Vol. 30 (2010), No. 6

the newsletter of the

M INNESOTA H ERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

JUNE Meeting: U n i q u e H e r p s & H a b i t a t s o f A r k a n s a s Also: MHS Field Survey Information–Sign up now!

June 2010

Volume 30

Number 6

BELL MUSEUM

B OARD

OF

OF

NATURAL HISTORY, 10 CHURCH STREET SOUTHEAST, MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55455-0104

D IRECTORS

THE MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

P re s i d e n t Jennifer Hensley Vi c e P resident Sonja Koolmo R e c o r d i n g S e c re t a r y Ellen Heck M e m b e r s h i p S e c re t a r y Heather Clayton Tr e a s u re r Missy Hicks Newsletter Editor Sally Brewer M e m b e r s a t L a rge Jeff LeClere Chris Smith Matt Carter

New Voice Mail: 612.326.6516 • MHS W EBPAGE : http://www.mnherpsoc.org

MHS G ROUP E MAIL : http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/mnherpsoc

June 2010

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Number 6

THE PURPOSE OF THE MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY IS TO: • Further the education of the membership and the general public in care and captive propagation of reptiles and amphibians; • Educate the members and the general public in the ecological role of reptiles and amphibians; • Promote the study and conservation of reptiles and amphibians.

The Minnesota Herpetological Society is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization. Membership is open to all individuals with an interest in amphibians and reptiles. The Minnesota Herpetological Society Newsletter is published monthly to provide its members with information concerning the society’s activities and a media for exchanging information, opinions and resources.

Kathy Claugherty

Committees Adoption Sarah Richard Education Jan Larson Library Nancy Haig We b m a s t e r Anke Reinders

General Meetings are held at Borlaug Hall, Room 335 on the St. Paul Campus of the University of Minnesota, on the first Friday of each month (unless there is a holiday conflict). The meeting starts at 7:00pm and lasts about three hours. Please check the MHS Voice mail for changes in schedules or cancellations.

SUBMISSIONS TO THE NEWSLETTER Ads or Notices must be submitted no later than the night of the General Meeting to be included in the next issue. Longer articles will be printed as time and space allows and should be in electronic file format if possible. See inside back cover for ad rates.

Submissions may be sent to: The Minnesota Herpetological Society Attn: Newsletter Editor Bell Museum of Natural History 10 Church St. SE. Minneapolis, MN 55455.0104

-or-

Sally Brewer mn.mhseditor@gmail.com

Hennepin Regional Poison Center 800-222-1222 Cover Photo by Jim Gerholdt American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus)

© Copyright 2010, Minnesota Herpetological Society. Except where noted, contents may be reproduced for non-profit, non-commercial use only. All material must be reproduced without change. Proper credit will be given including the author/photographer and the Minnesota Herpetological Society Newsletter citing: volume, number and date.

The Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society

June 2010

Volume 30

Number 6

June Meeting –3 Happenings– Friday, June 4, 7 P.M. 1st – Our Speakers: Brad Birchfield and Jeremy Sloan The Unique Herps and Habitats of Arkansas– An Overview of Herping 'The Natural State' Brad and Jeremy will combine storytelling along with some natural history as they share information with us that is sure to please herpers of all ages. Arkansas offers an interesting blend of herps from the south, east, and west; including an isolated population of queen snakes, endemic salamanders and eastern diamondback rattlesnakes. all photos

by Jim Gerholdt

Please join us for an entertaining evening of tales from herping in Arkansas.

Walter Breckenridge, My Life in Natural History

2nd – The Book Lottery will be held at the June Meeting – get your name in!

Walter Breckenridge wrote the first field guide on Minnesota Herps: Reptiles and Amphibians of Minnesota in 1944. Over a course of 68 years he published over 300 articles, sometimes using his own illustrations, on a variety of natural history subjects. Dr. Breckenridge lived for many years on the

bank of the Mississippi just north of Minneapolis and studied the wildlife in the area.

Last year, the MHS grant program donated $2000.00 to the Bell MUseuem to help pay for the publication of "My Life in Natural History" an Autobiography of Walter Breckenridge. Compiled and edited by Barbara Breckenridge

Franklin and MHS member, John Moriarty. In return we received a limited number of the books which will be offered to the membership at cost ($29.95) by a special lottery at the June meeting. It is a book worth having in your collection, not only from an historical viewpoint but also for its beauty.

