Who we are
Southeastern Reptile Conservation (SERC) is a Virginia-based nonprofit dedicated to the conservation, rehabilitation, and protection of native reptiles and amphibians. We provide permitted wildlife rehabilitation for injured and displaced native species with the goal of returning them to the wild, while also supporting habitat stewardship, public education, and conservation-focused technology to ensure native species can thrive in their natural ecosystems.
Our rehabbers hold the appropriate Virginia DWR Wildlife Rehabilitation permits to legally care for native species. SERC operates as a federally recognized 501(c)(3) public charity.
Speaking and outreach
SERC shares what we learn in rehab with other rehabbers, researchers, and the public. Linda Nichols, our founder, has presented on turtle rehabilitation and the open-source tools we build to support it.
- 2:15 to 3:25 PMVirtual talk Upcoming
Practical AI for Wildlife Rehabilitators
- 11:00 to 11:45 AMTalk Upcoming
Keep It Secret, Keep It Safe: Threat Modeling Vulnerable Species Data
- Poster
Head-starting diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin): raising a hatchling group from egg to release in a coastal Virginia rehabilitation program
- Talk
The turtles have an AI now
- Talk
Integrating Technology and Husbandry Innovations to Improve Overwintering Success in Rehabilitating Native Turtles
Interested in having SERC speak at your event? Get in touch.
Get involved
SERC depends on the support of volunteers, donors, and the community. Whether you want to volunteer your time, report a found animal, or make a donation, we would love to hear from you.
Meet our ambassadors
Our education ambassadors are animals in our permanent care, unable to survive in the wild for various reasons. They represent the species we work to protect and help us connect communities to native reptiles and amphibians.
Susie
Susie is our oldest ambassador at an estimated 17 to 18 years old. She came to us as a former pet with shell deformities that make her unsuitable for life in the wild. Box turtles have complex needs that are difficult to meet in a home setting, and Susie is a wonderful reminder of why wildlife belongs in the wild. She is the inspiration behind our AI volunteer assistant, Ask Susie.
Peanut
Peanut is under five years old and came to us as a former pet with metabolic bone disease and shell deformities. Having grown up around dogs and cats, he has no instinctive fear of predators, a trait that would make him extremely vulnerable in the wild. Small but full of personality, Peanut is one of our youngest ambassadors.
Natalie
Natalie required amputation of her back leg following an animal attack and was deemed non-releasable due to the mobility challenges that followed. Her age is unknown, but she has settled comfortably into permanent care. Grumpy, chubby, and unapologetically herself, Natalie is a favorite.