Come to the Chapman DeMary Trail at 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 25 to learn about reptiles and amphibians with the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy (LWC). Jenny Erickson, Amphibian and Reptile Program Coordinator for the LWC, will lead a walk about these animals and share information about their life cycle and habits. During the walk, she will point out where they live and see if any can be spotted. Ms. Erickson will also have a display of these animals and information about the LWC’s amphibian and reptile monitoring program. This event, jointly hosted by the Purcellville Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, the Tree and Environment Sustainability Committee, and LWC, is free and open to the public.
Please register online in advance:
https://purcellvilleva.gov/881/Monthly-Nature-Walks.
“Herpetology is the study of reptiles and amphibians, with the name originating from the Greek herpeton, meaning “creeping thing” says Ms. Erickson. “Known as “herps,” reptiles and amphibians are in fact aptly named. They are often slow moving and move along or close to the ground. They are typically very shy and secretive and try hard not to be found.”
Reptiles and amphibians include turtles, frogs, toads, salamanders, newts, lizards and snakes. In fact, according to the Virginia Herpetological Society, Virginia is home to 28 species of frogs and toads, 59 species and subspecies of salamanders, 9 native lizard species, 34 species and subspecies of snakes (only 3 are venomous), and 25 species and subspecies of turtle. Join us for this walk to learn all about these shy creatures and how they are indicators of environmental health.
Before you join us, be sure to go on the Spring Trivia Walk at the Chapman DeMary Trail and get all the answers. Bring your completed answer sheet with you on April 27 to get a prize. Copies of the trivia walk sheet to be filled out are at the trail. The sheet is also available online at
https://purcellvilleva.gov/881/Monthly-Nature-Walks.
The Chapman DeMary Trail is a 10-acre area considered to be the last stand of old-growth forest in the Town of Purcellville. The area is open to the public for environmental exploration, education, and recreation. The Town of Purcellville holds the conservation easement for this privately-owned property. The entrance and parking for the Chapman DeMary Trail is behind the building at 205 East Hirst Road in Purcellville.
Learn more and register online on the Monthly Nature Walks page in the Events and Activities section of the Town of Purcellville’s website at www.PurcellvilleVa.gov.
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