About the Herpetology Club
The Wayne City School Herpetology Club was founded as part of an Eagle Scout Service Project which also entailed the creation of the Wayne City School Herpetarium, completed in September 2019. The herpetarium is a zoological exhibition space for reptiles and amphibians in the Wayne City School Jr. High Science Lab. The Herpetarium includes 14 different reptiles, and 4 species of breeder insect colonies, housed in live vivariums, set up as miniature ecosystems. The Herpetarium benefits the school because it educates students about different species, it teaches students about animal behavior through a hands-on environment, shows which kind of habitats each species needs to survive and thrive, and encourages respect for both the animals and the environment. The reptiles are also used for hands on educational demonstrations, tours, and lectures, during assemblies, and in-class projects to promote conservation and animal appreciation. The Herpetarium is used to promote a love of nature, zoology, biology, ecology, conservation and science in general for all grades kindergarten through high school, and for the general public during our Open House nights and outreach initiatives. It has already helped relieve people of herpetophobia -- the fear of reptiles--because they realize they aren’t dangerous, but can be very friendly and lovable. The Wayne City School Herpetology Club gave dozens of students the chance to show responsibility and leadership by being appointed positions as Officers and Board Members or Zoo Keepers each responsible for overseeing one of the different reptiles, along with dozens of general members who maintain and upkeep the Herpetarium on a daily basis. Students also build their public speaking and presentation skills by hosting assemblies, lectures, and tours for other students, schools, and community groups. You can read more about this Eagle Scout Service Project at: https://www.facebook.com/VincentsEagleProject/
