22,000 Toads Saved over 16 Years

Philadelphia, PA, April 14, 2025 —  For 16 years, a dedicated community of volunteers has rallied to protect migrating toads at the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education. Toad Detour, which recently started its 2025 season, safeguards toads and other amphibians as they make their perilous journey from the 365-acre forest at the Schuylkill Center to their mating grounds in the Roxborough Reservoir. Since toads cross at night, this migration is a dangerous one, as they must evade oncoming traffic at Hagy’s Mill and Port Royal roads. Toad crossings only occur when the ground is over 50 degrees and the conditions are wet. This means that volunteers often stand outside in the rain, balancing umbrellas and flashlights looking for toads and explaining the program to approaching motorists. 

Toad Detour protects wildlife and serves as an educational opportunity. The data collection from volunteer citizen scientists has tracked 22,000 toads which were saved in the 16 years that Toad Detour has operated. In addition to toads, volunteers have observed pickerel frogs, green frogs, bullfrogs, and grey tree frogs. The 2025 season has already tracked 304 toads and 36 frogs, with many more anticipated through the season. 

“Toad Detour is a testament to the power of community action," said Erin Mooney, Executive Director of the Schuylkill Center. "We are inspired by the dedication of our volunteers who are helping even the smallest animals in our community.”

The Schuylkill Center holds a training each February to teach volunteers the “Toad Road Code” to help make these crossings safe for volunteers, drivers, and amphibians alike. Volunteers who missed the training can watch a video on the Schuylkill Center website before attending a crossing. 

Susan Slawinski, the Volunteer and Community Outreach Manager at the Schuylkill Center, who trains and organizes volunteers for Toad Detour, said. “I am so grateful to have such a fun group of volunteers to work with. Truly a dream job.” 

Get involved with Toad Detour 

• Volunteer: Toad Detour volunteer nights only happen when the conditions are just right. Announcements about expected Toad Crossings are posted on the Toad Detour page on the Schuylkill Center website. Learn more about volunteering for Toad Detour and view the volunteer training video: https://schuylkillcenter.org/volunteer/toad-detour/

• Donate: Support the Schuylkill Center's conservation efforts and educational programs by making a donation: https://schuylkillcenter.org

The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education

The Schuylkill Center was founded in 1965 as Philadelphia’s first environmental education center. Our 365 acres of fields and forests serve as a living laboratory to foster appreciation, deepen understanding, and encourage stewardship of the environment. We offer a wildlife rehabilitation clinic, an environmental art program, volunteer opportunities, and educational programs for all ages.