Hello from New York!

[ZZTalon]

Hi All,

My name is Chris (Christina). I'm a Science teacher and live in Peekskill, NY in Northern Westchester by the River. Anyone nearby, or from NY State? I've had snakes and other herps for years, but recently began a garter collection to hopefully use in some educational programs down the road. (when they get a little bigger.) It's become a fun obsession, and this forum has such a wealth of information, all of which is greatly appreciated! (Thanks all )

I see a lot of people list what they've got, so if you're curious I've got Wandering, Northwestern, Red-Sided, Plains, Checkered, and Pugets. All wild type, most are in pairs, give or take a few snakes. Kids really connect to garters, or as many of them say, "gardeners". Personally, I find the adaptive radiation/phylogeny interesting. Ironically don't have Easterns, as I was waiting to renew my natives permit to add them. (Just have turtles on it now) Other than that I have Corns, (Great for teaching Mendelian genetics!) Turtles, and a Dart frog/house gecko setup.

Looking forward to getting to know you guys, and hope you all have a great weekend!

Chris

[Stefan-A]

Welcome aboard.

[infernalis]

Hello Chris, I live in the finger lakes region of NY.

[ZZTalon]

Awesomel! I love CNY/the finger lakes, lived/worked in Syracuse for a few years while in college (SUNY ESF).

Hello Chris, I live in the finger lakes region of NY.

[infernalis]

Awesomel! I love CNY/the finger lakes, lived/worked in Syracuse for a few years while in college (SUNY ESF).

Watkins Glen is right up the street from me. Syracuse is a 2 hour drive.

[ZZTalon]

Watkins Glen is right up the street from me. Syracuse is a 2 hour drive.

Nice! I went there once years ago, I remember the waterfalls. It's on my to-do list when my budget allows and I can get up their again during herping season. :-D One of my hobbies is working on a website (NY Wildlife) I started to try an document wildlife (I tend to focus on herps or birds, unless I can get a camera trap up) locally. It's always a work in progress, and I'm nowhere near an expert in web design, but it's fun.

I meet so many kids that can tell you all about polar bears and tigers, but have no idea what's in their own backyard. I run a tent at festivals (under the website name) and live animals are a big draw. I've got native turtles, but recently started bringing my corns, even thought hey aren't native, the reactions people have to snakes seem so much stronger and more emotional (whether positive or negative). One of my biggest pet peeves is how quick people are to kill a harmless snake for no reason, (often water or garter snakes!) whether due to ignorance or trying to be being macho/stupid. So I'm working on some fun things to get people informed and to care, at least in my very small corner of the world. ;-)

[guidofatherof5]

Nice to have you with us.
Here's a link to the care sheet. It's always a good read.
Garter Snake Forum - Garter Caresheet

[ZZTalon]

Indeed! It's the best around.
I have to admit I was stalking this forum a while before joining, and the care sheet was fantastic in getting everyone set up.

[guidofatherof5]

Indeed! It's the best around.
I have to admit I was stalking this forum a while before joining, and the care sheet was fantastic in getting everyone set up.

That is great to hear.

[ProXimuS]

Hello and welcome