This was my 4th year attending the annual gathering in the Hellhole area of Francis Marion National Forest in Berkeley County, South Carolina. I am the creator of South Carolina Reptiles and Amphibians.

Each spring, Jeff Holmes and his merry band of fans gather for a weekend of herping, education, and music. Jeff is a philosopher turned song writer and naturalist. Jeff performs in the two person group known as The Floating Men. Over the years, he has attracted a loyal group of followers who call themselves The Floattilla. By day, Jeff is a Conservation Planner/Senior Field Biologist for Conservation Southeast, Inc. He is currently the Co-Chair of Southeastern Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (SEPARC).

I believe this year was the largest gathering ever. There were over thirty participants. Experienced herpers like me, serve as guides for the others. So not to mislead, let me say that our brand of herping is more arm chair, or car seat, than macho herping in the swamp and forest.


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SC Reptiles and Amphibians: Hellhole 2006 snakesandfrogs.com