Critter Crawl: Turtles & Snakes

Join us at Horn Farm for an adventure into herpetology -the scientific study of reptiles and amphibians. Venture into the woods as we go "herping" - an exciting outdoor exploration to sight slithering and plodding animals. You'll be turning over fallen logs, looking under rocks, and sticking your hands in the mud to uncover some of nature's most fascinating creatures. 

Class will begin with a short presentation on safety protocols, ethical handling practices, a background on these reptiles and their habitats, and local turtle and snake ID techniques. Then, we will embark on a “critter crawl” around Horn Farm, where we'll venture off paths and into wet or muddy areas to discover these unique vertebrates.

The class is scheduled to optimize the likelihood of engaging encounters, however, spotting turtles and snakes is not guaranteed. Because herps are moving, living creatures, the success of our excursion may vary depending on weather conditions, seasonal variations, location, time, and pure luck. Despite this, the dynamic nature of wildlife ensures that there will always be interesting things (outside of reptiles and amphibians) to discover under logs and rocks, in creeks and vernal pools, and the rich tapestry of biodiversity at the farm will be sure to spark informative conversation regardless of what creatures we encounter.

We invite participants of all ages to join us on our herping adventure – from young tadpoles to old tortoises. We do ask, however, that children under 12 be accompanied by an adult and suggest that children under 3 may not be well suited for these activities.

Come equipped with a spirit of inquiry, a respect for the small, and a willingness to get your hands dirty, and you might be surprised at the multitude of life you can find right under your feet. We recommend that you bring: 

● waterproof boots 
● brightly-colored outdoorsy clothes 
● a head covering (for ticks) 
● long pants and socks, on the thicker side 
● a raincoat or poncho (the class will move forward rain or shine) 

Join us for an exploration into the exciting world of turtles and snakes where each step reveals new wonders waiting to be discovered. Happy herping- we hope to see you there! 

About the Instructor: Tina Moore

Tina Moore (they/them) is a 5 year long herping hobbyist who studied
ecology and environmental education in college. They love all things creepy and crawly, but they have a
particular fondness for salamanders. They spent two and a half years volunteering at the
Hitchcock Environmental Center in Amherst, Massachusetts, where they assisted with set-up for
the spring salamander migration (a.k.a Big Night). They are concerned about the severe
decrease in amphibian population due to climate change and the continued commercial
destruction of wetland habitats, and they hope to nurture in all people a respect for and
connection to both the land itself and every person, animal, plant, fungus, etc. that calls it home.

Program Notes:

This class will take place outdoors. Please check the weather in advance and dress accordingly. Be prepared for walking on uneven terrain and potentially muddy conditions. 

All programs are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances including inclement weather. Participants will receive an email in the days preceding the program for any changes or cancellations. You can review our current Cancellation and Refund Policy here. 

Parking takes place in the field above the farmhouse. 

The cost for this program is $10 for adults and $5 for children.