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"Snakes and snails and puppy dog tails, that's what little boys are made of." Throw in a few toads and lizards and you've got a budding herpetologist — or two. 16 year-old Alex Johnson and Robert Joyce are passionate about all things reptilian, and they've produced a magazine to prove it!

"Herp people" tend to stick together, but then those who share a common interest often do. Conversely, "non-herp people," otherwise known as the greater part of society, are often bound by a combination of fear, loathing and general distrust of cold-blooded creatures. Like bats, reptiles are often misunderstood and maligned. Even the definition of herpetophobia, the fear of reptiles or creepy crawly things, reinforces negative, stereotypical traits associated with these animals.

SCALES Magazine, Alex and Robert's publication, is an excellent example of how to combat these kinds of misconceptions. Filled with interesting photos and details on everything from what you'll need when searching for reptiles in the wild to how to care for them at home, SCALES' "field guide meets private journal" writing style is both entertaining and informative. But, the boys haven't stopped there. After only two issues of the magazine, they've expanded their grassroots efforts to include another medium, video.

"Alex and Rob's Adventures" takes a closer look at reptile natural life cycles, their habitat needs and the conservation issues they face. The boys spend a fair amount of time researching prior to each episode so that they're ready to discuss any species of reptile or amphibian they come across while out hiking in a variety of places. The impact of current pond conditions on painted turtle populations in Newtown Township's Drexel Lodge Park was the focus of their first show, while their second project took them out West to the wilds of Utah.

They've been at it for two years now and Alex and Rob plan to continue writing magazines and filming videos as a way of educating others about the ecological value of reptiles and amphibians; dispelling nasty myths like toads can give you warts and snakes are slimy and can hypnotize you, along the way. When reading SCALES magazine or watching an episode of Alex and Rob's Adventures, the genuine awe and respect they both have for these animals is unmistakable. It's what ties it all together and brings it to life and, at the end of the day, is the most important lesson they can share.