Indigo Snake Watch

Michelle Hoffman - Field Biologist, Central Florida Zoo’s Orianne Center for Indigo Conservation (OCIC). My role is to monitor eastern indigo snakes at The Nature Conservancy’s Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve (ABRP) and help advance monitoring techniques for the reintroduced snakes. I also conduct research to better understand eastern indigo snakes in order to aid in their recovery.

Catherine Ricketts - Wildlife Ecologist/Preserve Manager, The Nature Conservancy’s Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve. My role is to work with our Land Conservation Team to continue to maintain/restore the longleaf pine/wiregrass ecosystem where the eastern indigo snake and gopher tortoises live. I work closely with OCIC on monitoring plans for the snakes on ABRP.

Jake Power - Field Technician, Central Florida Zoo's Orianne Center for Indigo Conservation (OCIC). My role is to conduct surveys for Eastern Indigo Snakes at The Nature Conservancy's Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve. Most of my days involve walking extensively through longleaf pine savanna habitat in search of released snakes and their potential offspring. I also help to maintain monitoring equipment at the preserve and collect data to advance the reintroduction program.

Graysen Boehning - Statewide Participatory Science Coordinator, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). My job is to empower the public to get involved in conservation science whenever, wherever, and however they can. Whether that's the Zooniverse, iNaturalist, or community driven bioblitzes, I love to get people involved in the FWC's conservation mission throughout Florida and beyond. As part of Indigo Snake Watch, I help with Zooniverse project development, participant engagement, and results sharing.

Brad O'Hanlon - Reptile and Amphibian Conservation Coordinator, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). My job helps coordinate policy and planning for Florida’s native reptiles and amphibians, including representing the agency in collaborative projects. I am fortunate to be a member of the Eastern Indigo Snake Reintroduction Committee, and have managed several grants in support of indigo snake conservation. I’m very proud to be a part of the incredible team that is investing so much time and energy into reestablishing the indigo snake in the Florida Panhandle.

Rhett Barker - Executive Director, Wild Green Future. I helped create Indigo Snake Watch during my previous role as a Volunteer Program Biologist with the FWC. In my new role I assist by consulting with the active team for project continuity.