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incredulousTopic: Frog Blog Profiles
I have a wonderful interview for you today. Kacie Ehrenberger, of the IDNR, has privileged us with an interesting and informative profile. Kacie has done a great job co-coordinating the INAMP as well as helping with many other herp related studies being conducted here in Indiana.
Top Ten Questions on the Board
Wendell’s Frog Blog Online Interview
1)WFB: Name, Rank and Serial Number. Tell us a little bit about yourself. Where are you from? Where did you go to school? Maybe a little about your family? (Married? Siblings?) Hobbies?
KE: I grew up in Winston-Salem, NC. I got a B.S. in Forestry and Wildlife at Virginia Tech and a M.S. in Forestry and Natural Resources at Purdue University. My favorite activity is walking in the woods. My husband and I hunt, fish, camp, go birding, herping, and hike whenever possible but for me nothing tops a nice walk through the forest. We are also big fans of photography, music and Virginia Tech football.
2)WFB: What sparked your interest in amphibians? What is your favorite amphibian, and why?
KE: In college I worked for a graduate student who was studying salamanders and I just really enjoyed the work and learning more about them. Unlike so many of you reading this I did not grow up in the outdoors – fortunately some fantastic experiences at Virginia Tech and in the Appalachian mountains opened my eyes to the natural world around me.
I don’t think I can pick a favorite salamander they are all so fabulous. As for frogs, I like the gray treefrog.
3)WFB: Do you keep any pets?
KE: We have a standard poodle, Bonita. Also, my husband worked in zoos for 5 years and he developed his knowledge of animal husbandry by keeping a few things at home – we now have white’s treefrogs, a corn snake, leopard geckos and pancake tortoises.
4)WFB: How are you involved with amphibians and their conservation?
KE: I am a wildlife biologist for DNR’s nongame and endangered species program. We are responsible for the conservation and management of over 700 species in Indiana, including all the amphibians. I co-coordinate Indiana’s involvement with the North American Amphibian Monitoring Program (NAAMP). We have about 40 volunteers who collect data on established driving route around the state.
5)WFB: How did you get involved in this?
KE: I first learned about NAAMP while working at Patuxent Wildlife Research Refuge in Maryland. When I took this job, I was fortunate enough to get involved with Indiana’s participation in the program.
6)WFB: What has been the most fulfilling part of working with amphibians for you?
KE: I really enjoy training volunteers - I find their excitement to learn more about amphibians very encouraging. The best moment of every training session is playing the calls – the looks on the audience’s faces are priceless! My previous job as a naturalist for Indy Parks also gave me the opportunity to teach many people, especially children, about amphibians.
7)WFB: What would be the best way for others to get involved as you have?
KE: To be qualified for a job like mine you would need some schooling and most likely an advanced degree. If you chose this path, be sure to also get as much experience as possible – join professional societies (The Wildlife Society, Indiana Academy of Science, National Association of Interpretation), take technician jobs even if they are low paying and volunteer.
If you are not looking for a career in natural resources but want to get involved in conservation consider volunteering, taking classes offered at nature centers or joining organizations with interests similar to yours (i.e., Indiana Wildlife Federation, Audubon chapters).
If you would like to volunteer for NAAMP feel free to contact me at naamp@dnr.in.gov. If you live outside of Indiana, visit this website for information on your state’s coordinator: http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/naamp/volunteer/
(We are looking for volunteers near the state line so if you are in Ohio, Kentucky. Illinois or Michigan feel free to contact me as well).
8)WFB: How did you learn about amphibians to do what you do?
KE: My training was primarily in school and on the job training but I also learn more every time I am outside observing amphibians.
9)WFB: What is the most important thing you want others to know?
KE: I discourage the practice of collecting wild animals. I know that many great scientists and naturalists got their start from bringing critters home but I do not think that is sustainable anymore. I highly encourage people to get outside as much as possible but to leave the animals there. If you want to have something at home there are now lots of options through captive breeding, rescued animals and others that need a good home.
10)WFB: Do you have anything else you would like to share? (websites, contact info, other affiliations)
KE: The nongame and endangered species program (IDNR’s Wildlife Diversity Section) is funded through public donations to Indiana’s Nongame Fund.
You can help Indiana’s wildlife by looking for the line provided on your Indiana state tax form and donate all or part of your refund OR to donate directly, write to:
Nongame Fund
402 W. Washington St. Rm. W273
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Learn more by visiting www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/endangered
(Many states have similar funding situations for the amphibian and reptile conservation so look for how to donate in your state if you are not from Indiana)
I would like to thank Kacie for sharing with us. I know she wears several hats with the DNR and is kept very busy. I would also like to thank the whole Wildlife Diversity Section. I am very fortunate to live in a state that is so involved in amphibian conservation. We have terrific programs and studies, and even better people putting them on. To the Indiana DNR, Thanks and keep up the great work!
Posted by wendellsfrogblog
at 12:03 PM EDT
Updated: Friday, 9 June 2006 12:49 PM EDT
