What you need for a toad crossing campaign

A toad crossing campaign needs more than buckets and volunteers. Plan for safe traffic control, visibility after dark, wet ground and quick registration at the route entrance. This shopping list covers the equipment and supplies used for route marking, volunteer shifts, refreshments, first aid and waste collection. Check what you can borrow or reserve before buying, especially tents, barriers, walkie-talkies and tables.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 3
Folding chairsqty 25
Storage cratesqty 8

Equipment

Buckets with lidsqty 20
Plastic containersqty 6
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Megaphone
Clipboardsqty 6
Measuring tapesqty 2
First aid kit
Traffic barriersqty 12
Traffic conesqty 20
Warning signsqty 8
Reflective vestsqty 25
Work glovesqty 30
Rubber bootsqty 10
Rain ponchosqty 10
Tarpaulinsqty 2

Lighting

Headlampsqty 15
Flashlightsqty 8
Battery lanternsqty 6
Spare batteriesqty 30
Reflective ribbonsqty 6

Kitchen

Thermos dispensersqty 3
Coolersqty 3

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 40
Reusable mugsqty 30
Reusable platesqty 30
Reusable cutleryqty 30

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Hand soap dispensersqty 2
Hand sanitizer dispensersqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Cocoa powder - 1 pack
- Granulated sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Still mineral water - 6 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Cola - 2 bottles
- Cola Zero - 2 bottles
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Sandwiches - 40 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 3 loaves
- Unsalted butter - 2 packs
- Young cheese - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Vegetarian spreads - 4 tubs
- Cucumbers - 4 pieces
- Tomatoes - 1 kilo
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 20 pieces
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Muesli bars - 30 pieces
- Paprika chips - 3 bags
- Plain chips - 3 bags
- Salted crackers - 4 packs
- Whole grain cookies - 4 packs
- Vegetable soup - 5 liters
- Soup sticks - 3 packs
- Ice cubes - 4 bags
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Napkins - 3 packs
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 2 bottles
- Hand sanitizer gel - 2 bottles

Tips

Plan one reflective vest, pair of work gloves and pair of rubber boots for every volunteer working beside the road. Keep a few extra sets available for replacements or unexpected helpers.
For a route used after sunset, provide a headlamp or flashlight for each active worker, plus spare batteries and battery lanterns at the registration point and any dark bottleneck.
Use lidded buckets and plastic containers for collecting toads safely. Prepare enough containers for the busiest section of the route, and label them before volunteers arrive.
Set up a drinks and snack point with thermos dispensers, coolers, reusable cups or mugs, and reusable plates and cutlery. Put hand soap dispensers and waste bins beside the serving area, not in a separate room.
Pack the control equipment together: walkie-talkies, a megaphone, clipboards, route maps, measuring tapes, a first aid kit, warning signs, traffic cones and reflective ribbons. Charge the radios at least one day before the campaign.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a toad crossing campaign?: You need collection buckets with lids, plastic containers, traffic barriers, cones, warning signs, reflective vests, gloves, boots and route-marking supplies. Add walkie-talkies, a megaphone, clipboards, measuring tapes and a first aid kit for coordination and safety.
How many reflective vests and pairs of gloves should I buy?: Provide one vest and one pair of gloves for every volunteer assigned to a road or crossing point. Add at least 10% extra, so a team of 20 needs 22 sets.
What lighting is needed for a toad crossing at night?: Give each active volunteer one headlamp or flashlight and keep spare batteries on hand. Place battery lanterns at registration and dark sections of the route, and mark the route with reflective ribbons.
When should I prepare the supplies for the campaign?: Check and reserve bulky equipment at least 2 weeks ahead, especially tents, tables, chairs, barriers and radios. Shop for consumables and check all equipment 1 to 2 days before the event.

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