Mood:
a-okTopic: Frog Blog Profiles
I love doing profiles. I get the opportunity to share what a special person is doing to help amphibians as I learn more myself. I met Mr. Hohman at the PARC meeting, when we were going around the room saying our name and affiliation so everyone could see who was there. When Jeff's turn was up, he said he had to stand and told everyone how happy he was to be part of something like this. It's no wonder he works for a power company, this man radiates positive energy. I have always been happy with who I am and where I am, but I have to admit, I wish I could be a fourth grader from eastern Kentucky.
Top Ten Questions on the Board
Wendell’s Frog Blog Online Interview
WFB: 1) 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?
Jeff Hohman – Biologist with East Kentucky Power since 1979. Wonderful Wife – Debbie; Incredible Daughters – Lauren and Madison. Lauren is a sophomore at Murray State (my alma mater) and Madison is a freshman at College of Charleston. They are my best herp buddies.
WFB: 2) What sparked your interest in amphibians? What is your favorite amphibian, and why?
JEH: I caught my first salamander in the creek behind my house when I was 8 or 9 years old. I think it was a streamside salamander but that was a bazillion years ago. I was hooked immediately. My favorite salamanders are the Tiger Salamander and the Hellbender. My favorite frogs are the Crawfish Frog and the Spadefoot Toad.
WFB: 3) Do you keep any pets?
JEH: At home, we have a cat (Johnnie) and a dog (Samson). I am not a cat lover but Madison adopted the cat and then left for college. Samson, on the other hand, is an awesome Sheltie and I LOVE that dog. All my herp pets are kept at work. I have a juvenile corn snake in my office. Cool snake!
WFB: 4) How are you involved with amphibians and their conservation?
JEH: I work for a company that is completely dedicated to environmental education. We have 6 biologists on staff that perform Rare and Endangered Species surveys prior to construction of any projects. During the school year we perform various nature programs at schools throughout eastern Ky. All of our programs focus on native species and you can check them out at ekpc.coop (click on the frog).
WFB: 5) How did you get involved in this?
JEH: About 15 years ago, I was asked by a teacher to come to her school on career day and share what I did for EKPC. I gathered up some of my herp friends and took them with me. I had a hognose snake and some salamanders. The kids went nuts and the rest is history. What a life-changing experience that was.
WFB: 6) What has been the most fulfilling part of working with amphibians for you?
JEH: Teaching kids of all ages about the wonders of Kentucky’s rich natural history. I love to see those faces light up when we pull a rat snake out of the bag and hand it to them. It never gets old.
WFB: 7) What would be the best way for others to get involved as you have?
JEH: If you have a passion for herps, share that with kids. We find the best age for learning is 4th grade and up. The younger kids love the animals but
they don’t follow instructions very well and that puts the animals at risk. Collect a few amphibians and non-biting reptiles and take them to area schools, camps or civic groups and share what you love. It is as easy as falling off a log and a lot more fun.
WFB: 8) How did you learn about amphibians to do what you do?
JEH: I have been a fan since I was a kid. I have had great teachers and I have been blessed to have great herp friends to encourage me and inspire me. It is easy to learn about things you love.
WFB: 9) What is the most important thing you want others to know?
JEH: Education is the key to effective conservation. If you can take a few minutes to show a student a snake, chances are he will never consider killing that animal as an adult. It is much cheaper than litigation and government regulation.
WFB: 10) Do you have anything else you would like to share? (websites, contact info, other affiliations)
JEH: Check out our website at EKPC.coop and happy herpin!
In the email correspondence, he signs them JEH, though I can't say for sure what the "E" stands for, my guess is either Energy, Effort or Enthusiasm. I would like to thank Jeff and his whole team for the phenomenal work they do. There is no doubt in my mind they are making a huge positive impact on the world one fourth grader at a time. Those kids will be the decision makers and it would sure be nice to have them thinking about herp conservation! On behalf of my Frog Blog, Herpers and Herps from around the world, Thank You!
