Joining is easy and can now be done online!
We have a wealth of resources available, and if you want to get involved, we have a number of ways to help you with that too!

General Meetings

All members are encouraged to attend as often as possible. Most of the services provided for the membership are handled at the monthly meetings. There are sign-up sheets at the front of the meeting room for MHS activities. These include Critter of the Month, Hands-On, and other events. News and notes are presented. The monthly speaker will present on various topics directly and indirectly affecting amphibians and reptiles. Animal adoptions occur after the speaker. If you have any questions, the board members are always happy to help.

Adoption

Membership allows you to participate in our Animal Adoption program. As a current member in good standing, you are allowed to apply for animals that are surrendered to the society.

Rodent Sales

MHS sponsors the sale of frozen rodents to its members. These sales are at a discount, typically less than in the retail market.

Hands-on

Being a member allows you to represent the Society by displaying your amphibians and reptiles to the public in a positive manner. Through this type of education we can bring a real ‘hands on’ experience in herpetology to the public and alleviate some of their misconceptions. After all, these are the people that we need to convince of the value of herps, herpetology and herpetoculture. Some of our educational events include the Renaissance Festival, local fairs, schools, nature centers, zoos and other private or public functions. See Hands-on policies

Renaissances Festival

‘Como Cottage’ was originally built by Como Zoo to educate people about animals while stepping back into the 16th century during the seven weekends of the fall Renaissance Festival. In 1997, MHS took sole responsibility for the cottage after years of sharing with Como Docents. The volunteers dress in period costumes. If costumes are needed, MHS maintains a large wardrobe of renaissance clothing. After working a portion of the day for MHS, you are free to experience the sights and sounds of the realm. This is a very fun and popular event. See Hands-on Policies

Research/Field Trips

MHS frequently participates in fieldwork involving a variety of subjects, methods and surveys. Announcements will be made in the newsletter.

Newsletter

The monthly newsletter contains information about MHS business and general meeting happenings, current and past speakers, upcoming events, and special articles. The newsletter provides a forum to express your viewpoints to the general membership. Local businesses advertise in the newsletter, and free advertising space is allowed for members of the Society. Please refer to Section IV of the General Policies for advertising policies and pricing.

Critter of the Month

This is a program where individuals of the Society bring in their personal animals and explain a little about them to the audience. If the Newsletter suggests a Critter of the Month theme for the next Meeting, be creative in finding an animal that fits. For example, if Critter of the Month was ‘Minnesota Herps’, you could bring any animal as it lives in Minnesota now.

MHS Merchandise

A number of unique items are put up for sale by the Society. T-shirts, window decals, and other items are available here MHS Merchandise.

Holiday Banquet

This holiday event is a great get together with fellow herpers in a relaxed evening of socializing. This potluck dinner features a speaker.

Board Meetings

Board meetings are open to the membership. Much of the business of running the society occurs here. Proposals from various members, correspondence, committee reports, and activities are discussed in an open forum. There is opportunity for non-board members to express comments or concerns. Every member is encouraged to attend.

Voting

As a current active member of MHS, you are allowed to vote at the Annual Meeting in November to elect the Board of Directors and to vote on any referendums brought to the ballot. Additional voting may take place at other general meetings throughout the year, but only after 60 days’ notice has been given via the newsletter.

Election Rules:

  • Must be a current active member of MHS; corresponding memberships may not vote
  • Members must be wearing MHS nametag to obtain ballots
  • Members must be present to vote; there are no absentee ballots

More information can be found in the General Policies and Bylaws.