3rd – Final Chance to Order Your 2010 MHS T-Shirt!

L A S T C H A N C E to order the new 2010 MHS T-Shirt in a choice of BLACK, NAVY or FOREST GREEN and imprinted with gold/tan The MN State Logo.

T-Shirts must be ordered and pre-paid at the June meeting to be picked up at the July meeting. Sorry, no orders by mail or phone. T h e re will be no mailing of o r d e red T-Shirts.

T-Shirts are only available in the following adult sizes. Sorry, no children’s sizes will be available.

S M L XL 2XL 3XL

@ @ @ @ @ @

$12.00 $12.00 $12.00 $12.00 $14.00 $14.00 3

The Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society

June 2010

Volume 30

Number 6

N EWS , N OTES , & A NNOUNCEMENTS May Hands-On Events

Some Hands-On Moments

Join Us! Get to Know Other MHS Members!

LOTS OF OPPORTUNITIES COMING UP. THE REQUIREMENTS ARE EASY. You bring your own herp(s) to show and talk about to the people who stop by the table. You don’t make speeches to large audiences, you talk oneon-one to people who ask you questions about your animal.

Children are invited to participate if they have an adult or older sibling with them.

I n t e rested, but still have questions? C o n t a c t: J an Larson 507-263-4391 o r jan.skunkhollow@juno.com S h e i s m o re t h a n h a p p y t o a n s w e r a l l q u e s t i o n s .

The Anoka Fish Fair

photo by Ellen Heck

Minnesota Reptile Show T h u r s . June 10 3:30-7:30 pm Minnetonka Eco Fun Fest Minnetonka City Hall 14600 Minnetonka Blvd.

Minnetonka, MN

S a t J u n e 1 2 12 - 3 pm National Get Outdoors Phalen Rec Center 1615 Phalen Dr., St. Paul , MN

MHS will have a table set up to show animals (mainly MN native animals) and answer questions.

S a t June 12 1 0 a m - 4 p m Bertrom Chain of Lakes 9842 Briarwood Ave. NE Monticello, MN photo by Sonja Koolmo

DON’T FORGET! M N S t a t e Fa i r E x h i b i t Aug. 26 to Sept. 6 It’s not too early to start thinking about signing up for the State Fair.

MHS will be needing volunteers to help maintain the MHS Native Minnesota Reptiles exhibit in the DNR building during State Fair hours.

Volunteers receive free tickets into the fair for the day they check and clean cages and can enjoy the fair for the rest of the day. To sign up, contact:

Beth Girard beth_girard@msn.com Ph 612-616-8431

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F r i . July 16 5 - 7 pm Hastings River City Days Hastings, MN

Ramsey County Expo photos by Ellen Heck

Both MHS and RICA had tables at the Minnesota Reptile Show. This was the first reptile show for RICA (Resource for Iguana Care and Adoption). They didn't have a cage big enough for any of their adoptables, but they brought plenty of photos and good information for anyone who had an iguana or would be interested in adopting one.

Although not a part of MHS, RICA volunteers Kathy Claugherty, President (L) and Asra Halvorson, Secretary(R) and Jeff LeClere,Vice-President (not pictured) are all MHS members who do double duty in the field of educating the public.

The Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society

MAY MEETING REVIEW: Charles Pritzel

by Ellen Heck

M

ay’s speaker was Chuck Pritzel, speaking on cornsnake morphology. With his wife, Chuck runs Cedar Creek Corns photo by Sonja Koolmo (www.cccorns.com) in rural Wisconsin. They also co-own and operate the American Corn Snake Registry.

He is the author and publisher of Genetics for Herpers, as well as publishing the yearly edition of the Cornsnake Morph Guide.

Morphology is the study of variations or traits within a breeding population and the ways those variations are produced or reproduced. In other words, in what ways are the animals different and why are they different?

Breeding in captivity creates very different results compared to the breeding that occurs in the wild. In wild breeding, the pressures the animals are subject to stress survival traits, such as camouflage, resistance to disease and attracting mates. In captivity, the stress is on how attractive the animal is to people and its personality, as well as how adaptive the animals are to how they are kept. No matter how hard people try, the food and housing provided to captive animals is seldom exactly what they get in the wild.

