Herpetological Resource and Management, LLC

14/02/2025

🌟 What an inspiring day at Holt Jr. High! 🌟

H**petological Resource and Management (HRM) had the incredible opportunity to participate in their Career Pathway Day. We got to chat with students about what it’s like to be a wildlife biologist and share our passion for conservation, reptiles, amphibians, and the natural world.

It was such a rewarding experience to connect with the next generation of curious minds and hopefully spark some interest in wildlife careers. Big thanks to Holt Jr. High for inviting us to be part of this special day—we loved every minute of it!

Here’s to shaping the future of conservation, one student at a time. 🐍🐢🌿

03/02/2025

🌿 **Calling All Wildlife Enthusiasts!** 🌿
🚨 **We’re Hiring: Seasonal Wildlife Technicians (Field) – Full Time** 🚨

Do you live for the thrill of the outdoors and have a passion for amphibians and reptiles? 🐸🐍 H**petological Resource and Management (HRM) is seeking **Seasonal Wildlife Technicians** to join our team in **Michigan** and help protect the state’s incredible biodiversity!

🔑 **What We’re Looking For:**
✔️ **Amphibian & Reptile ID Pros**: Can you identify Michigan’s species by sight and sound?
✔️ **Fieldwork Fanatics**: Experience with wildlife surveys, habitat restoration, and data collection.
✔️ **Outdoor Adventurers**: Ready to hike up to 5 miles, carry 30 lbs, and tackle rugged terrain in all weather conditions.
✔️ **Detail-Oriented Team Players**: Strong organizational skills and a love for hands-on conservation work.

🌟 **Bonus Points For:**
- Familiarity with **ArcGIS Pro** and database management.
- Experience writing technical reports.
- At least **1 year of professional wildlife survey work**.

📅 **Season:** Early April – late September (with potential extension into October).
💼 **Compensation:** $16.00–$18.50/hour (based on experience) + **benefits, mileage reimbursement, and PTO**.
📍 **Location:** Based in Michigan, with fieldwork, overnight stays, and week-long assignments.

🌱 **Why Join Us?**
This is your chance to make a **real impact** on wildlife conservation while working hands-on with Michigan’s amazing amphibian and reptile species. You’ll be part of a team dedicated to protecting and restoring habitats for some of the state’s most unique creatures.

📩 **How to Apply:**
Submit your **resume, cover letter, and three references** via **Indeed** or **LinkedIn**. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so don’t wait!

🗓️ **Deadline:** March 1, 2025

🔗 **Apply Now and Help Protect Michigan’s Wildlife!**
👉 [LinkedIn Application](https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4128418271)
👉 [Indeed Application](https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=d3dd0542852b27a6)

Join us in making a difference for Michigan’s amphibians, reptiles, and ecosystems! 🌟🐢🐍

03/02/2025

🌿🐢 Huge thanks to the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council for hosting a great icebreaker presentation on Conservation and Best Management Practices for Amphibians and Reptiles in Michigan! It was an honor to share insights on protecting these incredible species and their habitats.
📢 Missed it? You can check out the presentation here: https://watershedcouncil.org/resources/reference-library/ice-breakers/
🔎 Be sure to follow the Watershed Council for more fantastic talks on conservation and environmental stewardship! **petology
Ice Breaker Series - Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council
Current Reflections is a Watershed Council publication that features current events and educational articles.

Current Reflections is a Watershed Council publication that features current events and educational articles.

27/01/2025

It’s always awesome to see so many mudpuppy contributions rolling in! 🐾 Every report helps shine a light on these incredible salamanders and their role in Michigan’s ecosystems. Keep up the great work, and don’t forget to submit your sightings to the Michigan H**p Atlas! 🌊🐾

🐾🎣 Catch, Release, and Report: Mudpuppies in Winter! ❄️🐾

Did you know Michigan's native mudpuppies are often spotted during ice fishing? These fascinating aquatic salamanders are a vital part of our ecosystems, they even help control invasive zebra mussels and brown goby and their populations are being closely monitored. If you happen to catch one:

1️⃣ Handle with Care: Mudpuppies are harmless! Gently release them back into the water after snapping a quick photo.
2️⃣ Report Your Sighting: Contribute to conservation efforts by submitting your observations to the Michigan H**p Atlas at miherpatlas.org. Your data helps researchers protect these incredible creatures!
3️⃣ Spread Awareness: Not all anglers are familiar with mudpuppies. Educating others ensures these salamanders remain protected.

