Red Deerians were able to learn more about how to start and take care of a terrarium this past weekend.
The first-ever Terraria Herpetoculture Convention was held at the Red Deer Resort and Casino on Saturday, Oct. 12 and Sunday, Oct. 13. The event featured hobby vendors, speakers, workshops and more.
"The whole purpose of this convention is community building and education," said Jasmine Lyster, co-organizer.
"We hope to ignite a passion for people in this hobby and ... let people learn about it in a way that's non-threatening and feels safe. I love teaching kids about terrariums — that's where all of us started. It's nice to see the support we've received and families come out."
A terrarium is a glass container containing soil and plants in an environment different from the surroundings. For Lyster, terraria is the culmination of lifelong passions.
"It starts with loving plants and animals. From chasing frogs as a kid until now, it just stuck with me through the years," said Lyster.
"You really get to combine those loves when you keep a terrarium. You can keep plants, insects, frogs and all of the beautiful things you see out in the wild. Once you're in love with the hobby, you really become enamoured."
Terrariums have become very technologically advanced over the years, she added.
"There's different lighting and other technology that can be used to keep animals healthier for longer and make them a part of your home. It's rewarding. You can teach your kids about it and it really connects you back to nature, while reminding you that it still exists out there beyond city life."
Lyster said the plan is to turn the Terraria Herpetoculture Convention into a recurring event. This year featured about 15 vendors.
"We're still not 100 per cent sure if we'll do it once a year or twice a year. We're aiming to have one next spring."
The Medicine River Wildlife Centre had presentations during the first day of the convention, including lessons on how people can care for an injured animal they may come across. Money was raised for the centre during the event.
"The more cities grow, the more wildlife is pushed out and because of that you'll see a lot more injured animals with no where to go. That's why the Medicine River Wildlife Centre is so important. They've been a staple in the community for so long," she said.