There are 3 basic steps in determining the morphology of an animal Identifying the Trait Reproducing the Trait Communicating the Trait to Others I DENTIFYING T H E T R A I T In the first step, the traits of the animal need to be determined - things like color pattern, shape, size, behavior, appetite, temperament and any secondary/modifiers (traits which only exist on top of another trait already there). The most obvious traits are color and pattern. These include increased

June 2010

pigment (hypermelanism), decreased pigment ( hypomelanism), an absence of pigment (amelanism) and an overwhelming amount of pigment (melanism).

The cells that produce pigment can be viewed with a microscope and resembles dendrites. A normal snake has hundreds scattered in their skin. Changes in size, number, distribution, density and intensity of the dendrites cause the variations in colors.

Pattern variations are another obvious trait, and one that is commonly bred for. Variations include smoothness of the pattern, speckling, color keeling, extension/restriction of the markings (where pattern doesn’t change pigment, just its size and shape) and mosaics.

In most vertebrates, the pattern grows as the embryo does. Any interruption of this movement will affect the pattern.

R E P RODUCING T H E T RAIT Once a variation has been identified, the second step to reproduce it. Some types are simply not reproducible, especially those due to interruptions in the pigment migration that are random. Selective breeding is one way to ensure propagation of a trait, but this must be done carefully, to avoid inbreeding.

Environment can play a deceptive role.

Some hypomelanism is temperature linked.

Certain plastics will also interact with pigment. The incubation temperature, pH, humidity and nutrition of mother are also factors.

Chuck performed an experiment in which he incubated eggs both at the normal 80° and at 70°. Once a week, he would take an egg from the warmer incubator and add it to the cooler one. The cooler clutch took much longer to hatch with the last emerging after 120 days, or twice the normal incubation time.

The color and pattern was also affected, ranging from almost normal to almost hypomelanistic, depending on when they were moved. The experiment was conducted only last year, so the snakes are not old enough to be bred yet. However, Chuck expects them to show normal genetic characteristics, using the analogy that a mouse whose tail was cut off will still produce offspring with tails.

A basic knowledge of Mendelian genetics

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is necessary for anyone who wishes to breed successfully. Traits can be recessive, dominant or co-dominant. A dominant trait will mask a recessive one. Co-dominant traits will both show up in progeny, unless one “kicks the other out”. A dominant recessive coupling will visually have 2 results in the offspring, a co-dominant will have 3.

Chuck also explained several terms – a locus is a location on the gene of a trait, and an allele is variation of the gene at that locus.

Homozygous and heterozygous describe the state of traits of a locus. A genotype refers to the genes that are there and a phenotype describes the outcome of those genes. He also feels it is also a good idea to know where detrimental traits come from and/or how they are caused, so that they may be bred out.

C OMMUNICATING T H E T RAIT TO OTHERS The third step, communicating the trait, can be done in a variety of ways. Options are internet forums, magazines newsletters, scientific/medical journals and books. The internet is the fastest but can be very problematical; announcements can get lost in translation and contradicted just as quickly.

To publish in a magazine, you would need writing and photography skills, or know someone who does. Herp society newsletters and scientific/medical journal articles are another, if somewhat slower option. Or you can do what Chuck does, and publish your own book.

UPCOMING MHS Meetings JULY – Friday, July 9th, 2010 – Heather Waye: Brown Tree Snakes of Guam AUGUST – Friday, August 6th, 2010 Benjamin Lowe: Reptiles of the Colorado Desert SEPTEMBER – Friday, Septmber 10, 2010 – TBA OCTOBER – Friday, October 1, 2010 – Jeff Ronne: Boas, What Else?

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The Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society

June 2010

Volume 30

Number 6

MHS Field Survey 2010 is June 11–13 Charles A. Lindbergh State Park MHS has, since its beginning, been involved with conservation and study efforts both directly and indirectly. We have surveyed public or state land as well as private property at the request of the MNDNR or landholder. Lately, our field work has been more member focused. MHS has solicited the MNDNR to conduct field herpetology work in the state parks system. Thus, we provide our members with an educational and fun event – while at the same time – provide survey results to the park and MNDNR. While MHS attempts to survey at least one state park each year, surveys may be performed in other natural areas as well.

We try to keep the survey location reasonably close to the Twin Cities. They are scheduled to run over a weekend in the early spring through summer. Camp sites are often provided for those wishing to stay overnight. MHS typically will also provide firewood, park maps, necessary permits, entrance fees, and some food and drinks. Information on current county records, species identification, rules and protocol will be dispersed by the Survey Coordinator (who will also record all information) before each event. Members wishing to attend must notify the Survey Coordinator(s) prior to the survey; a notice will be run in the MHS Newsletter. Results may be published in brief in a society publication with detailed information provided to the MNDNR, Bell Museum or other interested parties.

