ARM’s Scott Martin Recognized by Pennsylvania Amphibian and Reptile Survey Atlas Project

Scott Martin , Project Scientist II, achieved state-wide recognition for the second year in a row for documenting more than 1, 390 observations on the Pennsylvania Amphibian and Reptile Survey (PARS) atlas project.  He was one of 14 recognized with providing outstanding volunteer efforts during the Second Annual PARS Meeting held on March 19, 2016 at the Elk Country Visitor Center in Benezette, Elk County.  The PARS atlas began in 2013 and is a 10-year project supported by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and the Mid-Atlantic Center for Herpetology and Conservation to determine the extent and status of populations of reptiles, turtles, salamanders, frogs, toads, skinks, and lizards found within the state.  The project will provide important information about herp species (amphibians and reptiles)  across the state since their populations are under documented.

The Atlas effort relies upon citizen science.  Anyone can document an observation by taking photographs or audio recordings and submitting the record to the PARS website by email or by sending the information to Scott at smartin@armgroup.net.