THE MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY May 1999 Newsletter
Upcoming Meeting Highlights June Program: Field Herpetology - Observing Amphibians and Reptiles in the Natural Environment
Slide Presentation and Panel Discussion. Have you ever been curious about the work of field herpetologists? Do you wonder about the creation, aims and implementation of herpetological field projects, or the equipment and methodology that herpetologists utilize to successful achieve project goals? Would you too like to learn how to find. observe and enjoy amphibians and reptiles in the wild, not only safely, but in an environmentally friendly manner as well? If you answered yes to any of the preceding questions, then you'll definitely have to attend the general meeting of the Minnesota Herpetological Society on June 4, 1999 as well as the Fillmore County field trip and camp-out on Saturday and Sunday June 5 and 6. At Friday's meeting a variety of MHS members, all currently actively engaged in herpetological field studies, will present a slide illustrated panel discussion reviewing basic amphibian and reptile hunting and observation techniques along with information on necessary and/or useful equipment and supplies. Of course, most of these individuals will also have an assortment of colorful and/or humorous (at least now anyway) tales to share about their experiences.
Volume 19 Number 5 The companion field trip to Fillmore County in southeastern Minnesota's beautiful "Bluff Country" will allow those attending to test their "herping" skills while participating in an ongoing county wide herpetological survey supported by the MHS Grants in Herpetology program. Prospective activities include an examination of the MNDNR's recently dedicated Hvoslef Wildlife Management Area (named for a 19" century Fillmore County physician/ naturalist) near Amherst MN and a visit to the Living Museum of Natural History in Lanesboro (yet another project supported by MHS grants). Saturday evening (as well as Friday for those arriving early) will be spent camping as a group at the private "Hidden Valley Campground" on the banks of the Root River just outside of Preston, 1v1N. Located approximately 150 miles south of the Twin Cities, both Preston and the Hidden Valley Campground may be easily reached by simply following U.s. Highway 52 in the appropriate direction. The campground itself is located off Highway 52 east of the City of Preston just opposite the Fillmore County State Aid Highway 12 junction. Other nearby attractions include Mystery and Crystal Caves, Forestville State Park and Avian Acres Native Bird Supply and Petting Zoo. Per person camping costs will be somewhere between $5.00 to $10.00 depending on the total number of people in our group (more people ~ lower per person rates). Family participation is not only welcome, but is encouraged as well For more information on the Fillmore County camping trip or on additional area lodging options contact John or Connie Levell at (507) 467-3076 JPL
Welcome to the MRS Board of Directors Julie Beauvais has accepted the position of Recording Secretary since no one was elected to the office in March. Please thank her for stepping forward and helping out with this unappreciated but very important position.
Welcome to New Members Joining in January: Eric Wahlstrom Joel Dale Matt Curtis Floyd Worden And in February: David Dewitt Amanda Dewitt Craig Schuster Kathy Schuster Daniel Benzick Cynthia Egli Julia Egli
June "Critter of the Month" In honor of our planned field trip let's try and bring in Herps native to the State of Minnesota - that way we can see up dose and personal what we hope to find in the "field".
(see maps on page 6 for field trip location)