Watershed group hosts ‘meet reptiles, amphibians’
Buffalo Creek Watershed Association will host a hands-on, interactive program, Reptiles and Amphibians of Pennsylvania, at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, at the Buffalo Township Municipal Building, 400 Buffalo Center Lane, Washington.
April Claus, environmental educator, will introduce creatures that creep and slither; teach how to recognize frogs and toads by their calls; have participants examine and touch models; and identify the poisonous snakes that live here.
Live snakes, toads, turtles and salamanders native to Western Pennsylvania are also part of her program, and she will explain how these animals play an important role in our ecosystem. For example, many are “indicator species” that help define the health of a watershed.
Claus, a naturalist, is director of parks, conservation and education for Sewickley Heights, Allegheny County, and she works closely with the Fern Hollow Nature Center in Sewickley.
In 2006 she was the recipient of the outstanding environmental educator of the year award” from the Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators.
There is no charge for the program, which is aimed at all ages. The evening will include refreshments and door prizes.
Mike Campsey has more information at mikecampsey@gmail.com.