The Master Herpetologist Program is offered at the Amphibian Foundation and instructed jointly between the Foundation, GA DNR and the Orianne Society.

This intensive class provides an introduction to herpetology and equips participants with amphibian and reptile identification skills and general knowledge of frogs, salamanders, turtles, lizards and snakes — their life histories, habitat requirements and biodiversity.

Instructors: Mark Mandica, Executive Director, Amphibian Foundation; Chris Jenkins, CEO of the Orianne Society; Grover Brown, University of Southern Mississippi; and John Jensen, State Herpetologist for Georgia DNR and editor of our course text book.

Course content includes classification and identification of amphibians and reptiles, 'herping' equipment, frog calls, attracting amphibians/reptiles and backyard wildlife habitat, anatomy and physiology, ecology, behavior, breeding migration, and conservation. This course is a deep dive into the world of amphibians and reptiles, with special focus placed on the critters of the southeast.

The course fee includes lectures and 2 field trips, a copy of Amphibians and Reptiles of Georgia (Jensen, et al), a certificate, and a graduation luncheon. Throughout the year, Master Herpers may be offered early bird or discounted registration for workshops and other reptile and amphibian events in and around Georgia, as well as opportunities to participate in field studies.

The course meets every other Saturday from 10 am until 3pm (with an hour break for lunch). The class is intended for adults, but there is no age limit. Please contact us before registering someone under the age of 18.

The Atlanta Urban Ecologists program for youth in grades 8 through 12 will guide students in the discovery of the fascinating, rich ecology of Metropolitan Atlanta, providing opportunities for hands-on field experiences, conservation, and community science. ​

Founded through a partnership between Atlanta Audubon, The Amphibian Foundation, and Blue Heron Nature Preserve, Atlanta Urban Ecologists is perfect for students interested in pursuing careers in science or conservation or those who just enjoy being outside in nature. The program provides students with opportunities to learn alongside experts in the field, as well as meaningful experiences in the outdoor places that make Atlanta the “City in a Forest.” Students will establish a network of environmental professionals who can assist with their academic and career development while having fun outdoors with their peers.

Sessions are hosted by a different environmental nonprofit on the second Saturday of each month from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM from October to May.

Partners for the 2019-20 program include Trees Atlanta, Zoo Atlanta, Atlanta Audubon, Blue Heron Nature Preserve, West Atlanta Watershed Alliance, Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve (DeKalb Co. Parks), The Amphibian Foundation, and Chattahoochee Nature Center.

Amphibians (frogs, toads, salamanders, newts, efts and caecilians) are an incredibly diverse and interesting clade. This course explores the taxonomy of the major types of amphibians; defining each group and the characters that unite them before examining their biodiversity and adaptations. This course will be a deep dive into the biology, morphology, physiology, biogeography, and evolution of amphibians. Topics such as reproduction, metamorphosis, functional morphology, freeze tolerance and phenotypic plasticity will be covered in splendid detail. Special emphasis will be placed on the amphibians native to the metro Atlanta region.

The course assumes a basic understanding of Biology and Comparative Anatomy, but are by no means requirements. The Amphibians and Reptiles of Georgia (Jensen, et al) is suggested reading. All required course materials can be downloaded for free.

The class takes place over 8 Saturday afternoons; each Saturday class is 3 hours long (2:30-5:30PM); basically 3 regular classes in succession each Saturday. See the course syllabus @ bio.amphibian.life