The Calusa Herpetological Society Of Southwest Florida

Thursday, March 5, 2026 - 7:00 pm 

Speaker Information:  Our speaker for this month is Chris Lechowicz, the Director of Wildlife & Habitat Management at the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation.  The title of his talk is History, Current Status, and Future Sustainability of Amphibians (Anurans) on Sanibel Island, FL after Sequential Storm Surge Events? In his talk, Chris will talk about how frogs and toads arrived to Sanibel, current and past populations, the effects of Hurricane Ian on these populations and their outlook on the island.

Chris has worked at SCCF for 23 years and has conducted research on frogs, lizards, snakes, and turtles in Pine Island Sound.  He is the coauthor of the book "Amphibians and Reptiles of Florida and Amphibians and Reptiles of Sanibel & Captiva Islands: A Natural History". He is currently conducting research on Florida box turtles (Terrapene carolina bauri), striped mud turtles (Kinosternon baurii), Florida mud turtles (Kinosternon steindachneri), Florida chicken turtles (Deirochelys reticularia chrysea), diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin), and eastern indigo snakes (Drymarchon couperi) in Florida. He is an active member of the Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA), IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialists Group (TFTSG), and the Turtle & Tortoise Preservation Group (TTPG). 

After the meeting, you are invited to join us at a nearby restaurant (announced at the meeting) for more herp discussions and camaraderie over food and drinks. See you there! $5.00 for non-members per meeting or buy a year membership ($25 individual) or ($30 family/business) . The address of the Calusa Nature Center is 3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33905.

Photograph by Daniel Parker

Southern leopard frog (Lithobates sphenocephalus)

WHO'S INVITED? You are! Anyone with an interest in any aspect of herpetology or herpetoculture is welcome to attend, learn, and exchange their experiences with our friendly membership. Come out to meet others who keep, breed or study reptiles and amphibians, and let them share their fascination with you. We average 10 - 20 people attending every meeting.