As the sun begins to set, folks around Lake Martin will hear the songs of frogs and toads, and these little amphibians are a vital part of the area.
At Wind Creek State Park, park naturalist Dylan Ogle works on education and outreach for conversation efforts. At the park, he hosts guided nature hikes, guided boat rides and classes at the clubhouse.
Common critters Ogle sees around the park are toads and frogs. He said both of these animals are important for bug management and are food sources for larger animals in the ecosystem.
Ogle said the easiest way to spot the difference between a frog and toad is based on the skin texture with frogs having a smoother skin and toads having a bumpier skin.
The difference in skin also has to do with their tolerance level to humidity. While toads can venture further on land, frogs need to stay closer to a water source.
Ogle said some of the most common frogs and toads he sees around the park are Fowler’s toads, Green tree frogs, American toad and Southern toads.
Wind Creek State Park hosts events throughout the year and is open daily from 7 a.m. to dark. The park also has multiple trails and lodging options.