The survey typically begins Friday afternoon and ends around noon on Sunday. Members may attend the entire survey, or a day, or partial day. In any case, attendees should let a Survey Coordinator know when they arrive and when they leave so hours can be properly recorded. Contact Jeff LeClere with any questions at (651) 488-6388 or Reptilia74@aol.com or see him at a general MHS meeting.

Hope to see you there!

BASIC RULES: The rules for participating MHS members will be enforced by the Survey Coordinators or attending MHS Board Members.

Violations of the rules may lead to a member’s expulsion from the park survey. This is a MHS sanctioned event in special cooperation with the MNDNR. The event is only open during the above time period and no further privileges are inferred to any participant or MHS member outside of this venue.

■ Must be an active member of MHS to participate ■ All amphibians and reptiles found are to remain within the park boundaries*

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■

■ ■

■

Animals should be released at site of capture after documentation* Don’t pick up or disturb any nesting herps Don’t wander off to survey without the permission of the Survey Coordinators All material moved during searches shall be replaced

SURVEY PROCEDURES Survey methods will primarily be visual search and search and seizure. Visual searching is self explanatory and includes animals that cannot be captured, i.e. basking turtles observed with binoculars, animals that elude capture, but are positively identified, and nesting animals. Search and seizure methods may be used for all amphibians and reptiles except nesting animals.

When performing the latter method, all material disturbed in the process (i.e. leaf litter; logs, etc.) must be replaced in the exact location found as they are used by many other species. Turtle traps and aquatic funnel traps may be set. Anuran calling should also be noted.

Any animals captured shall be kept in a low stress manner.

Snakes and turtles can be bagged. However, snakes, turtles and amphibians cannot be held together unless in separate containers within a bag. Bagging animals separately by size class would also be preferable to prevent injury or consumption.

Amphibians maintained separately are to be held in moistened containers or ventilated and moistened plastic or cloth bags.

Containers will be provided by MHS for those in need; participants are encouraged to bring bags.

After animals are documented, either on site or at group meetings, the animals are to be released at the site of capture and under any cover that they were utilizing, if possible*. Only designated persons will perform documentation. All specimens seen or captured must be reported to a designated documenter.

T U RT L E S P E C I A L T R E AT M E N T: Some surveys fall within turtle nesting season. All turtle nesting behavior should be noted (i.e. documented) but nesting turtles should not be picked up. However, photo documentation is encouraged.

*EXCEPTIONS: Animals (other than noted above) may be captured and brought to group meetings for photo sessions and any extraordinary find shall be held and brought to the attention of the park personnel (i.e. new county records or listed species, etc.).

The Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society

R E C O M M E N D E D E QU I P M E N T: (Remember to pack for a variety of weather conditions) ■

■

■

■

■

Clothing – Long pants, multiple sets of clothes to change into when the survey is over. Insect proof clothing, rain gear, hat Footwear – Rubber boots, hip waders, extra shoes to change into Items – Flashlight, sunscreen, bug retardant, binoculars, camera (and film, if needed) Food and Drinks – Come with snacks, lunch and fluids. If you are staying overnight (or later into Saturday night) bring something to cook over the campfire. MHS does provide some fluids, snacks, and lunches.

Camping Gear - (For those staying overnight)

W H AT MHS W I L L P ROVIDE Campsites. We will have firewood for the group campground.

DO NOT BRING IN FIREWOOD! Some snack food, lunches, and drinks. Park maps. Documentation sheets. Traps.

Necessary permits.

W H AT’S FOUND IN THE COUNTY A m p h i b i a n s a n d R e p t i l e s re c o r d e d i n M o r r i s o n C o u n t y : (old) indicates the record was secured before 1960 Blue-spotted Salamander Tiger Salamander Eastern Newt American Toad Cope’s GrayTreefrog Eastern Gray Treefrog Spring Peeper Boreal Chorus Frog Green Frog Mink Frog Northern Leopard Frog Wood Frog

Spiny Softshell Snapping Turtle Painted Turtle Blanding’s Turtle Common Map Turtle Prairie Skink Western Hognose Snake Eastern Hognose Snake Redbelly Snake Plains Garter Snake Common Garter Snake

ABOUT T H E PA R K C HARLES A. LINDBERGH STAT E PARK I NFORMATION: P ark Description: Charles A. Lindbergh State Park offers visitors a wooded campground, hiking and skiing trails, and a quaint picnic area.

