOW! Amazing Animal Show at the World Bird Sanctuary. Every program showcases different animals so each day is a new experience.
Kids can work on existing gym skills, learn new skills or just play around during Open Gym at Miss Kelly's Gym in Creve Coeur.
Visit the James S. McDonnell Planetarium in Forest Park and see a star show to experience the largest artificial sky in the Western Hemisphere. Star shows are lead LIVE by one of the Planetarium's educators, creating a new and tailored experience for every audience.
