University of Tennessee Conference Center
Knoxville, TN, USA
Field Trips
Five field trips are provided on the last day (12 June) of the conference, and two additional trips will be done on the night of 9 and 10 June. For field trips #1, #3, #4, #5 and #7, a box meal will be provided. You will be able to select lunch options in April. All field trips will depart from in front of the UT Conference Center (Locust Street).
Trip 1: Behind-the-Scenes Tour: Herpetology at Zoo Knoxville (Tues, 9 June, 17:00-19:30)
Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to Zoo Knoxville’s Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Campus. Participants will explore the science and care behind one of the most successful and diverse reptile and amphibian collections in the United States. Those attending will meet some of the expert herpetology staff and learn about the husbandry, research, and conservation programs that support endangered species from around the world. This tour offers a rare opportunity to observe many exotic species not currently on public display. Gain insight into ongoing breeding initiatives, habitat design, and the role zoos play in global amphibian and reptile conservation. A boxed meal will be provided. Leads: Dr. Daniel Malagon and Michael Ogle. Duration = 17:00-19:30 (evening trip). Maximum Participation = 17 individuals. Fee = $45.
Trip 2: Rare salamander species sampling in eastern Tennessee (Wed, 10 June, 18:00-23:30)
Participants will be led on a nocturnal search for yellow-spotted woodland salamander (Plethodon pauleyi) and green salamander (Aneides aeneus). Identifying characteristics, life history, and management of these species will be discussed. Participants should be in good physical condition and be able to hike rugged terrain at night. Field clothes, hiking boots, and flashlight or headlamp required. Lead: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Duration = 18:00-23:30 (night trip). Maximum Participation = 10 individuals. Fee = $20 (lunch not included).
Trip 3: Exploring salamander biodiversity in the Smoky Mountains (12 June, full day, intense terrain)
This trip will take you to the center of global salamander biodiversity in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We will stop at multiple sites across an elevational gradient, capture plethodontid salamanders, discuss identifying characteristics and life history, and collect non-lethal samples for pathogen testing. You also will learn biosecurity precautions to prevent cross-contamination among samples and sites. Field clothes and hiking or rubber knee boots required. You should be in good physical shape for this trip, which involves 500 m hike along steep rocky terrain. Lead: Drs. Matt Gray and Debra Miller. Duration = 8:00-17:00. Maximum Participation = 30 individuals. Fee = $40 (lunch included).
Trip 4: Exploring salamander biodiversity in the Smoky Mountains (12 June, ½ day, easy hike)
Trip participants will visit a high-elevation site with easy-to-moderate trail intensity, locate and identify plethodontid salamanders, and discuss identifying characteristics and life history traits. An additional stop at the Kuwohi Observation Tower (formerly Clingman’s Dome) to enjoy the panoramic views will conclude the trip. Field clothes and hiking boots or water-resistant hiking shoes required. Box lunch will be provided. Lead: Dr. Aubree Hill. Duration = 8:00-13:00. Maximum Participation = 20 individuals. Fee = $35.
Trip 5: Searching for eastern hellbenders in East Tennessee (12 June, full day)
You will put on a snorkel and wet suit, and search for eastern hellbenders (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) in a pristine river of eastern Tennessee. Participants will learn how to properly capture hellbenders, process individuals for biological information, collect non-lethal samples for pathogen testing, and observe blood collection for health assessments. Threats to this species and ongoing conservation actions will be discussed. Snorkel and wet suit will be provided. Leads: Drs. Bill Sutton, Becky Hardman, and Michael Freake. Duration = 6:00-14:00. Maximum Participation = 10 individuals. Fee = $100 (includes lunch and snorkeling gear).
Trip 7: Field-based Pathogen Surveillance in Aquatic Reptiles: Capture and Processing Methods (12 June, full day)
Participants for this field trip will have the opportunity to experience the capture and processing of aquatic reptiles that are native to the east Tennessee area. Participants will learn how to properly capture aquatic reptiles (e.g., watersnakes, turtles), process individuals for biological information, collect non-lethal samples for pathogen testing, and observe blood collection techniques for health assessments. Other uses for collected samples (e.g., ecotoxicological assessment) will also be discussed. Participants should wear pants and close-toed shoes and can bring waders if interested. A box lunch will be provided. Leads: Drs. David Lee Haskins and Corinna Hazelrig. Duration = 9:00-15:00. Maximum Participation = 10 individuals. Fee = $40.