Matt Neff, Curator of Estuarine Biology at the Calvert Marine Museum, will be presenting on herpetological fieldwork projects at the the museum. He will also give a behind-the-scenes look at how to prepare for a herpetological survey, including planning, target species, and success stories. This will be a great opportunity to learn how scientists engage in field work and help with your own survey projects.
As Curator of Estuarine Biology at the Calvert Marine Museum, Matt has opened several new exhibits, including one on the Eastern Hellbender, which focuses on this endangered salamander once found in the Bay. Matt is also beginning his fourteenth season of FrogWatch, a citizen science program that trains individuals to listen to and record their observations of frogs calling during the breeding season. Last year, over 1,200 observations were submitted of 14 different frog species across the region for the Southern Maryland and surrounding DMV chapter. Before coming to the museum, Matt was at the Smithsonian National Zoo for 12 years, working as a zookeeper in the Department of Herpetology. He is also a past-president and is still very involved in leading surveys with the Virginia Herpetological Society. Matt has always loved working with animals and teaching people about the natural world, and is happy to continue this passion with species native to Southern Maryland.
This training will take place in Zoom. Please register to receive the Zoom link.
Are you fascinated by reptiles and amphibians? The Natural History Society of Maryland’s Herp Club promotes the proper husbandry, conservation, study, and appreciation of reptiles and amphibians. Amateurs, professionals, and kids of all ages are welcome. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of every month and are open to the public.
Although you don’t need to be a member to attend a meeting, membership gives you access to additional experiences. An annual NHSM membership is $35 for individuals, $50 for families; Herp Club membership is an additional $5 for individuals and $10 for families.
If you are not yet a member of NHSM, click here to join. When you join as a new member, you can add the club membership(s) of your choice to your registration. Current NHSM members who wish to join any clubs should email the Community Coordinator at rbaldwin@marylandnature.org.