The Western toads of Ryder Lake are on the move by the thousands.

The annual Western toad rescue at Ryder Lake, organized by the Fraser Valley Conservancy (FVC), began Friday, but this year volunteers didn't get as close to the action as they had in past years.

To aid them on the journey that sees thousands killed by vehicles, the FVC organized a toad crossing for the last two years where volunteers of all ages helped the little amphibians by picking them up, putting them in buckets and placing them across the road.

This year the city agreed to temporary road closures to clear the way for the toads to cross on their own without human interference. Picking up the toadlets and dropping them down again can stress the animals, something the FVC wanted to minimize this year.

"When volunteers picked up the toadlets, it put stress on the young animals plus the baby toads were frightened by the presence of volunteers. So we are hoping to avoid that situation this year," said FVC executive director Lisa Fox.

On Friday morning, volunteers were at barricades to give information and directions around the closed roads.

The road closures do have a positive effect, but are only a short-term solution according to the FVC. Long-term solutions may include signs, smaller duration road closures, specialized amphibian tunnels, fencing and an increased community awareness and cautious use of roads.

To raise money for the program, the FVC have created the Toonie for a Toad program. For 12 toonies (a monthly donation of $2) donors receive a year's membership to the FVC and three editions of the newsletter.

On Tuesday, one last road closure was planned from 8 a.m. to noon and from 5 to 10 p.m. in the evening.

For more information on this program and to keep track of the toad migration, visit the FVC's website at www.fraservalleyconservancy.ca.