Volunteers Build Wetlands for Threatened Arizona Frogs

Christine Jenkins drove all the way from Phoenix wearing a hat printed with a Chiricahua leopard frog, ready to get her hands dirty for a species most people have never heard of.

On May 8, 2026, she joined dozens of volunteers near Eager, Arizona, to do something remarkable: build homes for threatened frogs. The group spent the day transforming dry, forgotten ponds into thriving wetlands where Chiricahua leopard frogs can breed and survive.

Becca Cozad moved heavy rocks to create inlets where water could flow into the restored wetland. Others cleared brush and trash from dried-up pond beds that had been neglected for years.

Wetland expert Thomas Biebighauser guided the volunteers, carefully measuring pond depths to ensure they'd meet the frogs' needs. These aren't just any frogs—Chiricahua leopard frogs are a threatened species that have lost much of their natural habitat across the Southwest.

The volunteers rebuilt multiple wetland sites in a single day. Each restored pond creates crucial breeding habitat for frogs that have been pushed to the edges of survival by drought, disease, and habitat loss.

The Ripple Effect

When volunteers restore wetlands for one species, entire ecosystems benefit. These new ponds will provide water and habitat for birds, insects, and other wildlife struggling in Arizona's arid landscape.

The project shows how ordinary people can make extraordinary environmental impacts. No special skills were required—just willing hands and hearts committed to protecting vulnerable species.

Christine's frog-printed hat wasn't just a fashion statement. It represented something deeper: people who care enough to show up, get dirty, and build a future for creatures who can't advocate for themselves.

These restored wetlands will ripple with frog calls for generations to come.