Meet some of our resident amphibians & reptiles with Jeffrey Weiss! He will lead a casual evening walk along a Hambidge trail, following beside and, at times, in a creek. Along the way, we’ll discuss habitat, ecosystems, and be on the lookout for salamanders, anoles, skinks, turtles, frogs, and other beautiful and fascinating critters you’ll learn to identify.
The majority of herptiles (amphibians & reptiles) are nocturnal and most active in the hours just after sunset and before sunrise. The sun will set about 30 minutes into our walk, so we’ll be in the right place at the right time!
In the case of light to moderate rain, this walk will NOT be cancelled. Amphibians love rain, and it will increase the likelihood of hearing and seeing them! If there is a storm with high winds and/or frequent lightning, however, we may either cancel or slightly delay the start time.
Participants can expect to walk about 2-3 miles and finish around 9:30-10:30PM depending on interest. Keep in mind, parts of this walk will be slippery and we will be heading off trail in a few areas.
By the way, the word “herp” is derived from “herptiles,” which refers to all reptiles & amphibians and is the subject of herpetology.
Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Dress in layers, wearing long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and closed-toe shoes or boots that can get wet. Comfortable waterproof boots are preferred, if you have them.
Bring a flashlight and/or headlamp with fully charged batteries, water, a snack, any medicines you might require, including an Epi-pen if you have severe allergic reactions, and a walking stick if needed. It’s a good idea to bring a change of clothes to keep in the car, just in case.
Jeffrey Weiss has been active in the reptile and amphibian community for most of his life. His first job with herps (reptiles and amphibians) was with Fernbank Science Center in Atlanta, maintaining their live animal collections. He got his BSc in Environmental Science and Biology from Emory University and then interned at the Kentucky Reptile Zoo in Slade, KY. For the past five years, he has worked at the Amphibian Foundation as their Facilities Manager, building and maintaining labs and enclosures for their collection of over 1000 herps. Through the Foundation, he regularly leads field trips and participates in outreach events. He loves to share his passion for these slimy and scaly critters.
The fee for this walk is $10 per person.
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Hambidge has miles of hiking trails among an incredible biodiversity of meadows, streams, waterfalls, native plants and wildflowers, and a cove forest. Nature Rambles take place throughout the year. Led by experts in fields like botany, biology, ecology, geology, history, art, music and more, each Ramble is a fascinating lesson about our natural world.