Outreach &

Volunteering

Our Herpetological Outreach

At the Tucson Herpetological Society, we are deeply committed to the conservation, research, and education of the amphibians and reptiles that call Arizona and Mexico their home. Our passion for these fascinating creatures drives us to engage with the community through a variety of outreach events aimed at spreading awareness and fostering a deeper understanding of herpetology.

Connecting with the Community

We actively participate in local and regional events to share our knowledge and enthusiasm for herpetology. Notably, we host an interactive table at the University of Arizona Festival of Books, where book lovers and nature enthusiasts alike can learn about the diverse species of amphibians and reptiles in our region. At the Mission Garden Critter Night, families can discover the critters that play crucial roles in our local ecosystems, while the Tucson Reptile and Amphibian Show and Sale offers a closer look at these creatures, highlighting the importance of responsible pet ownership and conservation efforts.

Collaborating for Conservation
Our commitment to outreach extends to collaboration with other non-profit organizations that share our vision for a sustainable future. We have joined forces with the Watershed Management Group and the Sky Island Alliance on various outreach projects, aiming to preserve the delicate balance of our natural habitats. These partnerships amplify our impact, allowing us to reach a broader audience and work together towards common environmental goals.

Educational Initiatives
Education is at the heart of our outreach efforts. We are proud to attend STEM events in the Catalina Foothills, Sahuarita, Tucson, and Vail school districts, engaging students with interactive presentations that ignite a passion for science and nature. Through hands-on learning experiences, we aim to inspire the next generation of conservationists and herpetologists.

Additionally, recognizing the importance of coexistence with native wildlife, some of our members have trained local firefighters and other organizations in safe rattlesnake handling and removal techniques. This training not only protects our community but also the snakes, ensuring they are respectfully relocated without harm.

Join Us
We believe that education and awareness are key to the conservation of amphibians and reptiles. Through our outreach efforts, the Tucson Herpetological Society strives to create a community that values and protects these remarkable creatures. Whether you’re a seasoned herpetologist, a student eager to learn, or simply curious about the natural world, we welcome you to join us at our next event. Together, we can make a difference for the amphibians and reptiles of Arizona and Mexico.

Today

Volunteer Opportunties with the THS

Public Display Interpretation, Field Trip Host, Website Maintenance, Graphic Design & Publishing, Treasury, etc.

The Tucson Herpetological Society is always in need of dedicated individuals to help us with our events and initiatives.

The THS is actively involved in many events throughout the year. Some of the prominent events we participate in include the University of Arizona’s Festival of Books and the Tucson Reptile and Amphibian Show, which attract a large number of visitors from across southern Arizona.  In addition to these large events, the society also participates in smaller events like STEM nights or other special events at local schools.

At these events, we typically provide a display of live reptiles and amphibians that are native to the region. Volunteers engage with the public, sharing their appreciation for reptiles and amphibians, while educating them about their importance in the ecosystem. Through our participation in these events, the THS plays a vital role in promoting awareness and understanding of our native herpetofauna.

In addition to outreach events, we also seek knowledgeable individuals to deliver local lectures on topics such as ecology, research, and conservation, as well as to lead field trips in the region (based on qualifications). These activities are key to deepening public understanding of our native herpetofauna.

We also have several administrative volunteer opportunities that can be performed remotely. We welcome individuals with experience in website development and maintenance, graphic design and publishing, non-profit marketing and communications, and treasury management to help us advance our mission.

We understand that your time is valuable, so we make sure to provide our volunteers with the necessary training and support to ensure that you feel comfortable and confident in your role. Whether you are a seasoned herpetologist or just starting to learn about these amazing creatures, we welcome anyone who is passionate about promoting education and conservation efforts.

If you are interested in joining our Volunteer Email List, please fill out the form below.  We will let those of you specifically interested in volunteering know about any upcoming events.

We are grateful for your support and look forward to working with you in the future.

These are the qualities we value in our volunteers:

Passionate: They have a genuine love for reptiles and amphibians and enjoy sharing that with others.

Knowledgeable: They have a strong understanding of these creatures and can answer questions and provide educational information.

Experienced: They have hands-on experience with these creatures and can share their personal stories and insights.

Patient: They are able to handle any questions, no matter how simple or complex, and are willing to take the time to explain things in a way that is easy for others to understand.

Enthusiastic: They have a contagious energy and excitement for their subject matter, making it engaging for those they are teaching.

Responsible: They understand the importance of handling and caring for these creatures correctly and ensure that those they teach follow proper protocol.

Committed: They have a strong dedication to promoting conservation and education about reptiles and amphibians.

Empathetic: They are able to connect with their audience and understand their interests, making their teachings more relevant and enjoyable.

Join the Volunteer Email List

We ask for your zip code so we know who might be volunteering outside of the Tucson metropolitan area.
Most of our events require volunteers to staff a table with a live animal display and answer questions from the public. For some events we need someone to pick up and deliver the live animals.

Based on a person's qualifications, there are also opportunities to deliver local lectures on ecology, research, and conservation, as well as to lead field trips in the region.

There are several administrative opportunities for volunteers that could also be performed remotely. We welcome volunteers with experience in website development and maintenance, graphic design and publishing, non-profit marketing and communications, and treasury management.
Please provide us with a short introduction so we may better understand where your talents would be most useful. Please include any expereince in herpetology or with reptiles and amphibians in general as well as your experience (if any) in the types of activity you selected.