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Herpetology -- March 4, 2026
Herpetology -- March 4, 2026
This Week's Topic
This Week's Topic
Herpetology - Unit 15 in your textbook. Complete the optional quiz HERE
Our Expert on Stage
Our Expert on Stage
Ryan Blankenship, Senior Wildlife Biologist
Read Ryan's BIO
Pre-work - Must be completed by class time
Pre-work - Must be completed by class time
Use Lisa's VMS slides to log last week's attendance in VMS
(If you missed class, contact Nancy to schedule a make-up.)
Opportunity: Init Training-Class 04
Date: February 25, 2026
Hours: 3.0
Description: Aquatic Systems with Dr. Peter Schulze
If you attended the field trip to Holifield, log as:
Opportunity: Init Training - Field Trip (A) if it was your 1st, (B) if it was your 2nd
Date: February 27, 2026
Hours: 2.0
Description: class field trip to Holifield Science Learning Center with Brett Taylor
Complete your class feedback survey ASAP.
Look over Unit 15 in your textbook. There is an optional quiz HERE
4. Read the USGS's article "The State of Amphibians in the United States"
5. Watch the assigned videos and answer the questions
Venomous Snakes of Texas (2:09)
TPWD's Snake Safety Tips (2:10)
Frog Chorus (7:10)
6. Check out the herps that have been observed in Collin County HERE.
Optional Activities
Optional Activities
Texas Spiny Lizard (3:12)
The Lizard's Tale: Meet the Anole (6:23)
The Adaptations of the Texas Rat Snake (5:09)
Texas Water Turtles (7:27)
TPWD's Texas Rat Snake (1:37)
Don Walker (class of 2024) created a Snakes of the Blackland Prairie website
Bring to Class
Bring to Class
REMEMBER: Meet in Laughlin Hall in the main museum building
Reminders
Reminders
Chapter BioBlitz at Arbor Hills Park in Plano
Chapter BioBlitz at Arbor Hills Park in Plano
Saturday, February 28th
9:00am-1:00pm
Dress for the weather and bring your phone or camera.
Volunteer and Training Opportunities
Volunteer and Training Opportunities
Advanced Training (AT) Opportunities
Advanced Training (AT) Opportunities
Saturday & Sunday, March 21st AND 22nd: 1:00-3:00pm - FrogWatch Training Session at the Heard (2-day event), 4 hour AT, see event details and register HERE ($4 fee)
See Chapter Calendar for other approved VHAT opportunities
"Extras" - additional information presented during class
"Extras" - additional information presented during class
Heard Museum Night Hike: Frog Walk, March 7th @ 6:30pm - registration required, $12 member price
Other Herpetology Resources
Other Herpetology Resources
TexasSnakeID.com - Mark Pyle's website
Snakes of the Blackland Prairie - website created by Don Walker, class of 2024
National Snakebite Support - Facebook group
Dallas-Ft. Worth Herpetological Society - website
Herps of Texas: Frogs and Toads of Texas (TPWD) - photos and calls
What Kind of Snake is This? - Facebook group
Texas Invasive Species Institute - website
Texas Snakes: A Field Guide - James Dixon, et al (2020)
Texas Amphibians: A Field Guide - Bob L. Tipton, et al (2012)
Texas Lizards: A Field Guide - Troy and Toby Hibbitts (2015)
CLASS MEETING INFORMATION
CLASS MEETING INFORMATION
Meet at the Heard Museum
Laughlin Hall
This is the main Museum building, and not the SRC.
Week THREE: Wednesday, March 4, 2026
6:00 - 9:00 PM
Class meets IN PERSON
WEEK FIVE CLASS UPDATE
WEEK FIVE CLASS UPDATE
You guys had some really good questions last night. I hope you enjoyed Peter's presentation. His slides and a few more extras have been added to the Aquatic Systems class webpage. Just scroll down to the "extras" section. Before turning to our herps class, I want to THANK YOU for being so flexible during our growing pains these first 4 weeks. I think we have finally hit on a rotation schedule that works with a balance between extra activities and break/chat time. If you are still feeling that you would like more time to visit with your pod, let your Guides know. We start set up at 5pm and have the room ready by 5:30pm. You are welcome to come early to hang out and chat. If you are not feeling connected to your pod, the class as a whole, or the chapter, let your Guides know.
Now, on to next week...
Last Week's Leftovers:
You guys are doing great with your SignUp Genius (SUG) sign ups. We're only missing a few on each. I have added a list of links to the bottom of this update, including both SUGs. I'll keep copying them to the bottom of future update emails so you have ready access to them. You're welcome. 🙂
Week Five: Feb 26 - Mar 4
Pre-Work:
The Herpetology class is always a favorite. To be ready, check out your pre-work prior to class. Remember that completing your class survey is part of that! You guys have been doing great with your VMS class entries, but the survey numbers have declined.
Location Change:
Remember that we will meet in Laughlin Hall next week. Park in the museum parking lot and enter through the small door facing the parking lot.
Setup Change:
We will not have pod tables in Laughlin Hall. Your pod members will sit together in rows of chairs (think Meet & Greet). Keep that in mind when deciding what to bring with you.
VMS:
Remember that we are also experiencing growing pains with the new VMS system. If you are having trouble, reach out to your Guides. Lisa is available to answer any lingering questions after that. Her email is lisat@bptmn.org. But before reaching out to either your Guides or Lisa, please check your pre-work's VMS info and the dedicated VMS Information page of the class website. Lisa's how-to slides are still applicable in the new system.
Field Trips:
Remember that you are required to attend THREE field trips for your certification, but you can attend more and log them as AT.
Our next one is:
Holifield Science Learning Center
Friday, February 27th
10am - 12pm
3401 Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano
Park in the lot and make your way to the brick sidewalk on the west side of the building. Do not go to the door facing the parking lot.
Please arrive early to park and settle in the auditorium. 10:00am is late.
Wear your nametag, outdoor walking shoes and don't forget the insect repellent.
Chapter BioBlitz event:
This is a great chance to mix with other trainees and members of the chapter...and get volunteer hours!
Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
Saturday, February 28th
9am - 1pm (come & go event)
6701 W. Parker Road, Plano
Sign up on SUG to stay in the loop for any event communications.
Join the Arbor Hills BioBlitz project on iNaturalist.
Wear your nametag and look for a bunch of people iNatting with their phones. I promise, everyone is nice and will be thrilled to have you join in.
"Herpy" events for those inspired by the pre-work:
The Heard's 2-day FrogWatch training is set for March 21st AND 22nd . (There is a $4 fee to cover the materials.) See details and registration info here. The training counts as AT and the time you spend monitoring frogs counts as VH.
The Heard will be hosting a Frog Night Hike on March 7th. There is a fee for the event, but you can see the details and registration info here.
Plant Party AT:
Several state agencies come together quarterly to host a "Plant Party" event. These are free, themed virtual events that are informative and fun (door prizes!). There is one coming up in March.
Plant Party - Native Plants & Insects
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
10-11:30am
Register here to get the link
Links:
See you next week,
Nancy
Nancy Casillas, Training Director
Texas Master Naturalist, Blackland Prairie Chapter
nancyc@bptmn.org
214-725-2309
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