Every winter, the amphibians of northwest Portland enter a real-life game of Frogger. Most drivers on U.S. Route 30 never notice the small, slimy critters leaping across the asphalt on rainy nights. But for northern red-legged frogs, the stakes are high—reach the water to lay their eggs, or die trying.

In response to their plight, biologists are using innovative solutions to help frogs and other vulnerable wildlife cross roads. With the help of buckets and bulldozers, over a decade of conservation efforts have inspired a growing community of amphibian enthusiasts in Portland. In the summer of 2024, they broke ground on their biggest venture yet: a tunnel for frogs beneath Route 30. 

Less than two years later, the project is shaping up to be an early success story. Along the way, scientists are using specialized technology to document northern red-legged frog behavior and develop strategies to protect this common, yet cryptic species. 

Join us to learn about the challenges our amphibian neighbors face and how we can help overcome them, while gaining a glimpse into the fascinating lives of frogs. 

Alyson Yates is a graduate student in the School of Earth, Environment and Society at PSU and a freelance photojournalist. Led by a motivation to conserve lesser-known and misunderstood wildlife, she has embarked on adventures around the world to bridge science and storytelling. Her work has been featured by National Wildlife Magazine, Bats Magazine, Merlin Tuttle’s Bat Conservation, OSU, and other media outlets.