The Kansas Herpetological Society will host a reptile-, amphibian- and turtle-counting field trip for the public this weekend near Russell.

The free event will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday at Lasada Sporting Clays and Hunting Service, 3721 183rd St. near Russell, president of the Center for North American Herpetology Travis Taggart said in a news release. Participants will begin arriving at Lasada’s camping areas throughout the day Friday.

Participants will help the society “search the countryside for turtles, frogs, toads, lizards, skinks, salamanders and snakes,” Taggart said. The herpetological society received permission to access more than 11,000 acres of western Russell County for the search.

Herpetologists will be on hand to help participants identify the animals and offer insight into the different species and their behaviors, the release said. Non-venomous animals will be captured and brought to a checkpoint for identification and documentation.

Old pillowcases and gallon-sized freezer bags can be used to temporarily hold captured animals, the release said.

Participants are encouraged to wear long pants, boots and to dress appropriately for the weather. Taggart suggested bringing leather gloves, a hat, sunscreen, drinking water, two-way radios, bug repellant, field guides and cameras.

For more information on the event, visit http://www.cnah.org/khs.