Maryland Amphibian and Reptile Atlas (MARA) Project
The Maryland Amphibian and Reptile Atlas (MARA) is a five-year, joint project of the Natural History Society of Maryland and Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
We need YOUR help!
Volunteers are needed to document the statewide distribution of Maryland’s amphibians and reptiles.
The goal of the MARA project is to document the current distributions of Maryland’s amphibian and reptile species using a systematic and repeatable approach. The Atlas will establish a baseline for future efforts to determine changes in the distribution of amphibians and reptiles in Maryland. The information gained through your volunteer effort will be used to promote the conservation and protection of Maryland’s 90+ species of frogs, toads, salamanders, turtles, lizards, and snakes. Understanding the current distribution patterns of amphibians and reptiles within the state is needed to create effective conservation strategies.
Submit any amphibian & reptile sightings!
If you see a turtle crossing the road, snap a photo, write down the location and email it to us (gro.erutandnalyramnull@mahgninnuch). Going on a hike through a park? Take along a MARA datasheet and record the species you see along the way. Keep a MARA datasheet handy in your house and whenever you have a treefrog visit your window take a photo and mark it down.
All observations – visual (including remains & roadkills) and audio are counted. All sightings including incidental and those generated from active searches are included in the Atlas.
Connect with MARA on facebook and follow the amphibian study updates and news.