Charles W. Painter Grant in Herpetology

The Charles W. Painter Grant in Herpetology supports research and education focused on New Mexico's herpetofauna. Established by the Chiricahua Desert Museum in memory of Charles W. Painter, this grant encourages proposals in natural history, conservation biology, and education. Open to all applicants, it particularly welcomes students and those affiliated with recognized organizations. Grants up to $1,000 are available, with no limit on the number of consecutive renewals, promoting ongoing scientific inquiry and conservation efforts.

Painter Grant in Herpetology to support research and education on the herpetofauna of New Mexico.
About Charles W. Painter
Professionally, Charlie is perhaps best remembered for serving as the first State Herpetologist for New Mexico, where he worked for over 25 years. In that capacity, he established numerous conservation partnerships with local, state and federal agencies, universities, tribes and private landowners, and developed conservation plans for the Jemez Mountain Salamander, Sacramento Mountain Salamander, Chiricahua Leopard Frog, Dunes Sagebrush Lizard, New Mexico Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake, and Boreal Toad, among others. He developed a strong relationship with the Museum of Southwestern Biology at the University of New Mexico, and in the process, helped build one of the premiere herpetological research collections in the United States.
Charlie served on numerous thesis and dissertation committees, authored over 80 peer reviewed articles, served as editor for Herpetological Review, authored the 1996 book Amphibians and Reptiles of New Mexico, and received the 2013 Alison Haskell Award from the Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation for his passion, work and tireless dedication to the conservation of amphibians and reptiles. Charlie was also known for being an exceptional friend to many, a legendary camp chef, a strong supporter of the Chiricahua Desert Museum and its mission, and a talented artist.
Grantmaking Priorities
Grant applications are invited from relevant individuals, and will be reviewed and considered for support by the Scientific Advisory Board of the CDM.
Natural History Proposals. Proposals in this category should address new field research in areas such as population distribution, behavioral ecology, and life history of amphibians and reptiles occurring in New Mexico.Conservation Biology Proposals. Proposals in this category should address new research on endangered or threatened New Mexico amphibian or reptile species or the phenomena that affect the maintenance, decline, and restoration of their natural habitat.Education Proposals. Proposals in this category should address starting and/or maintaining an educational program pertaining to New Mexico amphibians or reptiles at a facility available to the public, such as a zoological park, school, or community center.
Maximum annual grant request should not exceed $1000.00 US. Smaller value awards may be given to multiple projects annually. The total number of grants awarded per year will depend solely upon the balance of the dedicated grant fund in any given year.

Eligibility

The CWPGH grant supports research and education on the
herpetofauna of New Mexico.Anyone may apply for a CWPGH grant; there are no
eligibility restrictions on the nationality of the applicant.Undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to
apply.All research must abide all local, state and federal laws,
and any research involving live animals must adhere to regulations listed under
the USDA Animal Welfare Act.Reasonable stipends for field technicians may be
considered as well as some consumables and equipment.There is no limit to the number of consecutive
years that a grant can be renewed.