Back in biblical times with Moses and the Pharaohs of Egypt, frogs were often considered a nuisance or a plague to society.

To some people, frogs were just a childhood curiosity. To others, frogs were cute, but slimy, animals in which they developed an interest.

Today, environmental scientists are examining and observing frogs, and they are finding that frogs may be environmental indicators. But how do the scientists let the general public know of the crisis that is taking place? That's why Animal Interactive Design Group (AIDG), which has an office in Southern Pines, and Penick Village, located on Rhode Island Avenue extension, Southern Pines, teamed up together to educate the public this summer.

"We create exhibits for zoos and aquariums," says Greg Dye, co-owner of ADIG. "We focus on animals that are facing a conservation issue, such as penguins, crocodiles, and now frogs. These frogs, in the wild, are in a global crisis."

ADIG hopes to raise the public's awareness with this exhibit.

"We wanted a chance to see how the public would respond to this exhibit," says Dye.

Dye's brother, Aaron, is the director of lifestyle enrichment at Penick Village, and Jeff Hutchins, Penick's CEO, is a friend

"I've always been struck by the mission of Penick Village," says Dye. "I talked with Aaron about the possibility of premiering the exhibit there. He thought the residents would enjoy it."

Dye says he has been pleased with the response from the residents and their families.

"They were honest in their feedback," he says. "There was a lot of stuff we hadn't considered."

Dye says he has enjoyed hearing stories from the residents about their childhood experiences with frogs.

"Many of them tell of hours spent walking in the woods, looking for frogs," he says. "It was very poignant, because it shows how far from nature today's children have become."

There are five frog exhibits, along with educational graphics, to inform the residents and guests about frogs and their role in the environment.

"Not since the dinosaurs has one taxon been threatened with extinction in such a short amount of time," says Dye.

The frogs on display include the Yellow-banded Dart Frog, American Bull Frog, White's Tree Frog, Fire-bellied Toads, and the Mossy Tree Frog. All the frogs currently housed at Penick Village will be heading out to the Oregon Zoo in Portland, Ore., and from there, a tour of the country.

Dye says that some local schools are planning to bring their students to see the exhibit.

"Penick Village is excited about this opportunity for the residents," says Jeff Hutchins. "We believe that this type of activity can really enrich the lives of everyone in the Penick Village family. AIDG and Penick Village have like-minded goals -- to honor and respect the sanctity of life. We are honored to host this wonderful exhibit for Moore County and Southern Pines residents."

Penick Village hosted a "Fabulous Frog Celebration" Tuesday, Aug. 18, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., showcasing these exhibits in the breezeway of the North Building.

A "green-themed" event took place, featuring a welcome from Jeff Hutchins, CEO of Penick Village, followed by an educational presentation on the frog exhibits by Greg Dye.

A cake with a frog photograph, along with a "swamp juice" punch, completed the event.

For more information about visiting the frog exhibit, which may be viewed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Friday, Aug. 29, in the lobby of the North Building, contact Aaron Dye, director of lifestyle enrichment at (910) 692-0344. Penick Village is the Episcopal retirement community of the Diocese of North Carolina. ?