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:
February 14: 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 Patten Free Library in Bath, Maine.
February 17: Tide Pools
The tide pool is home to a variety of species whose unique adaptations allow them to maintain stability in a world that is in a constant state of change. Hosted by New Vineyard Public Library.
February 17: Owls of Maine
A live owl is the highlight 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 Scarborough Public Library.
February 19: Owls of Maine
A live owl is the highlight 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 Carrabassett Valley Public Library.
March 11: Owls of Maine
A live owl is the highlight 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 Boothbay Region Land Trust.
June 25: 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 7 Lakes Alliance in Belgrade, ME.
July 1: Tide Pools
The tide pool is home to a variety of species whose unique adaptations allow them to maintain stability in a world that is in a constant state of change. Hosted by Orr’s Island Library.
July 2: 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 7 Lakes Alliance in Belgrade, ME.
July 9: Owls of Maine
A live owl is the highlight 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 ME.
July 10: 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 15: 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 Orr’s Island Library.
July 16: Fur, Feathers & Feet
A great program for children from pre-school through 2nd grade. Discover the differences and similarities between birds and mammals as we encourage active learning by dressing two students in our bear and bird costumes. Hosted by 7 Lakes Alliance in Belgrade, ME.
July 22: The Bugmobile
Is a bug an insect? Is a spider a bug? 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. We will have live specimens, displays, models and activities to visually examine and understand the unique characteristics of these amazing creatures.
Hosted by Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick, ME.
Holding two sessions, the first from 10:00 am – 11:00 am and the second from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm.
July 23: 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 7 Lakes Alliance in Belgrade, ME
July 24: 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 Shaw Public Library in Greenville, ME
July 30: Fins and Flippers
Learn about the four major groups of marine mammals, their special adaptations for keeping warm, finding food, and breathing air in the marine environment, and the many threats they face.
Please note, while there are no live animals with this program, you will see a 16 foot pilot whale skeleton. Hosted by 7 Lakes Alliance in Belgrade, ME.
August 5: Owls of Maine
A live owl is the highlight 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 New Vineyard Public Library.
August 6: 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 7 Lakes Alliance in Belgrade, ME.
August 7: 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 Shaw Public Library in Greenville, ME.
August 28: 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 Shaw Public Library in Greenville, 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.
