Solomons, Md. — Jan. 13, 2026 – A recent scientific study led by the Calvert Marine Museum’s Estuarine Biology Department has documented the species diversity of frogs and the presence of rare species across Southern Maryland and Virginia’s Northern Neck, using nighttime acoustic recording technology to monitor amphibian calls.
The research, conducted during the 2025 FrogWatch season, was supported by a grant from the Chesapeake Bay Trust, with additional equipment provided by CHESPAX. Ten acoustic recorders were deployed at sites across the region to detect frog and toad species that are difficult to observe through traditional field surveys.
While the study did not detect the state-protected species researchers had hoped to document, the recorders confirmed Eastern spadefoot at five of the 10 sites—a rare find for animals that live underground and only emerge one or two nights a year to breed. The results of the study were recently published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Banisteria and are available online at Banisteria_59_19_Neff_Acoustic_recorder_anuran_project.pdf
“Acoustic monitoring allows us to document species that are active at night and often go unheard by humans,” said Matt Neff, curator of estuarine biology at the Calvert Marine Museum. “These findings add valuable data about the distribution of rare amphibians in our region and help guide future conservation work.”
In addition to Eastern spadefoot, the study documented 10 additional frog and toad species overall. During the 2025 season, FrogWatch monitors submitted 1,263 FrogWatch observations, supplemented by 456 observations collected by the acoustic recorders, marking our most active season to date. Since 2013, the Southern Maryland (and surrounding DMV) FrogWatch chapter, hosted by the Calvert Marine Museum, has recorded more than 5,400 frog call observations.
To make the research more accessible to the public, the museum has created a visually engaging poster summarizing the study’s findings, partner organizations, and monitoring locations. The poster offers a concise overview of the project for audiences who may not wish to read the full scientific publication.
Looking ahead, the FrogWatch program will expand in 2026 with new funding from the Cove Point Natural Heritage Trust, allowing researchers to deploy recorders at additional sites in Calvert County. The chapter is also working with Calvert County Parks and Recreation to monitor additional sites in the county. The upcoming season will also include targeted efforts to document Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toads and Carpenter Frogs, both are species of particular interest to regional researchers.
The Calvert Marine Museum will host and partner on several FrogWatch training sessions in early 2026 for community members interested in participating. Upcoming FrogWatch Trainings are below:
Explore how the prehistoric past, natural environments, and maritime heritage come to life and tell a unique story of the Chesapeake Bay. The Calvert Marine Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $11 for adults, $9 for seniors, military, and veterans with valid ID, AAA and AARP members, $6 for children ages 5–12, children under 5 and museum members are admitted free. Proud participant in Museums for ALL. For more information about the museum, upcoming events, or membership, visit the website at www.calvertmarinemuseum.com or call 410-326-2042. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
The research, conducted during the 2025 FrogWatch season, was supported by a grant from the Chesapeake Bay Trust, with additional equipment provided by CHESPAX. Ten acoustic recorders were deployed at sites across the region to detect frog and toad species that are difficult to observe through traditional field surveys.
While the study did not detect the state-protected species researchers had hoped to document, the recorders confirmed Eastern spadefoot at five of the 10 sites—a rare find for animals that live underground and only emerge one or two nights a year to breed. The results of the study were recently published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Banisteria and are available online at Banisteria_59_19_Neff_Acoustic_recorder_anuran_project.pdf
“Acoustic monitoring allows us to document species that are active at night and often go unheard by humans,” said Matt Neff, curator of estuarine biology at the Calvert Marine Museum. “These findings add valuable data about the distribution of rare amphibians in our region and help guide future conservation work.”
In addition to Eastern spadefoot, the study documented 10 additional frog and toad species overall. During the 2025 season, FrogWatch monitors submitted 1,263 FrogWatch observations, supplemented by 456 observations collected by the acoustic recorders, marking our most active season to date. Since 2013, the Southern Maryland (and surrounding DMV) FrogWatch chapter, hosted by the Calvert Marine Museum, has recorded more than 5,400 frog call observations.
To make the research more accessible to the public, the museum has created a visually engaging poster summarizing the study’s findings, partner organizations, and monitoring locations. The poster offers a concise overview of the project for audiences who may not wish to read the full scientific publication.
Looking ahead, the FrogWatch program will expand in 2026 with new funding from the Cove Point Natural Heritage Trust, allowing researchers to deploy recorders at additional sites in Calvert County. The chapter is also working with Calvert County Parks and Recreation to monitor additional sites in the county. The upcoming season will also include targeted efforts to document Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toads and Carpenter Frogs, both are species of particular interest to regional researchers.
The Calvert Marine Museum will host and partner on several FrogWatch training sessions in early 2026 for community members interested in participating. Upcoming FrogWatch Trainings are below:
- Saturday, Feb. 7, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. — Virtual (Zoom), hosted by Calvert Marine Museum
- Wednesday, Feb. 11, 7–8:30 p.m. — Virtual (Zoom), Natural History Society of Maryland
- Sunday, Feb. 15, 2–3:30 p.m. — Kings Landing Park, Calvert County Parks and Recreation
- Wednesday, Feb. 18, 6:30–8 p.m. — Flag Ponds Park, Calvert County Parks and Recreation
Explore how the prehistoric past, natural environments, and maritime heritage come to life and tell a unique story of the Chesapeake Bay. The Calvert Marine Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $11 for adults, $9 for seniors, military, and veterans with valid ID, AAA and AARP members, $6 for children ages 5–12, children under 5 and museum members are admitted free. Proud participant in Museums for ALL. For more information about the museum, upcoming events, or membership, visit the website at www.calvertmarinemuseum.com or call 410-326-2042. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.