Finally, the days are warm and rainy. This was the trigger for the annual spring migration of many local amphibians. Creeping out of their winter hibernation in the woods, these protected species are driven by instinct to seek out their spawning grounds. With their natural habitat fragmented because of our streets and roads, millions of animals are run over by vehicles every year in Germany. Nature conservation organisations, including the Heinz Sielmann Foundation, set up fencing each year to protect migrating amphibians from a certain death. But looking after the toad protection fences requires the help of volunteers. What a perfect task for the students in Grade 5, who happen to be studying amphibians in biology class. 

Lavinia, Luisa, Pixie, Nefeli and Helena described their day’s work at the pond as follows:

“We pupils in Grade 5 travelled on March 16, 2022, with our science teacher Mrs. Peters and our class teacher Mrs. Laur to the toad fence near the Heinz Sielmann Pond. First, we divided up into two groups. Then Mr. Reuter, our Geography teacher, joined us, too. Each group was given an iPad to make photos with.

On this one day we rescued 96 toads! We also found a newt and a grass frog. We learned why the toads always migrate at this time of year. In springtime, when they are ready to mate and reproduce, the male toads croak very loudly to impress the females. Once we had gathered the toads in our buckets, we crossed over to the pond to release all the frogs and the newt. When we got back into our bus, we even received a small reward. And so, we had a happy return ride to Salem Castle.”

Nina Peters