Our water-rich environment is a natural home to garden-friendly amphibians and reptiles — and some of them even sing. Every February in Skagit County a well-recognized chorus of deafening kreek-eecking begins the call for spring: The tree frogs are ready for love!

Amphibians such as frogs and salamanders, along with reptiles such as garter snakes and turtles, are among the best eco-sensitive garden helpers around. They have voracious appetites for the very things we gardeners battle: slugs, beetles, ants and flying insects of all types. And, just as we can encourage birds to visit by planting native fruits and berries, there are easy ways to make our gardens more hospitable to these pest-eating allies.

THE AMPHIBIANS

Pacific Tree (Chorus) Frogs

The most common frog of the Pacific Northwest, the Pacific Treefrog (Hyla regilla), creates a chorus of sound when males join together kreek-eecking their mating call in late winter. Listen for their love song in mid-February, just in time for Valentine’s Day.

This 1- to 2-inch frog is a voracious insect eater. While treefrogs are often bright green, don’t be surprised when you see brown, speckled or other variants. Also, treefrogs have the ability to change color to protect themselves, believed to be triggered by light levels, rather than the color of the leaf or ground they are near.

Pacific Treefrogs are a very important “keystone” species, meaning that many other wild creatures prey on this species for survival. They are also Washington state’s official frog.

Pacific Treefrogs need ponds during the mating season, but often roam a sizeable distance (perhaps 300 yards) once that phase of their life is completed. They are actually more commonly seen on the ground than in trees.

No matter what their color, you can recognize them by their sticky toe pads and the dark stripe that runs from the nostril, through the eye and past the ear. No other frog in Skagit County has these traits.

Western Toad

While frogs have smooth moist skin, toads are known for their dry, bumpy appearance. Look for the Western Toad (Anaxyrus (formerly Bufo) boreas) in meadows or marshy areas of your garden. The Western Toad is medium sized, as toads go, 2 to 5 inches at maturity.

These toads, like other amphibians, can be encouraged by offering them places to live. Add a rotting log, some stones near a small water source, or even a toad house (look in local garden stores) to your garden, if you see one of these fellows, and he may be willing to stay. Since toads live for six years or longer, once one becomes a resident, you will be able to count on his help controlling slugs and bugs.

Populations of the Western Toad are declining dramatically. They were found in Skagit County as of the last census, which was taken a few years ago. You can identify a toad by its dry, wart-covered skin and a distinct light stripe running down the middle of its back (the very small juveniles may not show a stripe).

If you are lucky enough to see one, please document the location, take a photo and send it to the state Department of Fish and Wildlife by e-mail at . Marc Hayes is a senior research scientist with the Habitat Program, and he will use this information to track the species and assist with its survival.

American Bullfrog

While habitat loss is a likely factor in the decline of Western Toads, a more severe threat is posed by another resident amphibian, the American Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana). While native to some parts of the U.S., notably the southern states, this species has been introduced here and has thrived.

The bullfrog preys on the Western Toad and the Western Pond Turtle, another now-rare Pacific Northwest species. Both of these native species have been very seriously affected by the bullfrog, to the extent that some government entities are recommending eradication in certain geographic areas.

These frogs are large (easily weighing in at a pound as adults), so they are often mistaken as toads. However, on observation you will notice their characteristic smooth frog skin, and webbing between some toes on their hind feet, neither of which are toad features.

Newts and salamanders

These shy creatures can usually be found sleeping under rocks or logs in my garden. Both of these garden-friendly amphibians eat insects, worms, tiny slugs and tadpoles.

The Long-toed Salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum) is common, and can be identified by a dull yellow to tan stripe that runs along the back of its dark grey body. The Rough-skinned Newt (Taricha granulose) is a lovely rust color with a lighter underbelly. Its skin is actually quite rough and is easily distinguishable from the shiny skin of the salamander.

THE REPTILES

Garter snakes

Garter snakes are the most common reptile in the U.S. Here in Skagit County you will probably see the Northwestern Garter Snake (Thamnophis ordinoides) or Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis). Often called garden or gardener snakes, these reptiles are hard-working assistants since they prey on a wide variety of garden pests.

Garter snakes are carnivores and will eat anything they can overcome, including slugs, insects, frogs, fish and even pesky rodents like voles and mice. Garter snakes are harmless to humans. Though they do vary enormously in background color from brown to grey to black, you can easily recognize them by their three visible stripes.

Here in the Northwest our garter snake species are frequently gregarious; in my garden I find groups sunning themselves on top of the compost pile. If one of these sleek, striped beauties surprises you in the garden, take a deep breath and wish her happy hunting.

Turtles

The Western Pond Turtle (Clemmys marmorata), once a common and widely distributed species in Washington state, is now highly threatened. If you are interested in encouraging the survival of this species, a good place to start is by exploring the Western Pond Turtle Project Web site at http://www.pondturtle.com/ptproj.html.

Kathleen Olson is a Washington State University/Skagit County certified Master Gardener. Questions may be submitted to the WSU Extension Office, 11768 Westar Lane, Suite A, Burlington, WA 98233. 360-428-4270.