During a recent visit to the Blue Star Memorial Garden at the Crofton Community Library, Project Chair Littany Hollerbach discovered a North American toad nestled among the plantings. These familiar amphibians are valuable garden companions, helping control insect populations by snacking on ants, moths, beetles, and other small pests. North American toads prefer moist, shaded environments and are often found in gardens, woodlands, and near water sources. With their bumpy skin and camouflaged coloring, they blend so well into their surroundings that they can be tricky to spot. Take a close look at the photo—can you find the toad hiding in the garden? Its presence is a wonderful reminder that even small garden spaces can provide an important home for local wildlife.