Description

Reptile & Amphibian Survey Techniques Workshop

Co-hosted by: 

Native American Fish and Wildlife Society, the Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy (ARC), and Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI)

April 16-18, 2024 in Cherokee, North Carolina

Through a partnership between the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society, Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy, and Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, a Reptile & Amphibian Field Survey Techniques Workshop will be held April 16-18, 2024, travel days being April 15th & 19th. This workshop will be held at Painttown Gym and Community Centre in Cherokee, NC. This three-day training will address a variety of topics including: training on different sampling methods (Traps, Drone, Acoustic, and eDNA), project analysis and design, proper handling, invasive vs, non-invasive management, and data processing. The training will be a combination of classroom and field applications. The final day will be a full day in the field as attendees participate in a Herp Blitz, putting the different sampling methods they have learned throughout the week into practice.

Course Registration:

NAFWS members or Member Tribes: There will be no registration costs for NAFWS members or member Tribes.

NAFWS Non-member: If you are not a member or from a non-member Tribe, the cost of this course is $150.

This workshop will be capped at 25 participants. The first ten participants will receive free lodging.

Please limit registration to two representatives per Tribe or Tribal Organization.

DRAFT agenda:

Day 1:

• Introductions
• Inventory vs. Monitoring Discussions
  • Identification of important species: Rare/Culturally
  • Invasive vs. Non-invasive Techniques
• Training on Survey Methods Including:
  • Traps
  • Drone
  • Acoustic
  • Marking
• Camera Trap Set Up

Day 2:

• -River ½ Day (Hellbender Sampling)
  • eDNA Training
  • Backup Weather Plan: Salamander Survey
•  Data Processing
  • ID Tips/Tricks
  • Basics of Modeling
    • Population Assessments

Day 3:

• Herp Blitz
  • We will be in the field all day with experts practicing the different techniques we have learned throughout the week!

Please bring:

• Water bottle
• Waders if you have them.
• Swim trunks for potential River Day
• Hiking Shoes

Please be prepared to be muddy, dirty, or wet.

Location:  Painttown Gym and Community Centre 10 Old Gap Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719.

Lodging: Lodging will be provided for the first ten participants at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.

Transportation: Eastern Band of Cherokee will provide transportation for all registered attendees for workshop activities. Transportation to/from the training and lodging site, to be arranged by the participant.

For more information, Contact Us