This time of year her rain boots were a wardrobe staple. She’d frantically slide her feet into them: over PJ’s, under her best dresses or with whatever she decided to pull from her closet. Her urgency was palpable - she had spotted the perfect puddle! She would stomp and stamp and at times, if the puddle was big enough, pretend it an ocean which she and her brother could set sail. I think about it often, without the grey skies and rainy days, there would be no puddles (or rainbows for that matter)!

 
Especially now, grey skies and rainy days are heavy and hard - believe you me, I get it! And I also get that on days like these, we need to dig deep in remembering it is darkest before the dawn, it will get messy before it gets better BUT to take heart, for April showers always bring May flowers. The grey skies and rainy days are making way for one speculator display ahead. So, as we eagerly anticipate their arrival, let's embrace the grey skies, let’s dance in the rain, let’s stomp so hard that the mud leaves splatters worthy of a Jackson Pollock canvas.

May this week be one where you eagerly pull on your boots in search of the perfect puddle. And when you find it, may you stomp, delight and remember that APRIL SHOWERS DO BRING MAY FLOWERS.

Mr. "T" Explores Vernal Pools!

Join the sanctuary's naturalist & educator, Mr. "T", as he shares the importance of vernal pools and the creatures who rely on them for survival. Also, learn how to create your own "digital ear" from homemade materials to record frog calls! And here's a great tool to help you identify your finds - WHAT IS IT?

Mr. "T" takes you on a stream study!

Water water everywhere! Mr. "T" explores the life flowing in the streams and shares the importance of keeping these waterways clean and healthy. See step by step how to create your own "sampling net" from homemade materials to catch invertebrates and other cool finds!

Dr. Emily introduces WATER WATER EVERYWHERE with her animals!

Join Dr. Emily Andersen from our veterinary partner, Valley Veterinary Hospital as she shares her fabulous menagerie of animals and their unique relationship with water!

FUN FACTS ABOUT FROGS & SALAMANDERS!

• Some salamanders and frogs, especially those with bright colors, are poisonous.
• Frogs don't drink water - they soak it into their body through their skin.
• Some salamanders and frogs have tongues up to 10 times as long as their bodies.
• Some frogs' eyeballs assist them in swallowing food – they push the food down their throat by pushing down the eyeballs.
• The largest salamander in the world is the Chinese Giant Salamander. It can grow to a length of 5 feet.
• A group of frog eggs is called "frogspawn"; a group of frogs is called an "army."
• When threatened, many salamanders will perform autotomy, which is giving up a limb or tail to a predator so they can get away. Salamanders can regrow these body parts later!

Get involved with FrogWatch USA!

Bridget Cervero of the Maritime Aquarium talks to the sanctuary about FrogWatch USA. There's never been a better time to learn about frogs and how to protect our waterways!

CVH Animal Sanctuary DIY - TOAD ABODE!

How can we protect toads and keep them safe? Create a TOAD ABODE! Join the CVH Animal Sanctuary as we walk you through this fun and easy craft. When it's done, place outside and enjoy the toads who will call it home!

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