Snakes play an important role in maintaining the balance and diversity of native species. They keep rodent and insect populations in check and in turn are preyed upon by larger species. While they spend the cold months in hibernation, much of their summer is spent under cover or basking in the sun. This program will help participants identify the snakes that are native to our area and will discuss how we can live harmoniously with them.
Snakes Alive: An Introduction to the Snakes in Loudoun County
Part of VCE Loudoun Master Gardener's Free Virtual Lecture Series
Event Details:
Speaker Bio:
Jenny Erikson has lived in Loudoun County for 30 years and is passionate about preserving the natural areas in the county. She studied biology and psychology in college and had a lengthy career in the zoological field working with animals both in a zoological setting and in the field. Her field specialties included herpetology monitoring and population surveys as well as behavioral studies of grizzly bears, and participation in the red wolf reintroductions in the Carolinas. Jenny is the Amphibian Monitoring Program Coordinator for Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. Since there is a great deal of misunderstanding regarding reptiles and amphibians, Jenny believes that education helps increase the overall understanding of the importance of our local herps. When she is not out in the vernal pools, Jenny enjoys spending time with her family and finding new places to explore and photograph.
Snakes Alive: An Introduction to the Snakes in Loudoun County (PDF)