Master Herpetologist Program - Live @ AF - Spring 2027
In-person (Legacy Park, Decatur, GA) | Certificate program | Offered two times a year | 18+
The Master Herpetologist Program is a specialized certification program designed as a regional and foundational course in herpetology. Developed for individuals seeking advanced knowledge and skills in herpetology, the course covers in-depth topics such as species identification, biology, ecology, behavior, conservation, field research techniques, and even rehabilitation. Participants engage in both classroom learning and hands-on fieldwork, including the (optional) handling of various amphibians and reptiles. The program and certification are ideal for professionals in wildlife conservation, educators, researchers, and enthusiasts who wish to learn about to herpetofaunal biology, conservation, and management.
The program is hosted at AF and led by Venomous Programs Coordinator, Marjan Ghadrdan. It is instructed by regional herpetologists and professionals from the Southeast. It is intended for adults. For those under 18, please see our Junior Master Herpetologist Program.
(Dates below are confirmed, but topics might shift order)
Class runs from 11 am to 4 pm, with an hour break for lunch at 1pm.Jan 16 - Section 1: Intro to Salamanders + Salamanders of the Southeast
Mark Mandica, Amphibian Foundation
Jan 30 - Section 2: An overview of Georgia’s Herpetofauna, Protections, and Regulations
Daniel Sollenberger, DNR
Feb 13 - Intro to Frogs + Frogs of the Southeast
Mark Mandica, Amphibian Foundation
Feb 27 - Intro to Snakes + Snakes of the Southeast
Houston Chandler, Orianne Society
Mar 13 - Amphibian and Reptile Rehabilitation
Marjan Ghadrdan, AWARE
(Three week break)
Mar 27 - Section 6: Intro to Turtles + Turtles of the Southeast
Grover Brown, Jacksonville State University
Apr 10 - Section 7: Field Trip
Roxana Pena, Amphibian Foundation
Apr 24 - Section 8: Final Exam and Banquet
Event Information
| Event Date | 01-16-2027 11:00 am |
| Event End Date | 04-24-2027 4:00 pm |
| Cut Off Date | 01-24-2027 10:00 am |
| Capacity | 40 |
| Registered | 2 |
| Individual Price | $400.00 |
| Location | Amphibian Foundation - Legacy Park - Decatur |
Venue Information - Amphibian Foundation - Legacy Park - Decatur
Amphibian Foundation's main location is at Decatur Legacy Park @ 530 South Columbia Dr, Decatur, GA 30030 | Google Map
At Legacy Park, our building (Leigh Cottage) is in the south campus back towards the track. The south entrance is the closest to AF. (see map below).
Entering the Building
The front entrance to our building enters into the AF Auditorium, as well as the (coming soon) Gift Shop, Community Science Lab, and offices. The rear entrance (near the track) provides access to the Downstairs Classroom and (coming soon) Amphibian Exhibit Hall.
Parking at AF
Parking at Legacy Park is interesting. The closest parking spots to our building are marked with green rectangles on the map below: a lot right next to our building on the south side has 11 spots, and Whitehead Parking Lot is very close with 15 additional spots. There is handicapped parking (4 spots) available along the southeast side of our building.
Handicapped Access
Both floors of AF are 100% handicapped accessible through the front (upper level) entrance or rear (lower level) entrance. Inside, the floors are connected with a staircase which is not handicapped accessible.
Hotels Near AF
Visiting scholars and those visiting from out of town who are looking for a nearby hotel, you can click here.