Species-at-Risk Snake Habitat Course

This hybrid course combines online lessons with in-the-field hands-on experience to equip you with the knowledge and skills to conserve and restore critical habitats for Ontario’s Species at Risk (SAR) snakes. Learn how to navigate permitting, assess and enhance key habitats, apply best management practices, and monitor your restoration efforts all guided by proven ecological frameworks like Best Management Practices (BMP's) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Complete hands-on activities and a final quiz to confidently support snake conservation on your land.

Learning Objectives

Understand BMPs, the ESA, and the ecological importance of Ontario’s SAR snakes.
Navigate permitting and regulatory requirements for habitat work.
Identify, assess, and minimize impacts to key SAR snake habitats.
Design, build, and evaluate critical habitats and address habitat gaps.
Monitor habitat effectiveness and apply adaptive management.
Use BMP resources for informed habitat creation and compliance.
Demonstrate knowledge through a final quiz and practical habitat activities.

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Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate understanding of BMPs, ESA, and the ecological importance of SAR snakes by explaining key concepts.
Complete habitat-related tasks in compliance with permitting and regulatory requirements.
Assess real-world sites and identify potential impacts to critical snake habitats.
Construct or modify habitat features to fill ecological gaps and support snake populations.
Conduct monitoring of habitat projects and make data-driven management adjustments.
Integrate BMP resources into practical habitat restoration decisions.
Perform hands-on habitat restoration activities and successfully complete a final evaluation.

Our Team

Inspire. Learn. Empower.

Our instructors are passionate experts dedicated to sharing their knowledge and hands-on experience in ecological restoration and species at risk conservation. They combine science, fieldwork, and outreach to empower you with practical skills and a deep understanding of habitat restoration.

Michelle Hill, B.Sc., CERPIT

Michelle is the principal of Toadally Restored. She holds a Diploma in Renewable Resources and Fish, Wildlife and Recreation, and a B.Sc. in Ecological Restoration from BCIT. Michelle is a certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner In Training through the Society of Ecological Restoration and has completed courses in the Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Survey, Ontario Wetland Evaluation System, as well as an excavator operator certification.

Joe Crowley, M.Sc.

Joe is a biologist with expertise in herpetology and species at risk. He has worked with the Government of Ontario since 2010 and has led key projects like the Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas. He also serves on national committees including COSEWIC and the Canadian Herpetological Society.

Gregor Beck

Gregor is a Senior Director at Birds Canada and a wildlife biologist with over 30 years of experience in conservation. A passionate field naturalist, he holds degrees in biology and science education and has published widely. Gregor has led programs for Ontario Nature, Birds Canada, Long Point Basin Land Trust, and other major conservation organizations across Canada.

Cayla Darling B.Sc.

Cayla is an ecologist with over five years of experience in habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, and conservation outreach. They hold a diploma in Ecosystems Management and a B.Sc. in Biology with a conservation focus. At BSE, they lead projects centered on reptile and amphibian conservation with Land Trusts and development clients across Ontario.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is this course for?
This course is designed for conservation professionals, landowners, stewardship staff, consultants, and anyone interested in habitat restoration and SAR snake conservation in Ontario.

2. Do I need prior experience with reptiles or habitat restoration to take this course?
No prior experience is required, but a background or interest in ecology, conservation, or land management is helpful.

3. What will I learn in this course?
You'll learn how to identify SAR snake habitat, apply best management practices (BMPs), navigate permitting, create key habitat features like hibernacula and basking sites, and monitor effectiveness using adaptive management strategies.

4. Is the course entirely online?
No, this is a hybrid course that includes both online lessons and in-person, hands-on field training.

5. Where and when does the field component take place?
Details about field dates and locations will be provided upon registration. Field sessions are held in Ontario and will involve real habitat assessment and restoration activities.

6. Will I receive a certificate upon completion?

Yes, participants who complete the course, including the quiz and field component, will receive a certificate of completion.

7. What materials or equipment do I need?

You’ll need access to a computer for the online portion and weather-appropriate gear for the field sessions. Any specialized equipment will be provided or outlined in advance.

8. Is the course based on current provincial guidelines?

Yes, the course is built around Ontario’s Best Management Practices (BMPs) for SAR snakes and aligns with the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

9. Can I apply what I learn to my own property or project?

Absolutely. The course is designed to be practical and actionable, whether you're managing private land, working for a conservation organization, or consulting on ecological projects.

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A Toadally Successful 2025 SAR Snake Habitat Course

In November 2025, we brought together an enthusiastic group of participants for our second annual SAR Snake Habitat Course, combining applied conservation science with hands-on learning to design and construct a functional hibernaculum for local snake species. The result is thoughtfully built habitat intended to support snakes through Ontario’s long winters, now we’ll let the snakes decide if it meets their standards!

We’re excited to offer the course again in November 2026. If you’re interested in gaining practical conservation skills while contributing to meaningful, on-the-ground habitat restoration, join the waitlist to be the first to know when registration opens.

Interested in the Course?

Don’t miss your chance to be part of something great! If you're interested, send us an email to be added to the waitlist. You’ll be among the first to know when enrollment opens and get early access to secure your spot.