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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 7, 2022)
Page 8 September 07, 2022 Arts & ENTERTAINMENT Endangered Frogs Hop Back into Wild Froglets raised in Oregon Zoo will be released back to their natural habitat More than a hundred north- ern leopard frogs reared at the Oregon Zoo are hopping back into the wild this month, thanks to a collaborative effort to save one of the last remaining North- west populations of this endan- gered species The froglets, which hatched from eggs collected by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife earlier this year, spent six months growing big and strong in a protected area at the zoo before being released into the Columbia National Wildlife Ref- uge earlier this month. “We keep the eggs safe and healthy until they’re ready to hatch,” said Sara Morgan, who oversees the zoo’s frog rearing efforts. “Froglets have a much better chance at surviving in the wild on their own than eggs or tadpoles.” The recovery effort is made possible by a partnership with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington State University and Northwest Zoo-reared northern leopard frogs are released at Columbia National Wildlife Refuge (photo courtesy of Oregon Zoo) Trek Wildlife Park. Northern leopard frogs are rapidly disappearing from their native ranges in Washington, Oregon and western Canada. In Washington, where the zoo- reared froglets were released, the species has been listed as endan- gered since 1999 and only one known population remains. Biologists attribute the frogs’ decline to a combina- tion of threats, including hab- itat loss, disease, predation by bullfrogs, pollution and climate change. By head-starting them, the zoo and its conservation partners are hoping to replenish the northern leopard frog popu- lation in the region. “Northern leopard frogs are an important indicator of water quality,” said Emily Grabowsky, WDFW biologist. “If we can im- prove and conserve wetland hab- itat that is good for frogs, we will also benefit other species ranging from other amphibians to water- fowl and deer.” Funding for the northern leopard frog reintroduction is being provided through a com- petitive state wildlife grant awarded to WDFW from USF- WS’s Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration program. Oregon Arts Commission Continued from Page 7 Long is an innovative leader and dynamic theatrical profes- sional. Her multifaceted theater career includes roles as an ac- tor, director, producer, educator, fundraiser, activist and speaker. The Black Whole is a multime- dia company focused on center- ing the Black global community through art and storytelling. It re- cently co-produced and served as a writer on the short film “You Go Girl,” selected for the Sundance Film Festival. “Roberta and Kamilah epit- omize the depth of passion and experience we need to support the arts in Oregon,” said Commission Chair Jenny Green. “Their energy, creativity and commitment to eq- uity will be invaluable in our plan- ning and service to artists, arts or- ganizations and all Oregonians.” “It is such an honor to serve on the Oregon Arts Commission be- cause they do such great work!” said Long. “This team has a repu- tation as a group of deep and em- pathetic thinkers who really focus on making funding as accessible as possible. As both an artist and Executive Director of the Pendleton Center for the Arts, Roberta Lavadour administrator, I understand both worlds and look forward to div- ing in and lending my skills and talent to support other artists and arts organizations.” Lavadour and Long begin their four-year terms immediately. The Arts Commission is sup- ported with general funds appro- priated by the Oregon legislature and with federal funds from the National Endowment for the Arts as well as funds from the Oregon Cultural Trust. More information about the Oregon Arts Commis- sion is available online at: www. oregonartscommission.org.
