Herping the CREW Lands

Herpetology is the study of reptiles and amphibians and “herping” is the act of pursuing these critters in the wild. Engage the herpetofauna (herps) of Southwest Florida through a walk in the CREW lands with local ecologist and herpetologist, Shane Johnson. Shane has over 30 years of experience working with herps in both natural and captive environments. The walk will focus primarily on finding herps through a review of native habitats and careful inspection of artificial cover within the CREW lands. The walk will also include a discussion of the ecology and natural history of our local herp species.

BRING- In addition to long pants and closed-toed shoes, Shane recommends that participants bring a pair of work gloves. Also, there are so many herp species in SW Florida and the following link to the Florida Museum of Natural History may be helpful to participants: https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/index.php/herpetology/home/. Shane will have field guides and handling equipment that folks can use during the walk.

Guide Shane Johnson- Senior Ecologist III with Passarella & Associates

Shane has over 20 years of experience and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Before joining Passarella & Associates, he worked as a shorebird technician with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation where he documented the nesting efforts and behavior of local beach-nesting shorebirds. He previously served as a research assistant with the Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory in Carbondale, Ill., working on a meadow vole diet-composition study, and the Mississippi Flyway waterfowl census (i.e., wingbee).

Shane is a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Authorized Gopher Tortoise Agent and has also completed a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission workshop focused on identifying and handling invasive exotic reptiles. He holds memberships in the Florida Association of Environmental Professionals, the Florida Airports Council, the Society of Wetland Scientists, and the Calusa Herpetological Society where he served a four-year term as president.

FAQs

Is there an age limit for the event?

This guided walk is for participants18 and older.

What are the parking/facilities like at the trails?

This program will start at the main parking lot. There is one portable restroom at the trailhead.

What are the trails like?

The trails vary from sandy with pine needles to winding with some elevation change. Expect seasonally wet/muddy places on the trails during the wet season (July - December).

Is my registration/ticket transferable?

Yes. You may give your spot to someone else. Be sure to change the information on your registration page accessible through your email receipt.

Can I update my registration information?

Yes, you may update your registration information up to 24 hours before the event.

Do I have to bring a printed ticket to the event?

No. We do not issue print tickets. Simply check in with the event leader at the time of the event.

Can I cancel my ticket(s)?

You may cancel your ticket(s) up to 72 hours prior to the event.

Can I bring my dog?

This is not a dog-friendly event, unless the dog is a service animal.

Directions to the Flint Pen Strand Trailhead: 15970 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34135

From Fort Myers: From I-75 S, take exit 116 and turn east on Bonita Beach Road. Travel approximately 3.8 miles and turn left onto Vincent Road. The trail head and parking lot are on the left.

From Naples: From I-75 N, take exit 116 and turn east on Bonita Beach Road. Travel approximately 3.8 miles and turn left onto Vincent Road. The trail head and parking lot are on the left.

Donations to the CREW Trust are greatly appreciated. 

Host or Publisher CREW Land & Water Trust