The Calusa Herpetological Society Of Southwest Florida

Thursday March 3, 2016 - 7:00 pm

      The speaker for this evening will be Carl Franklin from the Amphibian and Reptile Diversity Research Center at the University of Texas Arlington. The title of his talk is the "Custodians of Eden or Preposterous Pipedream?". Born at an early age, Carl Franklin has always maintained a strong curiosity for the natural world.  As he got older the scope of his fascination became more fine tuned towards zoology, especially amphibians and reptiles. Much to the chagrin of his parents, Carl was simply too hard-headed to seriously consider pursuing a career other than a herpetologist.  He did consider other options before deciding that herpetology was the profession for him.  Professional wrestler, tarzan, caped superhero, and rock and roll icon were tempting options to say the least, but Carl remained true to his passion for the lowly and often misunderstood creatures.

     Serving as Biological Curator and Collections Manager for the Amphibian and Reptile Diversity Research Center, Carl is responsible for the largest scientific collection of amphibians and reptiles in Texas.  Fortunately, his job description also encapsulates one of his greatest passions, exploring nature. Whenever he’s not chest deep in swamp water, slashing a path through dense jungle growth, staving off dehydration in deserts, or marveling at the latest specimen he found Carl can be found doting for his loving wife of 25 years and their 16 year old son. 

 Carl has authored two books: Turtles: An Extraordinary Natural History 245 Million Years in the Making (2007)

                                                              Complete North American Box Turtle (2009)

Bring your books if you want them signed.  

Come on out for a surely enjoyable evening with a top-notch speaker that will both educate and entertain us!

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The Herp-of-the Month will be the Oak Toad (Anaxyrus quercicus).

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After Meeting Dinner

Do you want to talk herps for another hour or two after the meeting? Don't forget to come out to Stevie Tomatoes (a sports bar and grill) on Daniels Blvd and I-75 after the meeting, for food and plenty of informal herp talk with the speaker and other meeting attendees.