The picnic area includes a historic Work Projects Administration (WPA) picnic shelter and a stone water tower. Fish the waters of the Mississippi River, canoe Pike Creek, or walk the trails amid grand red and white pine, aspen, oak and prairie. Look for bald eagles year round. During your summer visit, stop in at the historic home of Charles A. Lindbergh, Sr., father of the famous

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aviator, Charles A. Lindbergh, Jr. The home and adjacent museum are operated by the Minnesota Historical Society (MHS) and are adjacent to the park.

P ark facilities: Water: Water will be turned on May 6, 2010. Water is available year-round at the back of the park office. Drinking Water: Water in the picnic area and campground will be turned on May 6, 2010. Water is available year-round at the back of the park office. Bathroom Facilities: Bathrooms in the campground and picnic area will open for the season on May 6, 2010. Outhouses are available year-round. Showers: Shower buildings will open on May 6, 2010. Facilities are handicapped accessible. Dump Station: Trailer sanitation station is closed until May 6, 2010.

Campgrounds: The park has 38 drive-in sites, two cart-in/canoein sites and one group camp (holds 30). Electric Sites: The campground’s 15 electric sites are open now.

Nearby facilities: Little Falls is only one mile northeast of the park. Nearby camping areas include Birch Lake State Forest.

CAUTION: This time of the year, bugs will be out in plenty including flies, mosquitoes, ticks (including deer ticks, of which some carry Lyme’s Disease). So prepare with adequate clothing and repellant. However, make sure that all repellant is removed from your hands before handling any animal or use latex gloves when applying repellant.

H OW T O G E T T H E R E D i re c t i o n s t o C h a r l e s A . L i n d b e r g h S t a t e P a r k : Roughly 2 hours northwest of the Twin Cities. From the Twin Cities, take Hwy 10 west to just outside Little Falls. Follow 76 north into Little Falls, turn west on 27/28, then turn south on Lindbergh Drive South which will take you to the park entrance.

E n t e r i n g t h e Pa r k Arrangements will be made with the state park for entering and camping. Day Passes will be paid or reimbursed by MHS. Stop at the office first, then proceed to the group camp. We have the group camp from Friday night through Sunday. Some surveying is done on Friday evening. The main survey is on Saturday.

Some surveying takes place on Sunday and usually ends by early afternoon on Sunday. Arrive or leave anytime you choose, but check in/out at the group camp so we can record your hours accurately. We begin surveys at 9am on Saturday and Sunday mornings, so it is best to arrive before then. Park opens at 8:00am and closes at 10:00pm. Please contact Jeff LeClere, Survey Coordinator, at 651-488-6388 or email Reptilia74@aol.com with any questions.

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The Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society

Minnesota Herpetological Society Board Minutes for April 10, 2010 The Meeting was called to order at 6:13pm in Room 108 in the Student Union.

OLD BUSINESS Phone – There is a quirk in Skype that requires all phone numbers assigned to the same account to be set up the same way. Therefore, the adoption line will be dropped for now.

Survey – There was a good spread of responses to the survey. The biggest complaints were not starting the meetings on time and the noise levels. There was a 50/50 split on whether people used the library.

However, most people like the idea of it, so the library material will be reviewed and upgraded or discarded, as necessary. Having both electronic and mailed copies of the newsletter is the most popular choice.

decided that one hardcover copy should be put into the library, one donated to this year’s symposium auction, one held for our symposium in 2011, one held for the banquet this year and one for the live auction in next year’s WSS. 7 of the softcover copies will be sold by lottery at the June meeting and the rest held for the banquet.

Red-Eared Sliders - Jeff has been in contact with Lynn DeVries from northern Iowa, who is creating a RES sanctuary. He plans on accepting animals from several surrounding states, and would set MHS to have June as the intake month. Jeff will follow up with him for more details.

Archiving – Kathy got some estimates on costs for scanning the old newsletters. On the assumption of 2160 11”x17” pages, the cost would be $250, plus $25 for a dvd of the images Motion to adjourn: Jeff; 2nd: Chris.

Meeting adjourned 10:01pm.

