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:
June 17: Biomes
From forests to deserts, and grasslands to the oceans, we will explore different biomes of our planet. Our focus is on three of the major biomes: rain forests, deserts and oceans. A closer look at the flora and fauna will reveal the adaptations necessary to thrive within these unique areas. Our lesson uses slides, real specimens, and three live, non-releasable animals to discuss some of the specific species that call these special places home. Hosted by Rumford Public Library.
June 23: 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 Bingham Union Library.
June 23: Biomes
From forests to deserts, and grasslands to the oceans, we will explore different biomes of our planet. Our focus is on three of the major biomes: rain forests, deserts and oceans. A closer look at the flora and fauna will reveal the adaptations necessary to thrive within these unique areas. Our lesson uses slides, real specimens, and three live, non-releasable animals to discuss some of the specific species that call these special places home. Hosted by Jim Ditzler Memorial Library in New Sharon, ME.
June 24: Owls of Maine
Drop in and see us at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens to learn about the Owls of Maine! Learn about the owls native to Maine and New England. See bio-artifacts like talons, wings, and skulls, to explore the adaptations of these silent nocturnal hunters. We will also have one of our live owls on site to see up close.
Hosted by Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay Harbor, ME
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.
June 28: 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 New Gloucester Public Library.
June 29: 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 Belfast Free Library.
June 30: Mammals of Maine
This exciting and interactive program introduces you to our native warm-blooded vertebrates: Maine mammals.
You’ll get a chance to see a mounted animals 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. This program also provides a living example of a non-releasable wild mammal.
Hosted by Treat Memorial Library in Livermore Falls, 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
Come 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 3: 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 Long Island Community Library on Long Island in Casco Bay.
July 6: Fur, Feathers & Feet
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 Warren Free Public Library.
July 7: Skeletons
Vertebrates — including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals—are some of the most advanced creatures on the planet. We all have one main thing in common: an internal skeleton. Students will gain a better understanding of the skeletal system by looking closely at the bones of many different vertebrates while comparing them to their own skeletons. The assembly of our 16-foot Pilot Whale skeleton will give participants the opportunity to investigate the physiological adaptations these animals require to survive in the depths of the ocean. Please note there are no live animals for this presentation.
Hosted by New Gloucester Public Library.
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.
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.
