Pennsylvania Woodland Herpetological Society

        The Pennsylvania Woodland Herpetological Society was formed during December of 2007, by John Mendrola.  Planning had been in the works for almost a year before finally “coming out” and establishing a formal organization during June of 2008.

The formal establishment of the society in 2008 was built on the following statements:

 After much searching for a reputable, established and active herpetological community based out of Pennsylvania and surrounding states, that actively serves those areas, I turned up very little that truly committed to being a reliable asset for those members. My own views of what an active, community-serving society is proved to be seemingly different than what other societies believed that to be. Complete support in all aspects of herpetological culture is what I have built the P.W.H.S. on.

I hope I am not “stepping on anyone’s toes “ here, as I would hate to do so. My goal is not to compete with other sites or organizations, but to create a “Wal-Mart” of Herpetological resources, where you can find everything you need in one place. I hope to create a lasting community geared toward education and conservation, referencing all of the useful resources (online, in print, and physical resources) previously existing, as well as those we, as an active organization, I am sure can provide in the future. It is my every intent, to create a merging of keepers, conservationists, and general herpeculturists in the Pennsylvania and surrounding areas, sharing ideas and knowledge, for the benefit of all.

With the current legalities encroaching on the herpetological hobby as a whole, I feel this is becoming ever more a personal need for me. By gathering knowledgeable, experienced, RESPONSIBLE herp enthusiasts, I hope we can eventually set the standard for what “good herpecultural practices” are, and benefit the community as a whole.

The Pennsylvania Woodland Herpetological Society strives to serve as a regional and collaborative society for all herp enthusiasts of all walks of life, for those of all religious, ethnic, and political standpoints. The P.W.H.S. will continually provide any resources available and support to its members daily, and in times of need.

The Pennsylvania Woodland Herpetological Society is dedicated to all herp enthusiasts. We welcome all, Pennsylvania residents, as well as outsiders, and it is my sincere hope that everyone can gain something from our organization.

 Sincerely, John Mendrola

(Pennsylvania Woodland Herpetological Society President).