Let’s work together to keep Michigan’s amphibians thriving. 🌊🐾

📸 Credit: ckylelindsay

**pConservation

27/01/2025

🚨 We're Hiring! Seasonal Wildlife Technicians (Field) – Full Time 🚨
Are you passionate about amphibians and reptiles? Do you thrive in the outdoors and love contributing to wildlife conservation? H**petological Resource and Management (HRM) is looking for skilled professionals to join our team as Seasonal Wildlife Technicians Field in Michigan!

🔑 Key Qualifications:
✔️ Amphibian and Reptile ID Expertise: Must be able to identify Michigan species by sight, sound.
✔️ Field experience with wildlife surveys, habitat restoration, and data collection.
✔️ Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in various field conditions (remote locations, harsh weather).
✔️ Physical fitness for hiking up to 5 miles while carrying up to 30 lbs.

🌟 Preferred Skills:

Familiarity with ArcGIS Pro and database management.
Technical report writing experience.
At least 1 year of professional wildlife survey work.
📅 Season: Early April – late September (potential extension into October).

💼 Compensation: $16.00–$18.50/hour (based on experience) + benefits, mileage reimbursement, and PTO.

📍 Location: Based in Michigan, with significant fieldwork, overnight stays, and week-long assignments.

How to Apply:
Submit your resume, cover letter, and three references via Indeed or LinkedIn. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so apply early!

🗓️ Deadline: March 1, 2025

This is your chance to make a tangible impact on wildlife conservation while working hands-on with Michigan’s incredible amphibian and reptile species. 🐢🐍🐸

🔗 Apply today and join a team dedicated to protecting Michigan’s biodiversity!

https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4128418271

https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=d3dd0542852b27a6&from=shareddesktop

H**petological Resource and Management

25/12/2024

Happy Holidays from the HRM Team! 🎄🐢🐸🦎🐍

As we reflect on the year, we're filled with gratitude for the work we do in herpetology and environmental conservation. Thank you for your continued support of our efforts to protect amphibians, reptiles, and their habitats. We're looking forward to an exciting and impactful year ahead in 2025!

**petology

23/12/2024

HRM has been actively working on headstart and assurance colony work for over 20 years. Headstarting involves the captive rearing of hatchlings, turtles and tortoises from eggs collected in the wild or from assurance colonies. The hatchlings are released once they hatch or held for several months to help them avoid heavy predation pressure during their most vulnerable age from egg to one-year. HRM has assisted with Wood Turtle, Blanding’s Turtle, Eastern Box Turtle, and Spotted Turtle project as well as headstarting all native turtle species.

Our team also works to help release confiscated and displaced reptiles and amphibians back to their habitat once they are healthy, clear of any risk of disease transmission, and as part of conservation efforts.

**petology **ps

18/12/2024

Today we are talking about the importance of an informed land management plan in turtle conservation. The first step, of course, is completing a thorough survey of the property to assess turtle populations. Understanding turtle ecology, what kind of habitats they utilize, and their reproduction cycle are vital in sustaining turtle numbers. Some may be surprised to know that it takes turtles many years to reach sexual maturity. These animals need a long lifespan to have reproductive success. This means every turtle is vital to the continuation of the species.

17/12/2024

We would like to take a minute to remind everyone about the great tool, The MI H**p HAT. The Michigan H**petological Habitat Assessment Tool, or MI H**p HAT, is a critical conservation tool designed to do exactly what its name describes: assess the quality of Michigan wetland habitat using amphibians and reptiles (i.e. herpetofauna) as a metric. H**petofauna helps maintain wetland ecosystems through important ecological services including seed dispersal, soil aeration, shelter creation, and plant diversification. They also serve as critical predators, prey, and scavengers, serving critical roles in ecosystem function and maintaining strong biodiversity. Amphibians and reptiles are uniquely suited to serve as indicators of habitat quality because of their acute sensitivity to human disturbance and environmental change. HRM created the H**p HAT in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to strengthen our ability to conserve and manage native herpetofauna, our most imperiled group of vertebrates before it’s too late. https://www.herprman.com/herp-hat/

13/12/2024

We’re keeping it froggy-fun for this ! What could be better than ending the work week with an adorable stack of Gray Treefrogs?! Thanks to HRM staff member Zach Johnson for this great photo! 🐸 **petology

11/12/2024

The protection and conservation of herpetofauna can be integrated into any maintenance, management, development, or ecological restoration project. Despite the numerous threats to amphibian and reptile species in Michigan, land managers, developers, and concerned citizens can play a crucial role in improving habitat conditions and safeguarding these populations. While not all of the recommendations in our MI H**p BMP manual will be feasible or practical at every site, incorporating these best management practices (BMPs) should be considered during project planning. By prioritizing thoughtful planning, education, and the application of restoration and habitat enhancement techniques tailored to the natural history and conservation needs of herpetofauna, we can significantly improve the long-term viability of amphibian and reptile populations in Michigan.

