The Pennsylvania Woodland Herpetological Society offers many educational opportunities for the entire community. The work of dedicated individuals brings the natural beauty of the amazing world of reptiles and amphibians to life. Through education of the many reptiles and amphibians that call our planet home, the P.W.H.S. strives to deliver the message of conservation and better the public understanding of these often misunderstood animals. From annual field studies conducting research in Pennsylvania and surrounding states, to captive care information for private individuals caring for reptiles and amphibians, to a variety of public workshops and events, the P.W.H.S. serves the community as a regional educational resource center.
The P.W.H.S. currently offers several educational workshops and programs, provided by several individual volunteers. Here are a few of the educational programs The Pennsylvania Woodland Herpetological Society is currently offering:
Click on a link below for more information:
Reptiles & Amphibians Of Pennsylvania
Indicator Species: Reptiles, Amphibians, & The Environment
Pennsylvania Wilderness: People & Venomous Snakes
P.W.H.S. Herpetological Study Course
A great educational presentation for all ages. Presented by John Mendrola and The Pennsylvania Woodland Herpetological Society Board Of Directors, this 30-40 minute long presentation looks at several species of native reptiles and amphibians that call the Pennsylvania wilderness home. The Reptiles & Amphibians Of Pennsylvania presentation looks at several aspects of what makes a reptile a reptile, how reptiles and amphibians are different, and the environments impact on the animals as well as their impact on the environment. Many different reptile and amphibian behaviors are covered, from finding and catching prey, to reproduction, and thermal-regulation of cold-blooded reptiles. The Pennsylvania Woodland Herpetological Societies Reptiles & Amphibians Of Pennsylvania is truly a great educational opportunity for the entire family. Handouts and information are provided, and live examples of several of Pennsylvania’s native reptile and amphibians species will be present. This program includes a Q&A section at the end, in which attendants can have their questions answered. This presentation is a free educational program provided by the P.W.H.S. on regularly scheduled dates, at scheduled locations. The P.W.H.S. also offers this program for birthday parties, and other venues, at individual request for a presentation fee (contact paherpsociety@yahoo.com for rates and information).
Look for dates and location details for this program on the P.W.H.S. Events Calendar
An in depth look at the environments impact of native reptiles and amphibians, and way in which human activity affects these animals. Topics such as how pollution of the air and waterways affects the health of the environment as a whole, and how Pennsylvania’s reptiles and amphibians are affected. Information is provided on how to limit any negative influence on the environment we pose, and information on ways we can help protect these animals from human and environmental factors for future generations. Handouts and information are provided, and a few live examples of Pennsylvania’s native reptile and amphibian "indicator species" will be present. This program includes a Q&A section at the end, in which attendants can have their questions answered. This presentation is a free educational program provided by the P.W.H.S. on regularly scheduled dates, at scheduled locations. The P.W.H.S. also offers this program for birthday parties, and other venues, at individual request for a presentation fee (contact paherpsociety@yahoo.com for rates and information). Look for dates and location details for this program on the P.W.H.S. Events Calendar
A great resource for all ages, this 30-40 minutes presentation takes an in depth look at how to admire these spectacular creatures from a distance, the "do's and don’ts" of snake bite first aid, and how to stay safe when outdoors. Topics such as how venom works, and the life cycles and natural behaviors of Pennsylvania’s venomous snakes will be covered in the program, as well as live examples of Pennsylvania's venomous snakes present. Safety information will be provided, complete with bite protocols, and information how to stay safe when outdoors will be provided. This presentation is hosted by P.W.H.S. President, John Mendrola, who has had a fascination and deep rooted passion for venomous snakes since he was 5 years old. The presentation is an entertaining and informative program for the entire family. This program includes a Q&A section at the end, in which attendants can have their questions answered. This presentation is a free educational program provided by the P.W.H.S. on regularly scheduled dates, at scheduled locations. The P.W.H.S. also offers this program for birthday parties, and other venues, at individual request for a presentation fee (contact paherpsociety@yahoo.com for rates and information).
* Note: Live examples of venomous snakes will be present, and may be handled or moved for demonstration purposes during this program. Unless being handled by a qualified P.W.H.S. members, these animals will be securely contained in appropriate caging for public viewing otherwise. (This can be excluded for private venues, such as parties at the venue holders discretion).
Look for dates and location details for this program on the P.W.H.S. Events Calendar
A look into "what herpetology is all about", observation! This 30-40 minute presentation delves into information about Pennsylvania Woodland Herpetological field and captive studies conducted throughout the year, as well as provides information about the annual Timber Rattlesnake population studies conducted in PA, and the basics of herpetological observation. Learn how every herp enthusiast is a herpetologist, and the fundamentals of filed survey work, and observation. Receive information on the conservation efforts in place, to protect PA's native reptile and amphibian populations for future generations. This program includes a Q&A section at the end, in which attendants can have their questions answered. This presentation is a free educational program provided by the P.W.H.S. on regularly scheduled dates, at scheduled locations. The P.W.H.S. also offers this program for birthday parties, and other venues, at individual request for a presentation fee (contact paherpsociety@yahoo.com for rates and information).
Look for dates and location details for this program on the P.W.H.S. Events Calendar
The P.W.H.S.'s "Crowning Achievement", proposal educational course. The P.W.H.S. Herpetological Study course is a monthly-bimonthly interactive study group geared toward the scientific method, and basics of herpetological study and research. New topics are covered in every meeting, and new perspectives of study covered. This comprehensive course requires only that attendees be free-registered P.W.H.S. members. This course provides different live examples of not only Pennsylvania native reptiles and amphibians, but a plethora of reptile and amphibian species from all over the globe. Various topics are covered in this course, each topic variously differing with each meeting. A great resource for the family, or specifically those considering a career in biological sciences, herpetology, or environmental sciences. This program includes a Q&A section at the end, in which attendants can have their questions answered. This presentation is a free educational program provided by the P.W.H.S. on regularly scheduled dates, at scheduled locations. The P.W.H.S. also offers this program for birthday parties, and other venues, at individual request for a presentation fee (contact paherpsociety@yahoo.com for rates and information). * Note: Live examples of venomous snakes will be present, and may be handled or moved for demonstration purposes during this program. Unless being handled by a qualified P.W.H.S. members, these animals will be securely contained in appropriate caging for public viewing otherwise. (This can be excluded for private venues, such as parties at the venue holders discretion). Look for dates and location details for this program on the P.W.H.S. Events Calendar