Learning Comes Alive with a Chewonki Natural History Presentation
We provide live, interactive experiences for your students, patrons, or private group as we explore intriguing animals and natural phenomena. Our team of science educators will join your group with one of 17 different captivating presentations full of live animals, rare specimens, and engaging activities that will spark curiosity and wonder in participants of all ages.
Upcoming Public Events:
April 22: Biomimicry
Nature has already invented everything we need. If there is a problem we cannot solve, we can find the answer in nature, we just need to look closely and pay attention. Hosted by New Vineyard Public Library.
April 22: Owls of Maine
Two live owls are the highlights of this program, which introduces participants to the owls native to Maine and New England. Using pictures and sounds, participants will learn the identifying characteristics and calls of each owl. Then, using talons, wings, and skulls, we explore the adaptations of these silent nocturnal hunters. This program ends with an intimate and detailed look at live owls, bringing these creatures of the night into the light!
Hosted by Lewiston Public Library.
April 23: Mammals of Maine
This exciting and interactive program introduces students to our native warm-blooded vertebrates: Maine mammals.
Participant examine mounted animal specimens and observe their characteristics, such as teeth, feet, and fur. We use these observations as clues to understanding each mammal’s adaptations, niche, and habitat.
A collection of skulls, study skins, and other specimens complements a discussion of adaptations and the role each animal plays in the food web.
Hosted by Wells Public Library.
May 17: Calling All Birds
No matter where you live, you’re sure to have birds nearby! Covering the basics of bird adaptations, we will learn about coloring, beak shape, feet shape, and of course bird calls! This presentation is for birding experts and novices alike. Hosted by Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal, ME as part of the Feathers Over Freeport Festival.
May 17: Biomimicry
Nature has already invented everything we need. If there is a problem we cannot solve, we can find the answer in nature, we just need to look closely and pay attention. Hosted by Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal, ME as part of the Feathers Over Freeport Festival.
June 18: Vernal Pools
Take a closer look at the seasonal nature of a vernal pool and the impact it has on amphibian and invertebrate life cycles. We will develop an understanding of how so many cycles can be supported by a wetland that holds water for only a few short months. Hosted by Bridgton Public Library.
June 25: Animal Adaptations
Drop in and visit our display to learn about adaptations that help animals thrive in their specific habitats, including our local marine habitat. Hosted by Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, ME.
June 26: Owls of Maine
Two live owls are the highlights of this program, which introduces participants to the owls native to Maine and New England. Using pictures and sounds, participants will learn the identifying characteristics and calls of each owl. Then, using talons, wings, and skulls, we explore the adaptations of these silent nocturnal hunters. This program ends with an intimate and detailed look at live owls, bringing these creatures of the night into the light!
Hosted by 7 Lakes Alliance in Belgrade Lakes, ME.
June 27: Calling All Birds
No matter where you live, you’re sure to have birds nearby! Covering the basics of bird adaptations, we will learn about coloring, beak shape, feet shape, and of course bird calls! This presentation is for birding experts and novices alike. Hosted by Shaw Public Library in Greenville, ME.
June 30: Predators
Explore attitudes toward predators and reasons for their decline throughout history because of habitat loss and human interference. Discussion of current events emphasizes the importance of predators in maintaining the world’s ecological balance. Participants have the opportunity to study mounted animals and see three live, non-releasable predators. Hosted by the Belfast Free Library.
July 3: Scales & Tails
Many people conjure up images of slimy skin and bloodthirsty monsters when they hear the word “reptile.” Drop by our display and examine snakeskins, turtle shells, skeletons, and other unique reptilian artifacts. Hosted by 7 Lakes Alliance in Belgrade Lakes, ME
July 8: Scales & Tails
Many people conjure up images of slimy skin and bloodthirsty monsters when they hear the word “reptile.” This program works to dispel some of those fears by allowing participants to examine snakeskins, turtle shells, skeletons, and other unique reptilian artifacts. Hosted by Farmington Public Library.
