Monthly Program: The Houston Toad Recovery Program: A Brief History and Current Outlook

Before its distinctive nighttime call nearly disappeared from the Texas landscape, the Houston toad was a familiar part of the state's native wildlife. Today, this endangered amphibian depends on the dedication of conservationists working to restore wild populations. Join us for an inside look at the Houston Toad Recovery Program at the Houston Zoo as we explore the species' natural history, the factors behind its decline, and the innovative conservation efforts giving it a second chance. You'll learn about captive breeding, reintroduction into the wild, the challenges and successes of recovery work, and discover how individuals can play a role in protecting one of Texas's rarest amphibians.

Chris Valdez has spent more than a decade caring for reptiles and amphibians as a Zookeeper III in the Herpetology Department at the Houston Zoo. A Houston native who grew up in Sugar Land, Chris developed a passion for Texas wildlife that led him to earn a degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from Texas A&M University in 2011. Since 2023, he has focused exclusively on the Houston Toad Recovery Program, where he helps breed, rear, and prepare endangered Houston toads for release into their native habitat. Chris is excited to share the remarkable story of this unique Texas species and the collaborative conservation efforts working to ensure its future.

Coastal Prairie Chapter programs are free and open to the public. This program will be held in-person at the Rosenberg Civic Center, 3825 TX-36, Rosenberg, TX 77471 Please plan to arrive at 6:00 pm for refreshments and social time. The program starts at 7pm.

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