The Western New York Herpetological Society was originally founded on August 16, 1995. The first meeting consisted of only 15 people who realized a genuine need for a more organized forum to promote their herpetological interests through the open exchange of ideas, information and experiences. Later, meetings were moved from the old farmhouse in West Falls, NY to the Medaille College campus.

In 2000 the Western New York Herpetological Society made two giant steps to promote the goals for which it was originally founded. We announced our presence on the web with this site and we hosted the first Annual WNY Reptile Show and Sale. Both the reptile show and our web page allows us to share information with a large audience of reptile and amphibian enthusiasts.

Today the Western New York Herpetological Society has members representing all aspects of the hobby. We have advanced breeders as well as wildlife rehabilitators and rescuers in the society. We even have members who work with reptiles on a professional basis. With all of these diverse backgrounds, we are all better able to share our experiences and learn from each other as well as from the speakers at our monthly meetings.

Board of Directors

Officers for 2012

    President-            Alisha Gannon  (Demonstration Coordinator)

                                                       (Show & Vendor Coordinator)

    Vice President -  Brenda McCormick

     Secretary -          Bob Simcoe

     Treasurer -         Dick Schmelz (also Membership Coordinator)

Board Members at Large

          Tim McCormick 

          Lesia Chiarmonte

         Jake Gerevics

Adoptions

The club does not take in or place any animals.  If you have a pet you can not take care of anymore contact your local SPCA or other rescue shelter.

Photo Contest

It has become a club tradition to hold a Photo Contest at our January General Membership meeting. Members may enter as many photographs as they like - the only stipulation being that YOU must have taken the photo (you need not own the animal in the photo). We have seen some outstanding amateur photography, and offer some great prizes to the winners.

Demo's

WNYHS members also share their knowledge about reptiles and amphibians with the community by holding demonstrations and animal show-and-tells with local schools, children's groups, and organizations located in the Buffalo area.  Please email Alisha  for more information.

Bob Krantz at  Burchfield Autumn Fest 2009

Awards Banquet and

Recognition Dinner

Every year we host an awards banquet for our members.  We are all volunteers and this is a great way to show our appreciation for the everyone’s hard work.  We also announce the winner of the Marvin Aures Annual Herpetological Grant at the banquette.

 Field Trips

 An annual field trip is held during the summer months, and in the past field trips have included trips to local and out-of-area zoos and exhibits for behind the scenes tours.  Any member is welcomed to attend these events.

Buffalo Zoo Trip 2009

Reptile Show

The WNYHS organizes a yearly reptile and amphibian show and sale,  in September.  This years show will be held on Sunday, September 11th. Please visit our Show area for more information.

 Picnic

One of our summer events is a picnic, for the members.  This is hosted a different locations every year, and is a great chance to just hang out and relax.