The Nature Museum and Bull Creek Common Lands is thrilled to be hosting longtime herpetologist & wildlife biologist, Jim Andrews, founder of the The Vermont Reptile & Amphibian Atlas. Spend the day with a local expert and learn about the turtles, frogs, toads, snakes and salamanders who live in our region. Learn to observe their habitats, sounds, and life cycles and the many ways we can support the species who live here in Southern Vermont.
This is a two-part event.
Saturday, August 3rd
Presentation 10:30AM - 12:00PM — Grafton Inn
In-field workshop: 12:30PM - 3:00PM — The Nature Museum
For the morning presentation, Jim will introduce the range of local species and share his vast knowledge of all things amphibians and reptiles of Vermont.
Afternoon workshop: Following the morning presentation, we’ll regroup a short walk away at the Nature Museum. From there, we’ll head out into the field to investigate a diversity of nearby habitats to continue learning more about local herptiles, hopefully locate some specimens, and discover how we can help them survive & thrive in our own backyards. This workshop will happen rain or shine. Please be prepared for off-trail hiking, moderate hiking, and being away from facilities for the entirety of this workshop.
Sliding scale registration
Presenter Bio:
James S. Andrews graduated from UVM with a BS in Environmental Studies and later received his master’s degree in Biology from Middlebury College. He has been working full-time as a herpetologist/wildlife biologist in Vermont since 1990. He has worked closely with state, federal, and private agencies; and individuals on herptile conservation throughout Vermont.
He currently serves as chair of the Reptile and Amphibian Scientific Advisory Group to the Vermont Endangered Species Committee. He also coordinates the Vermont Reptile and Amphibian Atlas and is a research and teaching associate with Vermont Family Forests in Bristol, Vt. In addition, he teaches courses on Vermont reptiles, amphibians, trees, and birds at various institutions. He also runs herpetological research and education projects and provides independent consulting and herpetological surveys.
Jim is a founding member of the Salisbury Conservation Commission and has been compiler and organizer of the Middlebury Christmas Bird Count since its inception. In addition, Jim has been working with the Vermont Agency of Transportation to help minimize the impacts of transportation infrastructure and traffic on wildlife. Conservation of Vermont's wildlife and wildlife habitat through education, field experience, and science is a common theme throughout his activities.