For the past 25 years or so, amphibians have been disappearing globally from developed areas as well as pristine environments. Scientists have identified multiple anthropogenic factors contributing synergistically to amphibian declines. Therefore, a multifaceted approach is necessary to address the amphibian decline phenomenon. The Amphibian Foundation, based in Atlanta, addresses SE regional as well as global amphibian declines through an international partnership focusing on targeted programs for specific imperiled amphibian species. The foundation also has a strong training and educational program for students and citizen scientists. Partnering with regional agencies, such as Southeast Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, GA DNR and Orianne Society, and federal partners such as USFWS and USGS as well as global partners like Amphibian Ark and the Amphibian Survival Alliance, the Amphibian Foundation provides a critical role in combatting amphibian declines at the global, as well as the neighborhood level. Currently, 43% of the world’s amphibian populations are documented as in decline or already extinct. The Amphibian Foundation provides a program that engages the community to become involved in saving this important and biodiverse group of animals.

Mark Mandica is the Executive Director of The Amphibian Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to the study and conservation of amphibians.

We’ll begin this special restoration field trip with an easy, early morning walk around the wetlands followed by planting special native plants for a Monarch Waystation. All of the plants will be donated by the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and we will work with Tucson Water as we partner together to enhance the opportunities at Sweetwater for butterflies and hummingbirds. You can take this opportunity to learn how to bring this habitat to your own home! Be prepared to get dirty and it could be hot. Bring gardening gloves, lots of water, and your binoculars! Planting will begin about 7:30 a.m. Limit to 15 participants. Please register for this trip here: https://www.z2systems.com/np/clients/tas/eventRegistration.jsp?event=4186&

A family friendly 5-mile bike ride! We will tour El Paso's unique downtown all the way to Music Under the Stars at Chamizal National Memorial. By biking, instead of driving, we express our commitment to environmental stewardship and our love for the outdoors. By riding through specific areas in downtown we celebrate our rich history and culture. By ending the tour at Chamizal National Memorial we celebrate the National Park Service's mission to preserve our natural and cultural resources. Bring a working bike, water, lights, tools, spare tube, snacks, blanket, picnic items, and a bike lock. Ice cream paletas provided!

Gentle Giraffes– Monday, July 10 & Saturday, July 15

What is tall, spotted, and has a long purple tongue? Come help us spot all fascinating things it takes to be a giraffe.

From the hands-on activities and meet and greets with some of our animal ambassadors, this program is designed specifically for 2 to 3 year olds. Let the adventure begin!

Family Nature Club is an opportunity for families to get outside together and explore nature! Each program takes place at various parks and nature centers around Houston, and is a great chance to find a new hangout for your herd. Meet like minded families, and know that you’re providing your little ones meaningful opportunities for exploration and play.

This month's adventure takes place at Buffalo Bayou Park at Waugh Drive. Ever heard of the Waugh Drive Bat Bridge? Come with us to go see it! We will explore some of the dirt paths and then watch the emergence of Texas’ largest colony of resident Mexican free-tailed bats!

Join Outdoors Rx for free summer family fun open to all families with children ages 0-13. Bring your family and friends to Macomber Estate in Framingham, MA for an evening Owl Prowl. We’ll look for signs of owls and other creatures of the night. Outdoors Rx offers free bilingual programs year-round in local urban green spaces to get families spending more time together OUTSIDE. When we spend more time outside, we are healthier, happier, and can connect more with our neighborhood and natural surroundings.

Join Outdoors Rx for free summer family fun open to all families with children ages 0-13. Bring your family and friends to Dudley Public Library in Roxbury, MA for nature crafts and mindfulness activities. Outdoors Rx offers free bilingual programs year-round in local urban green spaces to get families spending more time together OUTSIDE. When we spend more time outside, we are healthier, happier, and can connect more with our neighborhood and natural surroundings.

Join Outdoors Rx for free summer family fun open to all families with children ages 0-13. Bring your family and friends to 507 Jamaica Way where we will gather at the Jamaica Pond Boat House. We will be looking for a geocache at Jamaica Pond. Geocaching is a real-world hunt for a hidden box with an object or a logbook in it guided by hints and GPS coordinates. Outdoors Rx offers free bilingual programs year-round in local urban green spaces to get families spending more time together OUTSIDE. When we spend more time outside, we are healthier, happier, and can connect more with our neighborhood and natural surroundings.

Join Outdoors Rx for free summer family fun open to all families with children ages 0-13. Bring your family and friends to PORT Park where we will play nature observation games and then go on a walk to another nearby green space. Outdoors Rx offers free bilingual programs year-round in local urban green spaces to get families spending more time together OUTSIDE. When we spend more time outside, we are healthier, happier, and can connect more with our neighborhood and natural surroundings.