The Western toads of Ryder Lake are on the move.

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

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

To aid them on the journey that sees many killed by vehicles, the FVC has organized a toad crossing for a number of years where volunteers of all ages physically helped the little amphibians 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, putting them in buckets and dropping them on the other side can stress the animals so volunteers are manning road closure barriers.

The road closures 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.

There are booths with fun family things to do set up on Huston Road.

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.

For more information visit www.fraservalleyconservancy.ca.

phenderson@chilliwacktimes.com