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.

The Master Herpetologist Certification 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 Daniel Sollenberger, State Herpetologist for Georgia DNR.

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, intended to create a foundation of herpetological knowledge upon which students can build.

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 Herpetologists may be offered early bird or discounted registration for workshops and other reptile and amphibian events in and around Georgia, including opportunities for field work in conservation studies.

We are excited to announce a new program in 2020 for the littlest animal enthusiasts under the age of 6! This is a monthly opportunity for parents and children to explore the fascinating world of amphibians and reptiles together. For more information, please see our website: https://amphibianfoundation.org/

There is hardly a group of animals more feared and misunderstood than snakes. Myths and misinformation have surrounded these animals since humans first showed up and the planet, and started getting creeped out by snakes. How are they able to do everything without any arms or legs? Let’s explore this fascinating group of reptiles, and discuss how they sense, function, move, eat, and capture prey. We’ll save time at the end to meet a diversity of snakes from all over the world.

Trees Atlanta Kendeda Center, 225 Chester Ave SE. Learn more: https://atlantasciencefestival.org/events-2020/19-how-snakes-work

This event is a part of the Atlanta Science Festival – an annual two-week celebration of local science and technology. #ATLSciFest 2020 takes place March 6-21. Get the full festival schedule at AtlantaScienceFestival.org.

Atlanta is home to a unique nonprofit dedicated to the conservation and research of amphibians amidst a global population decline. In 2016, the Amphibian Foundation formed to focus on conserving two of Georgia’s most imperiled species (Gopher Frog and Flatwoods Salamander). Since then has begun working on other native and globally endangered amphibians. Closed to the public, this is a chance to see the conservation collections and meet Foundation staff working hard to save these vital and sensitive animals from extinction.

Free parking is available in the Blue Heron Nature Preserve parking lot. Learn more: https://atlantasciencefestival.org/events-2020/28-not-just-newts/

This event is a part of the Atlanta Science Festival – an annual two-week celebration of local science and technology. #ATLSciFest 2020 takes place March 6-21. Get the full festival schedule at AtlantaScienceFestival.org.

Reptiles and wine?! What could go wrong? Join us for an extremely hands-on approach to learning about this fascinating group of animals. Heck, we'll even get to know some amphibians too! Frogs, salamanders, turtles, lizards, and snakes will be present to explore. Your ticket includes access to the event and one drink. Additional drinks may be purchased onsite.

Free parking is available in the Blue Heron Nature Preserve parking lot. Learn more: https://atlantasciencefestival.org/events-2020/77-critters-and-cabernet/

This event is a part of the Atlanta Science Festival – an annual two-week celebration of local science and technology. #ATLSciFest 2020 takes place March 6-21. Get the full festival schedule at AtlantaScienceFestival.org.

Head over to Little Shop of Stories to hear some of our favorite stories about amphibians, followed by amphibian art amusement. We'll be using our scientific observation skills and live drawing some of our favorite amphibians! We will even meet some of the friendliest frogs in the world!

Paid street parking is available throughout downtown Decatur ($3/hour), all within a few blocks or closer to Little Shop of Stories. Learn more: https://atlantasciencefestival.org/events-2020/92-all-eyes-on-amphibians%21

This event is a part of the Atlanta Science Festival – an annual two-week celebration of local science and technology. #ATLSciFest 20120 takes place March 6-21. Get the full festival schedule at AtlantaScienceFestival.org.

Snakes, lizards, turtles, and others comprise one of the most fascinating groups of vertebrates — the reptiles. There is hardly a group which inspires as much wonder, awe, and fear as this one. This course provides an exploration into reptiles beginning with how they arose on earth, and then discussing what they have been up to since they got here. Global biodiversity will be discussed in detail, exploring the major groups and their relationships to each other. The anatomy and physiology will be explored, as well as the ecological role of reptiles in keeping our environments healthy.

Special emphasis will be placed on the reptiles native to the Georgia Piedmont.

This course assumes a basic understanding of Biology and Comparative Anatomy, but are not requirements. The Amphibians and Reptiles of Georgia (Jensen, et al) is suggested reading. All required course materials can be downloaded.

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.

Come on out to Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve in Decatur and witness wildlife with regional experts from the Amphibian Foundation. Become ‘citizen scientists’ and perform an amphibian ‘bioblitz’ inventory of the preserve documenting salamanders and frogs in one of the last strongholds for amphibians inside of the perimeter! Everyone and their families are encouraged to attend and bring your cell phones to upload images of what we find to iNaturalist.

Park on the street approaching the entrance to the park. Learn more: https://atlantasciencefestival.org/events-2020/107-salamander-stroll/

This event is a part of the Atlanta Science Festival – an annual two-week celebration of local science and technology. #ATLSciFest 2020 takes place March 6-21. Get the full festival schedule at AtlantaScienceFestival.org.

Join us for a discussion and (completely safe) live exhibit exploring the biology, myths, and legends of our largest, most notorious, and most despised native vertebrates - the Snapping Turtle. See them up close and personal while learning about their ecology and the role they play in our urban ecosystem. Learn about the Amphibian Foundation’s urban turtle conservation programs which benefit our community as well as the turtles in our neighborhoods.

Plentiful free parking is available on the street. Learn more: https://atlantasciencefestival.org/events-2020/112-don%27t-you-snap-at-me%21

This event is a part of the Atlanta Science Festival – an annual two-week celebration of local science and technology. #ATLSciFest 20120 takes place March 6-21. Get the full festival schedule at AtlantaScienceFestival.org.

The popular IRL certificate program is now available as an online course! By popular request anyone anywhere can join us for a deep dive into the world of amphibians and reptiles. The course is sure to fill up fast, so register today!

For more information and to register, see the Amphibian Foundation's website: masterherper.amphibianfoundation.org