Follow this link to download a copy of the MI H**p BMP: https://www.herprman.com/amphibian-reptile-management-practices-michigan/

29/11/2024

to the 2021 H**pathon at Petobego State Game Area, in collaboration with the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy! You might be wondering, what exactly is a H**pathon? Well, a H**pathon—a term coined by HRM—is a unique, 12-hour volunteer survey event designed to assess the diversity and distribution of amphibians and reptiles in Michigan's distinctive urban and natural landscapes.

The goal of the H**pathon is to gather critical data in areas where amphibian and reptile surveys are limited or even nonexistent. By tracking these species, we can gain valuable insights into the health of local ecosystems and develop strategies for their better management and conservation. Amphibians and reptiles play a crucial role as biological indicators, offering us a window into the overall vitality of the environment. Through these surveys, we can work toward a deeper understanding of the ecosystems we aim to protect and ensure they continue to thrive for generations to come.

27/11/2024

As we all begin to prepare for the upcoming Thanksgiving festivities, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on what we are truly grateful for here at HRM. As we gather with friends and family, it's important to recognize the incredible natural diversity that surrounds us in Michigan. One of the things we are most thankful for is the rich and fascinating herpetological diversity that thrives in our state. Michigan is home to an abundance of species that make our environment unique and awe-inspiring. As we celebrate this season of gratitude, remember the incredible creatures that share our landscapes and contribute to the ecological balance we often take for granted.

25/11/2024

If you're looking to create a habitat that supports Michigan's diverse wildlife or wondering how a construction project might impact the local ecosystem, we’re here to help! At HRM, our mission is to offer our clients practical, science-based recommendations for managing natural resources in a way that balances environmental preservation with the needs of our growing communities. We believe that the role of an environmental professional goes beyond just assessing potential impacts; it's about providing a thorough, educated evaluation of how a project will affect the surrounding ecosystem and proposing thoughtful, ecologically sound alternatives that minimize harm to our valuable natural resources. Whether you’re planning a habitat restoration or need guidance on how to make your project more environmentally responsible, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

22/11/2024

It’s ! In May 2010, H**petological Resource and Management, LLC (HRM) was contracted by the Conservation Resource Alliance (CRA) to assess a portion of the Upper Manistee River watershed associated with stream restoration projects. Surveys utilized the presence of amphibians, reptiles, and aquatic macro-invertebrates as biological indicator species to document baseline species richness and distribution for future comparison to post-restoration results. Sample points and transects were established during pre-restoration surveys and used for monitoring following the restoration to assess changes in site conditions and species composition.

20/11/2024

For this , let’s have some fun! How about a game of Where’s Waldo— Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake edition?! Here’s a scene from a past field survey, showcasing how challenging it can be to find this shy, secretive species.

18/11/2024

HRM is proud to have led the team and assisted the Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy (ARC) in developing and defining the Priority Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Areas (PARCAs) for Michigan.

The PARCA Metric value is calculated using three main components:

1. The presence of imperiled species

2. An estimate of amphibian richness and endemism, scaled according to each state’s ecoregions

3. An index of reptile richness and endemism, similarly scaled

15/11/2024

We are highlighting a past project for this . In 2020 H**petological Resource and Management, LLC (HRM) was contracted by the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission to conduct reptile and amphibian surveys within Ottawa Sands County Park. Financial assistance for this project was provided, in part, by the Coastal Management Program, Water Resources Division, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, under the National Coastal Zone Management program, through a grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce.

The primary objective was to conduct baseline surveys of current species present and overall habitat quality within the park. In addition to assessing the initial status of herpetofauna populations within the assessment areas, the results of these surveys are intended to guide future restoration actions as well as provide a metric to measure project success.

During the project, seven species of herpetofauna were observed including five amphibians and two reptiles, with one of the amphibian species, Fowler’s Toad, being ecologically significant as it is rare throughout most of the state. Habitat assessments revealed that Ottawa Sands County Park has a high potential to support diverse herpetofaunal populations including at least seventeen species not observed during 2020 surveys. **petology **petologicalAssessment �