It's Spring. The temperature's rising. And a young toad's fancy turns to ... other young toads.
On Port Royal Avenue in Philadelphia that means folks are shutting down the street again so that thousands of the little critters can safely get across the road to the Roxborough reservoir — where, as CBSPhilly.com delicately puts it, the toads "consummate their relationship."
The organizers of this "Toad Detour" are quite organized. There's a website, complete with a code of conduct for volunteers:
The Toad Code
The Toad Detour is a peaceful family event. All volunteers must follow these guidelines. If not, the Shift Manager will ask you to leave or call the police.
1. No profanity, vulgar gestures, confrontational or dangerous behavior.
2. No consumption of alcohol before or during the Detour.
3. No violence or harassment of drivers or other volunteers.
4. Be respectful towards neighbors and their property at all times.
5. All drivers going to the Church, Wildlife Center, and homes on Port Royal are permitted to drive through the barricade at Summit and Eva Street.
6. Only emergency vehicles are permitted to drive through the barricade at Port Royal and Hagys Mill.
7. All volunteers must work in pairs. No volunteer can be alone at the Detour.
8. At least one of two volunteers stationed at each barricade must have a cell phone.
9. Should anyone harass a volunteer or drive through the barricade without permission, volunteers must call the police.
10. Signs alerting drivers that roads are closed, but open to the Church and Wildlife Center on Eva, must be placed in the appropriate locations whenever the barricades are active. The Shift Manager has a map of the sign locations.
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