On Thursday, July 8th, Chewonki Traveling Natural History Programs will be at the Rangeley Public Library for the enjoyment of area children. Two separate presentations have been scheduled to go along with the theme of this year’s summer reading program “Tails & Tales”. First, “Fur, Feathers, & Feet” will be offered at 10:00 AM. This program explores the basic questions of “What makes a bird a bird?” and “What makes a mammal a mammal?” How are they different and alike? What characteristics do all birds and all mammals have, and what are their functions? These questions are answered in a fun-filled hour of learning. By dressing up two students with the necessary features to make them either a bird or a mammal, a visual identification and comparison can be made. This program includes many hands-on materials (feathers, wings, talons), Chewonki’s live, male mallard duck, and a live, non-releasable big brown bat, or woodchuck. If time allows, several stuffed mammal mounts may be used in a guessing game based on the information that the students will gain during the program. This is a packed hour-long program of learning activities. It is designed for pre-Kindergarten through grade two.

The second presentation, “The Bugmobile”, will be offered at 11:30 AM. This program answers questions such as: “Is a bug an insect?” and “Is a spider a bug?” The Bugmobile will bring the world of arthropods , insects and their relatives, into the Rangeley Public Library. We will 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 will include live specimens, displays, models and activities to visually examine and understand the unique characteristics of these amazing creatures. This program is appropriate for pre-school and elementary-aged children.

Please stop by the Rangeley Public Library or call 864-5529 to sign up in advance. Each program is limited to 30 participants (including accompanying adults), so we ask that you choose one of the two programs in order to allow more individuals to participate.