About Frog Day
Mission Statement
American Frog Day: Is an annual event focused on assisting scientific study and captive maintenance of Dendrobatid frogs and other amphibians through the exchange of knowledge, and the promotion of captive breeding and husbandry of these remarkable frogs (and other amphibians).
History
In 1995, Charles "Chuck" Powell and his family created and hosted the very first Frog Day in San Jose, California. Chuck and his family hosted the event for 10 years in a row, and then decided it was time for the event to travel! American Frog Day (AFD) currently moves to a different city each year where it is hosted by a local sponsor.Those ten years in San Jose allowed for the first time people from around the country to gather together and share their passion for Dendrobatid frogs. Many times meeting each other for the first time in person. Buying and selling Dart Frogs and related supplies was not the only reason enthusiasts attended. The event also allowed attendees the opportunity to discuss and exchange ideas, practical advise, and to learn more on many aspects of Dendrobatid and amphibian husbandry. Those days spent at the San Jose Frog Days have become special memories for many people.
The tradition continued at the 11th American Frog Day (AFD) held at the Atlanta Botanical Garden in 2005. That year Chuck Powell was presented with several items of appreciation, from a grateful Dart Frog Community, for his decade of service. The 11th AFD was hosted by Ron Gagliardo and the Atlanta Botanical Garden and was a huge success. Over $5,000 was raised for non-profit amphibian conservation efforts at the Garden. Some of the leading Dart Frog breeders in America were in attendence and Dr. Klaus Busse from Germany presented on the Natural History and Conservation of Darwin's frog (Rhindoderma darwinii). His presentation was only one of many great ones that contributed to an incredible weekend. Ron and all those who supported him and the event did an outstanding job, and deserve many thanks.
Today American Frog Day has become an annual tradition that each year many people look forward to. Something that would not be possible if not for Chuck's devotion, motivation and passion for Dart Frogs. Thanks again Chuck!
Although Chuck has been enjoying a few years of rest, he is again hosting AFD, this year in Fremont, California. Anyone interested in hosting future American Frog Day in there home city can contact Chuck at powell2@sbcglobal.net
(GJS, 2005, modified CPII, 2009)
Past dates and locations of American Frog Day
2009, March 14th, Mesa, AZ (AZDR.com, Amanda & Greg Sihler)
2008 "Year of the Frog"
2007, October 13th (Matthew Mirabello, Staten Island, NY)
2006, March 18th, Mesa, AZ (AZDR.com, Amanda & Greg Sihler)
2005, October 15 & 16th, Atlanta, GA (ABG - Ron Gagliardo)
2004, May 29th, San Jose, CA (10th Anniversary)
2003, May 24th, San Jose, CA
2002, May 25th, San Jose, CA
2001, May 26th, San Jose, CA
2000, May 27th, San Jose, CA
1999, May 29th, San Jose, CA
1998, September 5th, San Jose, CA
1997, September 6th, San Jose, CA
1996, September 7th, San Jose, CA
1995, August 26th, San Jose, CA (The first Dart Frog oriented national show)