Jesse Rothacker is a proud "herper."

As he explained, that's the term for people who love reptiles and amphibians. Rothacker, who directs Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary, a nonprofit rescue and education organization in the Manheim area, is also a founding member of the Lancaster Herpetological Society (LHS). The organization celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.

The group formed after Adam Darrenkamp, a student at Millersville University, wanted to open his college-based group to the entire reptile-loving public, Rothacker said. Darrenkamp connected with local nature expert Jack Hubley, who introduced the student to other local nature enthusiasts, including Rothacker, and the rest is history.

Three of the founding members are still active in the club. Zach Barton is a biology teacher from Lancaster. Roy Mellot is a chemist from Lititz, and Rothacker runs his organization out of Elm. "Each one of us has served in different leadership roles like president, vice president, treasurer and board members, as well as giving talks and leading walks," Rothacker said. "I believe we were all in our 20s when the club started. I remember Zach sometimes bringing his baby to early meetings. His baby is now in college!"

Over the years, members of LHS guided behind-the-scenes tours of numerous zoos, including ZooAmerica, the Philadelphia Zoo and the Bronx Zoo. The group held walks and brought in speakers such as zookeepers, breeders, hobbyists, authors, photographers and researchers.

"It was all the most interesting and obscure stuff herp lovers could ever imagine," Rothacker said. "Meanwhile, we also did the most laid-back 'members' nights,' which were just a show-and-tell format where people could bring in their own herps to share. One time a guy brought in a scaleless snake, which I didn't even know was possible!"

At its peak, the LHS had about 50 active members, but over the years, the group had dwindled in size to just a few people who regularly attend meetings. So, LHS members decided to stop holding monthly meetings after hitting the 20-year mark last month.

"We eventually had only 5% of the members doing 95% of the work in our last few years," Rothacker stated, noting that the pandemic impacted the long-term success of the club's in-person gatherings. "It just became unsustainable. In our heyday, we had a great team of leaders collaborating for all kinds of achievements and many hands made for light work. But some people moved away or ended up in different seasons of life with kids or jobs and had to pull back from the club. Meanwhile, the advent of social media slowly crept in and replaced everyone's desire to gather."

While it's time to say goodbye to regular LHS meetings, it's also a chance to remember the club's impact.

"LHS was a wonderful group where older generations of reptile-lovers shared their passion for these animals with younger generations," Rothacker said. "In our final meeting, we remembered at least five LHS members who have passed away since the club began. We also highlighted several teenagers who spent many years with the club before growing up and starting successful herpetology and nature careers. I know the older generation would be so proud if they could see the younger members carrying on the mission of conservation and education. LHS is a great reminder to take what you love and share it to inspire the next generation."

And while LHS will no longer be meeting in person, the members still plan to share their enthusiasm for herpetology.

"The group of friends that made up LHS are still friends, and we still love herpetology," Rothacker noted. "We will continue networking together to share our love for herpetology in smaller circles and other outlets."

He emphasized that people who want to learn more about herpetology can find information in books and magazines as well as online at sites such as his YouTube channel, ForgottenFriendReptileTV.

Speaking with Rothacker, it's easy to hear his passion for herpetology.

"Imagine discovering there's a secret world, a parallel universe, that only a few people know about," he said. "Now imagine someone gave you a portal to enter that world and be a part of it. Herpetology is crazy like that. These creatures exist by the millions, but they are practically invisible."

He especially enjoys the opportunities he's had to highlight herpetology for others.

"Recently I introduced my friend Andre, age 45, to spring amphibian migration, and he was instantly hooked," he recalled. "He spent five decades of his life in the great outdoors and had no idea that giant salamanders with bright yellow spots were living all around us. Then on a warm, rainy night in March, I took him onto some low-lying back roads, and he met hundreds of them. The disappearing/reappearing act of reptiles and amphibians is so magical, it's addictive. These creatures are amazing if you are lucky enough to find them."