July 9: The Bugmobile
Is a bug an insect? Is a spider a bug? These questions and many more are answered in The BugMobile, bringing the world of arthropods – insects and their relatives, into your classroom. We look at the forms and functions of different groups of arthropods and explore many fascinating adaptations essential for survival such as mimicry, camouflage, armor and venom. The program includes live specimens, displays, models and activities to visually examine and understand the unique characteristics of these amazing creatures.
Hosted by Orr’s Island Library.
July 10: Predators
Explore attitudes toward predators and reasons for their decline throughout history because of habitat loss and human interference. Discussion of current events emphasizes the importance of predators in maintaining the world’s ecological balance. Participants have the opportunity to study mounted animals and see three live, non-releasable predators.
Hosted by 7 Lakes Alliance in Belgrade Lakes, ME.
July 11: Animal Adaptations
Learn about adaptations, try on fun costumes, and see firsthand how three of our live, non-releasable animals have adaptations that help them thrive in their specific habitats, including our local marine habitat. Hosted by Wells Public Library.
July 16: Mammals of Maine
Drop in and visit our display to learn about our native warm-blooded vertebrates: Maine mammals. See samples from our collection of skulls, study skins, and other specimens and learn how an animal’s characteristics, such as their teeth, feet, and fur serve as clues to understanding each mammal’s adaptations, niche, habitat, and the role it plays in the food web. Hosted by Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, ME.
July 17: Owls of Maine
Two live owls are the highlights of this program, which introduces participants to the owls native to Maine and New England. Using pictures and sounds, participants will learn the identifying characteristics and calls of each owl. Then, using talons, wings, and skulls, we explore the adaptations of these silent nocturnal hunters. This program ends with an intimate and detailed look at live owls, bringing these creatures of the night into the light!
Hosted by Weld Free Public Library.
July 17: Mammals of Maine
This exciting and interactive program introduces students to our native warm-blooded vertebrates: Maine mammals.
Participant examine mounted animal specimens and observe their characteristics, such as teeth, feet, and fur. We use these observations as clues to understanding each mammal’s adaptations, niche, and habitat.
A collection of skulls, study skins, and other specimens complements a discussion of adaptations and the role each animal plays in the food web.
Hosted by 7 Lakes Alliance in Belgrade, ME.
July 18: Bats of the World
Bats comprise nearly one-quarter of the world’s approximately 4,000 mammal species, yet humans continue to fear and misunderstand them. Bats do so much to help us survive, but now they need our help.
Our engaging slideshow, and interactive demonstrations, will introduce participants to the role bats play in ecosystems ranging from the Maine woods to the South American rainforests, to help dispel common myths about these flying mammals.
Participants leave the program with an appreciation for the tremendous diversity of bats in the world and for their irreplaceable niche in natural ecosystem.
Please note that we do not currently have any live bats for this presentation. Hosted by Shaw Public Library in Greenville, ME.
July 21: The Bugmobile
Is a bug an insect? Is a spider a bug? These questions and many more are answered in The BugMobile, bringing the world of arthropods – insects and their relatives, into your classroom. We look at the forms and functions of different groups of arthropods and explore many fascinating adaptations essential for survival such as mimicry, camouflage, armor and venom. The program includes live specimens, displays, models and activities to visually examine and understand the unique characteristics of these amazing creatures. Hosted by the Lawrence Public Library in Fairfield, ME.
Learn More:
Since 1985, Chewonki has been home to a collection of ambassadors. Birds, reptiles, mammals, and amphibians arrive at our campus with injuries or conditions that prevent their return to the wild. Our teachers are extensively trained and take deep pleasure in making connections with students, and in passing on a lifelong appreciation for the value of wildlife and nature.
Our programs will help you enhance the environmental literacy of your children, students, or community members. They will spark interest and appreciation for sciences, wildlife, and conservation.
With support from business partners, we’re working to keep our Traveling Natural History Programs accessible and affordable for schools and companies like yours. Let us know how we can provide these high-quality programs for your school, library, organization, business, or seasonal program.
