Northern Colorado Herpetological Society

A nonprofit organization

$454 raised by 14 donors

8% complete

$6,000 Goal

About Us

The Northern Colorado Herpetological Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that operates on an entirely volunteer basis. Our dedicated team has come together to provide our outstanding community with reptile and amphibian rescueconservation, and education

RESCUE

Our rescue program provides a resource to the often overlooked exotic pet population throughout Northern Colorado by accepting surrendered animals into our care, treating any medical conditions or health concerns, then finding adoptive homes for the animals. Since 2020, we have proudly taken in 170+ animals in the Northern Colorado Area, and our average dramatically increases each year. Several of these rescues were endangered and critically endangered species, and we are honored to participate in Species Survival Plan Programs to provide the best possible placements.

CONSERVATION & EDUCATION

Educating the public about local reptile/amphibian species and their ecological importance can help us preserve our local ecosystem and promote a sustainable future. We provide outreach and educational programs for all audiences to forward this goal, as well as guided hikes to bring our community up close and personal with wild spaces and the creatures who inhabit them.

We are participating in Colorado Gives to further our dream: to bring Northern Colorado a public community rescue and education center. 

While our humble residential shelter takes in as many cases as we ethically can, sadly there are many who are turned away due to capacity limitations. These animals deserve a safe space, and our community deserves a compassionate place to learn. Your contribution will help make this dream a reality, and uplift our community: the rescues, the students, the natural spaces we cherish, and the animals who call them home.


Mission

Our mission is to promote the welfare and conservation of reptiles and amphibians through education, rescue, and rehabilitation. We strive to increase public understanding and appreciation for these vital members of our ecosystem, and to inspire a sense of responsibility for stewardship of their natural habitats and captive care. Through our initiatives, we are committed to ethical and sustainable practices and to fostering a collaborative community who shares our passion for herpetology.

Background Statement

The Northern Colorado Herpetological Society was founded in 2015 by four passionate reptile enthusiasts who recognized the substantial need for exotic animal education in a rapidly expanding pet trade. What started as a social group rooted in cultivating an appreciation for reptiles and amphibians, blossomed into a full-fledged 501(c)(3) in 2017. In 2020, NCHS became PACFA certified, and opened a foster-based rescue program for displaced pets. Since then, we have proudly taken in 170+ animals in the Northern Colorado Area, and our average dramatically increases each year. Working with partners in CSU’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital, NCHS is able to intake animals in need of significant medical care and diagnostics.

We currently operate a residential, nonprofit, multipurpose facility governed by a 10 member volunteer board of directors, including 2 of NCHS’s founders. Our multi-use facility and qualification to utilize ambassador animals in education events makes us unique from other rescues in Larimer County, and allows us to play a critical role in our community.

With the support of our extraordinary community and devoted volunteers, we are able to donate education events to programs such as the Kids Feeding Kids, Super Cool Kids Club, as well as Colorado State University, the City of Fort Collins, the Lyric, Front Range Community College, and the Aztlan Center. In addition, more than 50% of our education programs are gladly donated to Title I schools. We live by the philosophy that everyone deserves a chance to learn!

Over 150 volunteers have donated their time to be a part of this organization since its founding, and a growing waitlist of 60+ are eagerly anticipating NCHS’s expansion. This will provide more opportunities for volunteer work, education, community service, and staff positions.

Moving into a larger facility means providing you - our community - with expanded services. We will be able to take in larger quantities and sizes of displaced exotic pets, a consequence of the ever-growing pet trade. We will be able to host classes for people of all ages and backgrounds, as well as foster a community who loves herpetology as much as we do. We look forward to engaging with the Northern Colorado area on a greater level, and we are immensely grateful for your continued support as we grow.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Northern Colorado Herpetological Society

other names

NCHS

Year Established

2017

Tax id (EIN)

47-3036286

Category

Animal-Related, Education

Address

3512 Mesa Drive
Loveland, CO 80535

Service areas

Larimer County, CO, US

Phone

970-239-1401

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