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:
July 8: Scales & Tails
Many people conjure up images of slimy skin and bloodthirsty monsters when they hear the word “reptile.” Drop in and see us at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens to dispel some of those fears by examining snakeskins, turtle shells, skeletons, and other unique reptilian artifacts. You also meet some live animals!
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 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 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 Mark and Emily Turner Memorial Library in Presque Isle, ME.
July 17: Creatures of the Night
As the sun sets, a hidden world awakens. This presentation uncovers the unique adaptations that enable nocturnal animals to hunt, forage, and find shelter at night. Uncover how animals use different strategies and specialized senses to overcome challenges that arise in the dark. See who is lurking in the shadows and learn the important ecological roles that they fill.
Hosted by the Nylander Museum in Caribou, 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 24: 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 Bristol Area Library in New Harbor, ME.
July 25: 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 Spaulding Memorial Library in Sebago, ME.
July 27: 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 the Topsham Public Library.
July 29: 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 Southport Memorial Library.
July 29: 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 Phillips Public Library.
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 1: 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 the Merryspring Nature Center in Camden, ME.
August 3: 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 the Bingham Union Library in Bingham, 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.
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.