Number 6

Treasurer’s Report for April 2010 Prepared by Missy Hicks

Beginning Checkbook Balance: $10,382.31 Income: Membership $340.00 Raffle $0.00 Adoptions $80.00 Rodent sales $0.00 Hands-Ons $0.00 White Snake $1,686.50 Total income: $2,106.50 Expense: Programs Adoptions Rodents Newsletter Rodents Refreshments Volunteeraward Supplies

$0.00 $60.00 $0.00 $1,139.21 $0.00 $58.12 $338.60 $67.85

Total Expense Cash increase/(decrease)

$1,663.78 $442.72 $10,825.03

Placement of cash holdings Checking account $10,825.03 Paypal acct $0.00 Cash on hand $175.00 Total $11,000.03

NEW BUSINESS Breckenridge Books – Because of the donation the MHS made, we have received 5 hardcover and 10 softcover copies of the book. It was

Notes: Income Expense

May 2010 Sarah Richard, Adoption Chair Minnesota Herpetological Society www.RealSarah@aol.com 612-781-9544

Another banner month for the adoption program! Not only did 29 animals come in, but 29 found places! Yeah to all of you!!! As you can see from the list below, we sure have a lot of interesting animals come in. And when I got home from the meeting I found an email from the Humane Society requesting that I pick up 2 RES and a Leopard Gecko, so we are already on our way for the June meeting.

See you all there.

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Volume 30

Ending Checkbook Balance:

Renfest – The money from 2009 has been recovered. According to records, 2007 is reconciled as well.

2008 still needs to be resolved.

ADOPTION REPORT

June 2010

1 Alligator 1 Rhino Iguana 1 Iguana, 1 Water Dragon 1 Nile Monitor 1 Marbled Gecko 1 Leopard Gecko 1 House Gecko 2 Crested Geckos 1 Bearded Dragon 1 Bibrons Gecko 1 White-Lipped Green Treefrog

2 Cubans 1 Fire Belly Newt 2 Ball Pythons 2 Snow Corn Snakes 1 Cal King 1 Boa 2 Red-Eared Sliders 2 Snapping Turtles 1 African Side-Neck Turtle, 2 Painted Turtles

The Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society

June 2010

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Number 6

2010 MHS Membership Survey Results submitted by Nancy Haig and condensed because of space considerations. See the full Survey Results in the Library.

Of the 125 members attending the March Meeting, I would like to thank the 80 who filled out and returned our survey. This is a short review of the results. A complete and final version of the 2010 survey results including a break down of all the comments and suggestions will be kept in the library and will be available for viewing.

Type & length of memberships: Most of you have basic memberships spread evenly across the years, however all higher levels of memberships have been members for over five years.

Average meeting attendance is between 3-6 per year.

Why did you join the MHS? The top three reasons were: to learn more about herps & meet others who share my interests; interest in (snakes, lizards, herps); and family member was interested. Notice: someone joined to meet guys!

Do you have any suggestions for future meeting topics or speakers? 35 of you responded with suggestions and the Vice President will be reviewing these.

What would you change at the monthly meeting?

Top answers were: start on time and noise levels You can help out here by arriving early enough to meet and greet your friends then settle down before 7:00pm when the meeting should start. Please remain quiet during the announcements and when others are speaking from the front. If someone is disrupting your listening ask them to be quiet or to take their conversation outside the room. The board will be trying to make the speaker set-ups smoother and to keep things on time.

What do you like/dislike about the MHS? Like – the friendliness of the people; the diversity of the membership; the focus on education; Dislike – hate the politics; the lengthy opening announcements; it was hard to get to know people at first; not enough focus on conservation and stewardship Do you participate in any of the following activities?

Top Three: white snake sale, adoption, holiday banquet Do you use the library? Keep or Sell?

Of the 80 that responded, less than half seem to use the library, but more than 50 said to keep it What would you like to see in the MHS Newsletter?

Top responses: more member submitted stuff; more photos; artwork. (What can we say- YOU need to submit stuff. Don’t know how? Talk to or email the newsletter editor Sally Brewer for help.)

Suggestions for articles: herp care, natural history/conservation.

Announcements–the board will be updating information for upcoming events and keeping items fresh Would you prefer to receive the MHS newsletter in an electronic format (PDF)–in BOTH electronic and print format–or print format ONLY? Nearly 2 to 1 in favor of receiving both electronic and print versions.

What do you enjoy about the White Snake Sale? Socializing/ talking to people; Getting stuff for a good price &donating to the society. What would you change? Most like it the way it is. The 12 suggestions will be reviewed for next year’s sale.

