What are two sure signs of Spring in Redding? The singing of frogs in our woodlands, and the Mark Twain Library’s Frog Frolic fair. This year, Frolic season started early with a new event: The Topstone Frog Walk, held on Saturday, April 14th. Saturday’s warm and beautiful weather made the walk extra special for sixty nature-loving kids and their families, who came out to enjoy the day and learn about the favorite local amphibian and what makes Redding a unique natural setting.
The walk was led by three respected local naturalists. John McLeran, a professional nature educator and ecologist, played sound recordings to match photos of all the frogs living here. "I'm delighted to help people learn more about the species in Redding," McLeran said. Susan Robinson of the Connecticut Botanical Society helped kids learn about pond ecology and the aquatic vegetation which is so important for amphibians. Lifelong Redding resident and nature educator Bill Hill of Warrup's Farm joined Robinson to lead a show-and-tell session at lake edge, identifying fish egg areas, finding freshwater snails and discussing the importance of keeping our natural resources clean. "It's great fun to read the book of nature!" he remarked.
The Topstone walk is the Mark Twain Library's opening event to the wonderful Frog Frolic Children's fair happening on April 28th. The library thanks its co-sponsor, Redding's Park and Recreation Department as well as its collaborators: the Conservation Commission, the Land Trust, and the Connecticut Botanical Society for their support of the Topstone walk.