Wood Frogs Are Back at Schiff's Nature Preserve

The wood frogs (Rana sylvatica) are back at the pond in Schiff’s Native Plant Garden.

There must be at least 15 in the pond right now, and countless frog eggs.

The wood frog can tolerate colder temperatures than other frogs, making them one of the first to appear. This is all possible thanks to their internal antifreeze, more formally known as cryoprotectants, that lessen the damage from freezing and enable them to overwinter closer to the surface.

Wood frogs breed this time of year typically in ephemeral ponds — or those that spring up only for a brief time, then dry up — because they afford protection from predators. However, Schiff’s pond in the Native Plant Garden lacks predators, making it a great spot for tadpoles. This video showcases their calls, which can be heard throughout the day. They are quite noisy, sounding almost like ducks.

About Schiff Nature Preserve

Schiff Nature Preserve is the largest privately-owned nature preserve in Morris County, New Jersey. While the preserve is 430 acres, the Schiff Natural Lands Trust owns and manages nearly 700 acres in Mendham Boro and Mendham Township.