When you think about the photo/art contest categories, would you like them to remain the same or see changes? Although most people would have things remain the same there were some good suggestions for changes that will be reviewed for next year.

If MHS sold T-shirts, would you buy one?

Members responded enthusiasticly. MHS T-shirts are available by pre-order through the June meeting.They will be delivered at the july meeting. See your newsletter!

Do you use the MHS Website for information?

Yes=48/No=21 Do you use the listserve? Yes=25 /N=33 How often do you check them? Most check it monthly unless receiving emails Additional comments about the site: Main response: update it.

The board and webmaster are currently reviewing and updating the site, some changes have already been implemented, certain suggestions, adding forums for example, are not possible given our current configuration. Future upgrades are being discussed, if you have experience with website design or know of a good free web service please contact the board.

Board of Directors term limit changes–should we: ● Keep things as they are ● Limit everyone to a four year maximum of terms ● Remove term limits so board members may run for the same office as long as they like ● Change the election to stagger the change-over of positions The majority of members said to keep things as they are.

Would you serve on the Board of Directors?

Yes=21/No=38 If “no” why not?

Comments: time issues,unfamiliar with positons,conflicts/time, age; distance. For the 21 that answered yes–please speak up when we call for candidates for the next board!

If you were a member of the MHS Board of Directors, what would be your objective for this year?

More fund raising; streamline board activities& really focus on making membership interested.; maximize membership participation; local field outings; figure out ways to involve more members in functions & improve communications; increase monthly attendance; get more people to attend monthly meetings Are there (herp related) issues you feel the MHS should or shouldn’t be involved with?

Conservation; Legislative; Website; Staying non-commercial Activities: Building group cohesiveness w /current members, seems difficult to connect & feel like part of the group; Get membership involved with volunteer field surveys for herp w/Academics & government & non-profit efforts; streamlining hands-ons; more public presentations/activities.

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Minnesota Herpetological Society Membership Application New

Name

Renewal

Address

Membership#

City, State, Zip,

Type

Phone

Check #

Herp related interests

Active Memberships:

Email

Sustaining ($60/year)

List in MHS Directory?

Contributing ($40/year)

Yes

No

Basic ($20/year)

Corresponding Memberships: Commercial ($25/year, 2 business card ads/year) Required check info. Drivers Lic #

State

DOB

Please enclose the proper payment with your application. MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY. Membership is for 12 months from the date of approval, a receipt will be sent only upon request.

MAIL TO: Minnesota Herpetological Society, Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455.

Please allow 6-8 weeks for processing.

Oh RATS! Order your MHS Rodents today!

Mice Pinkies Fuzzies Hoppers Adults

Rats $7/dz $7/dz $8/dz $10/dz

Weaned Sm Adult Med Adult Lg Adult Jumbo

$17/dz $18/dz $24/dz $30/dz $36/dz

For pick-up at monthly meetings only. Orders may be placed the following ways: 1. at the meeting for the following month 2. emailing your request to: rodentorders@yahoo.com 3. calling the MHS voicemail: 612.326.6516 Orders MUST be placed 10 DAYS IN ADVANCE of the date of meeting in order to guarantee availability.

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Advertising Policies MHS Ad Policy: The MHS assumes NO RESPONSIBILITY regarding the health or legality of any animal, or the quality or legality of any product or service advertised in the MHS Newsletter. Any ad may be rejected at the discretion of the Newsletter Editor. Due to space limitations, unpaid and complimentary advertisements are subject to occasional omission.

Classified Ads: All active members are allowed a classified ad, run free of charge as space permits. Ads may be run (3) consecutive months, after which time they may be resubmitted.

Submissions: All advertisements should be submitted to the MHS Editor, Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Deadline is the night of the General Meeting for inclusion in the next newsletter. Make checks payable to: Minnesota Herpetological Society.

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MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 10 CHURCH STREET SE MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55455-0104

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Minneapolis, MN Permit No. 2275

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Next Meeting: Friday, June 4, 2010 7:00 pm Room 335 Borlaug Hall, U of M St. Paul Campus Parking generally available after 6 p.m.

Please park in the pay parking lot.

Parking in outside ring is by contract only.

MHS Voice Mail: 612.326.6516

MHS Web Page: Lower Buford Circle

www.mnherpsoc.org

This newsletter is printed on recycled paper.

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