Greg Johnson and I frequently stopped by Al Swanson's house to pick up mice for our snakes.  We would get caught up in sharing reptile stories and experiences.  We would sometimes spend over two hours just chatting about our hobby in which we are so passionate. 

 

There was no outlet for us reptile enthusiasts to gather with other hobbyists.  There used to be the Staten Island Herp Society which disbanded over four years ago.  After spending freezing cold nights in Al's driveway or garage chatting, I decided we needed a formal place to meet.  That is when I put into works the forming of the Metropolitan Herpetological Society.  After filling out paperwork to get the club started, I finally gathered with the people that helped give me some ideas for the club (Greg, Noel, Al, Richie and Howie).  We held our first meeting at the Blue Heron Park Nature Center on January 16, 2006.  The six of us used that first meeting to discuss the direction of the club. 

 

The old Staten Island Herp Society failed to stay afloat because lack of membership.  I knew I had to form an identity for the club in order for the Metro Herp Society to avoid the same fate.  I introduced the club as more of an informal, family oriented club, rather than a formal club that can only be appreciated by experienced herpetoculturists and reptile experts.  The first meeting garnered a lot of attention.  We had a great turnout but a minor problem.  The Blue Heron Park  staff had forgotten about our meeting and we were locked out of the building.  The first meeting was almost a complete disaster and in danger of never being held.  Greg Johnson suggested we go to the Dunkin Donuts up the road on Huegenot Avenue to hold our meeting.  The Dunkin Donut staff were very understanding and allowed us to hold our meeting.  We lost a few people due what I call "the lockout," but the meeting was as  good as it could be considering the circumstances.  The turnout has slowly increased month to month. 

 

In September the Staten Island Advance wrote up an article about the Metro Herp Society.  The following meeting we had our best turn out since the club started holding meetings in February.  Each month the club signs up new members and we've grown to twenty five paid members.  Most of our members are families.  With the club's first year coming to a close, it is safe to say it has been a success and looks as though it will keep going strong for years to come.  I thank all those who have helped me with getting things together for the club or even just getting the word out there for me.