The Frog Lady of Edmonds
Slimy and yucky, is that how you think of amphibians? Unlike adults, most kids are entranced with frogs and toads. In fact, one of the early science units in school is the amazing process of the lowly tadpole becoming a big, glorious green frog. Thank goodness for the “Frog Lady of Edmonds” who visits classrooms with her menagerie of small animals. Not only is it a chance for the kids to gently touch these creatures, but also to learn about their life cycle and habitat. And if lessons of safety, conservation and recycling are also included, well, it’s a win/win for all.
Thayer Cueter was a “frog girl” long before she became the famous Frog Lady of Edmonds. Like most youngsters, she began catching and releasing tadpoles and small frogs. And finding an injured or sick small animal presented an even greater challenge. But that wasn’t enough; she pursued a career in herpetology, and ultimately became a licensed veterinary technician.
Thayer was worried about conserving the wetlands for her beloved frogs and helping to protect the species from the endangered list. Today, she is still catching, doctoring and releasing frogs, toads and turtles back into the environment.
Founded by Cueter, the Just Frogs, Toads Too Amphibian Center in Edmonds began as a rescue and rehabilitation clinic. But along the way Cueter discovered that she really enjoyed spreading her knowledge of frogs to curious youngsters; of course she had accumulated many charming little –and not so little – green friends by now. With its vast array of various sized terrariums, the Center became a real learning site.
It wasn’t long before the Edmonds School District recognized this local treasure, and Cueter has never looked back. She became a regular on field trips and often brought her special friends to the classroom, for a hands-on lesson. As The Frog Lady, Cueter is a popular favorite at the Taste of Edmonds and the annual Seafair too. Just follow the children to her setup, with exhibits and displays of frogs, toads and even turtles in their natural mini-habitats.
A natural progression for Cueter and her enthusiastic pursuit to enrich the life of children and frogs was the development of the nonprofit status for Just Frogs, Toads Too Foundation. In 2008 the small board of directors and a staff of eager volunteers formulated a mission statement that announced their active role in protecting amphibians and educating the public in herpetology.
Becoming a nonprofit is not a step to be taken lightly. There are certain criteria which must be met. In addition to a clear and concise mission statement, the facility must have strategies in place to make this happen.
So, what does the nonprofit Just Frogs, Toads Too Foundation offer the community? Quite a lot actually. The outreach program alone is highly effective in accomplishing educational programs for adults as well as children. When Cueter visits a classroom, she brings along teaching materials that are colorful, factual and easy to understand. Children can get all their questions answered and learn what frogs eat, where they live, and their complete life cycle.
The adult programs, often offered through city Parks and Recreation departments, consist of lectures and workshops that emphasize the shrinking habitat of these special creatures. And FROG USA is a volunteer organization that monitors and tracks specific species of frogs and toads.
For families in our community, there is a chance to learn proper care of frogs, toads and turtles as pets, before adoption. Rehabilitation techniques for injured animals are stressed in the search for temporary rescue homes.
To this end, the Amphibian Center at 300 Admiral Way, Edmonds Pier, has become a mini-museum. Displays outside on the patio lead into the adjoining shop with all things “froggy.” Floor-to-ceiling space is dedicated to the care and feeding of amphibians. The animal enclosures are down low, just right for the kids to get a good, close look. Every surface shows us decorations, gifts, even jewelry with a frog theme. Believe me, you will never see frogs and toads the same way again.
The smooth, continual running of the Amphibian Center really rests with the support of the community. Donations, sponsorships and purchases in the small shop keep the Frog Lady happily hopping! Cueter can also put together gift baskets to surprise your interested friends. How about a frog-themed birthday party? (For the child, not the frog!) This might include balloon animals, favors and perhaps a simple craft project.
A vital part of the Amphibian Center, of course, are the volunteers, young and old, who have a special spot in their hearts for all things froggy. You will find them in the shop feeding and watering the creatures on display and knowledgeable on all amphibians in their care.
A victim of her own success, Cueter is looking for a larger facility to house these delightful creatures. The City of Edmonds is stepping up to this challenge, and we wait to see what happens next. Just listen for sounds like “kreebitt, kreebitt” and hop on the trail, to find Just Frogs, Toads Too.
For information on hours of operation and booking a party, visit: Justfrogs.com or email Justfrogs@gmail.com.
