Traveling Natural History Program

Remote Learning Presentations

Bring Remote Learning Alive with Chewonki Natural History! Bring the natural world alive with an online video presentation from...

StarLab: Discover the Night Sky

Description: Perhaps the most common experience shared by all humans is staring up at the night sky and wondering...

Biomimicry

Description: Many of the engineering challenges facing humans today are similar to difficulties that exist in the natural world....

Vernal Pools

Description: Let’s dive deep into these shallow waters to take a closer look at the seasonal nature of a...

Tide Pools

Description: The tide pool is home to a variety of species whose unique adaptations allow them to maintain stability...

Skeletons

Description: Vertebrates — including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals—are some of the most advanced creatures on the planet....

Scales & Tails

Description: Using live, non-releasable reptiles, this program will compare these species and discuss their adaptations. Many people conjure up...

Predators

Description: Predators: The Balance of Nature What are some commonly-held myths about predators, and what problems do they face?...

Owls of Maine

Description: Owls of Maine: Habits and Adaptations of Maine’s Native Owls Two live owls are the highlights of this program,...

Mammals of Maine

Description: This exciting and interactive program introduces students to our native warm-blooded vertebrates: Maine mammals. Each participant studies a...

Fur, Feathers & Feet

Description: Discover the differences and similarities between birds and mammals as we encourage active learning by dressing two students...

Fins and Flippers

Description: This presentation begins with examining the four major groups of marine mammals, their special adaptations for keeping warm,...

The Bugmobile

Description: Is a bug an insect? Is a spider a bug? Chewonki’s “Bugmobile” transports the world of arthropods—insects and...

Bats of the World

Description: Bats comprise nearly one-quarter of the world’s approximately 4,000 mammal species, yet humans continue to fear and misunderstand...

Biomes

Description: Beautiful Biomes From forests to deserts, and grasslands to the oceans, we will explore different biomes of our...
Animal Adaptations

Animal Adaptations

Description: Webbed feet, camouflaged fur, or spines on their back are all amazing ways that animals use adaptations to...

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 18: Predators

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April 18, 2023 2:00 pm
April 18, 2023 3:00 pm

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 Lake Auburn Watershed Protection Commission and held at the Lewiston Public Library.

April 19: Vernal Pools

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End:
April 19, 2023 10:30 am
April 19, 2023 11:30 am

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 Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick, Maine.

April 19: Vernal Pools

Start:
End:
April 19, 2023 12:30 pm
April 19, 2023 1:30 pm

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 Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick, Maine.

April 19: Tide Pools

Start:
End:
April 19, 2023 2:00 pm
April 19, 2023 3:00 pm

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 Wells Public Library.

May 20: Bats of the World

Start:
End:
May 20, 2023 11:30 am
May 20, 2023 12:30 pm

This program is designed to ease people’s fears of these fragile creatures and to dispel the myths about them. We take you on a journey through the world of bats, looking at their diversity in a variety of ecosystems. Please note that we do not currently have any live bats for this presentation. Hosted by Waterford Library Association. This program is followed by a potluck lunch and a second program at 1:30 (see below). Come for one or bother presentations!

May 20: Scales & Tails

Start:
End:
May 20, 2023 1:30 pm
May 20, 2023 2:30 pm

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 Waterford Library Association. This program is preceded by a potluck lunch and another program starting at 11:30 (see above). Come for one or both presentations!

June 14: Tide Pools

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End:
June 14, 2023 1:30 pm
June 14, 2023 2:30 pm

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.

June 17: Tide Pools

Start:
End:
June 17, 2023 11:00 am
June 17, 2023 12:00 pm

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 Cushing Public Library and Thomaston Library. Held at Cushing Public Library

June 22: The Bugmobile

Start:
End:
June 22, 2023 2:00 pm
June 22, 2023 3:00 pm

Is a bug an insect? Is a spider a bug? Chewonki’s “Bugmobile” transports the world of arthropods—insects and their relatives—into the Buck Memorial Library in Bucksport, ME.

June 24: Tide Pools

Start:
End:
June 24, 2023 11:30 am
June 24, 2023 12:30 pm

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 Waterford Library Association. This program is followed by a potluck lunch and another program starting at 1:30 (see below). Come for one or both presentations!

June 24: The Bugmobile

Start:
End:
June 24, 2023 1:30 pm
June 24, 2023 2:30 pm

Is a bug an insect? Is a spider a bug? Chewonki’s “Bugmobile” transports the world of arthropods—insects and their relatives—into the Waterford Library Association. This program is preceded by a potluck lunch and another program starting at 11:30 (see above). Come for one or both presentations!

Animal Adaptations

June 27: Animal Adaptations

Start:
End:
June 27, 2023 3:00 pm
June 27, 2023 4:00 pm

In this fun-filled hour, students will 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 the 7 Lakes Alliance in Belgrade, Maine.

June 28: Tide Pools

Start:
End:
June 28, 2023 10:30 am
June 28, 2023 11:30 am

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 Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick, ME.

June 28: Tide Pools

Start:
End:
June 28, 2023 12:30 pm
June 28, 2023 1:30 pm

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 Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick, ME.

July 5: Bats of the World

Start:
End:
July 5, 2023 10:00 am
July 5, 2023 11:00 am

This program is designed to ease people’s fears of these fragile creatures and to dispel the myths about them. We take you on a journey through the world of bats, looking at their diversity in a variety of ecosystems. Please note that we do not currently have any live bats for this presentation. Hosted by Orr’s Island Library.

July 5: Biomimicry

Start:
End:
July 5, 2023 3:00 pm
July 5, 2023 4:00 pm

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 7 Lakes Alliance in Belgrade, 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.

"The students loved the presentation. You could hear a pin drop."
An Educator
from Greene, Maine

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.

"Our presenter had a great ability to captivate an audience and keep their interest... live animals are a big hit and I look forward to your program every year."
An Educator
From Cornville, Maine

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.

"Conceptually excellent and beautifully presented... wonderful user-friendly props."
A Participant
From Newburyport, Massachusetts

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