POTSDAM -- The Adirondack All-Taxa Biodiversity Inventory offers family-friendly workshops exploring amphibious animals of New York, led by Dr. Glenn Johnson, chair of the Department of Biology at SUNY Potsdam.

Workshops will be held in Paul Smiths and Potsdam.

The first workshop is at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 29 at Paul Smith's College.

A second workshop is at SUNY Potsdam from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 31 in Stowell 211.

Participants will learn how to identify amphibians, where to find them, and the information that can be collected to aid in their conservation.

There are 32 species of amphibians in New York that are in population decline and can use the community's help. Issues such as habitat destruction, invasive species and disease, climate change and road mortality have lead to the decline of many species. One of the best ways to help in conserving these animals is to learn more about where they are currently found, and the types of habitats they live in.

The workshops are a part of a new project launched by the Adirondack All-Taxa Biodiversity Inventory, aimed at bringing local people closer to amphibians in order to help conserve these animals. The group of biodiversity experts and interested citizens are based in and around the Adirondack Park. To learn more, visit www.paulsmiths.edu/ATBI/index.php.

An expert in amphibious species, SUNY Potsdam Biology Chair Glenn Johnson is one of the authors of "The Amphibians and Reptiles of New York State."

For more information about the workshops, contact Dave Patrick for details at (518) 327-6174 or at dpatrick@paulsmiths.edu.