Traveling Natural History Program

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 16: Tide Pools

Start:
End:
April 16, 2024 11:00 am
April 16, 2024 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 Scarborough Public Library

April 16: Scales & Tails

Start:
End:
April 16, 2024 1:00 pm
April 16, 2024 2:00 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 Scarborough Public Library

April 17: Vernal Pools

Start:
End:
April 17, 2024 10:30 am
April 17, 2024 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 Wells Public Library.

April 18: Scales & Tails

Start:
End:
April 18, 2024 2:00 pm
April 18, 2024 3:00 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 Julia Adams Memorial Library in Greene, ME.

April 27: Owls of Maine

Start:
End:
April 27, 2024 3:00 pm
April 27, 2024 4:00 pm

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!

Meet the Owls of Maine at Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal ME during the Feathers Over Freeport Festival

June 19: Tide Pools

Start:
End:
June 19, 2024 6:00 pm
June 19, 2024 7:00 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 Jim Ditzler Memorial Library. In New Sharon, ME.

June 21: Owls of Maine

Start:
End:
June 21, 2024 11:00 am
June 21, 2024 12:00 pm

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!

Meet the Owls of Maine at Shaw Public Library in Greenville, ME. 

June 25: Vernal Pools

Start:
End:
June 25, 2024 4:00 pm
June 25, 2024 5:00 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 7 Lakes Alliance in Belgrade, Maine.

Ginny the Oppossum

June 26: Mammals of Maine

Start:
End:
June 26, 2024 10:00 am
June 26, 2024 2:00 pm

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 Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, ME.

June 26: Vernal Pools

Start:
End:
June 26, 2024 1:00 pm
June 26, 2024 2:00 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 New Gloucester Public Library.

June 28: Skeletons

Start:
End:
June 28, 2024 11:00 am
June 28, 2024 12:00 pm

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 Wells Public Library

July 2: Owls of Maine

Start:
End:
July 2, 2024 4:00 pm
July 2, 2024 5:00 pm

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 7 Lakes Alliance in Belgrade, ME. 

July 5: Owls of Maine

Start:
End:
July 5, 2024 10:30 am
July 5, 2024 11:30 am

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 Rangeley Public library

July 9: Mammals of Maine

Start:
End:
July 9, 2024 4:00 pm
July 9, 2024 5:00 pm

This exciting and interactive program introduces students to our native warm-blooded vertebrates: Maine mammals.

Participant examine mounted animal specimens 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.

Please note, we may not have a live animal for this event, though we are in the process of obtaining a new woodchuck and are hopeful it will be ready for programming for this event.

Hosted by 7 Lakes Alliance in Belgrade, ME.

July 10: Mammals of Maine

Start:
End:
July 10, 2024 10:00 am
July 10, 2024 11:00 am

This exciting and interactive program introduces students to our native warm-blooded vertebrates: Maine mammals.

Participant examine mounted animal specimens 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.

Please note, we may not have a live animal for this event, though we are in the process of obtaining a new woodchuck and are hopeful it will be ready for programming for this event.

Hosted by Orr’s Island Library.

July 15: Owls of Maine

Start:
End:
July 15, 2024 1:00 pm
July 15, 2024 2:00 pm

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!

Meet the Owls of Maine at Lawrence Public Library in Fairfield, ME. 

July 16: Predators

Start:
End:
July 16, 2024 4:00 pm
July 16, 2024 5:00 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 the 7 Lakes Alliance in Belgrade, ME.

July 17: Owls of Maine

Start:
End:
July 17, 2024 10:00 am
July 17, 2024 2:00 pm

Drop in and visit our display to learn about the owls native to Maine and New England. We will have bio-artifacts such as talons, wings, and skulls, to help you explore the adaptations of these silent nocturnal hunters. You’ll have the opportunity to get an intimate and detailed look at a live owl, bringing these creatures of the night into the light!

Hosted by Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, ME. 

July 17: Biomimicry

Start:
End:
July 17, 2024 10:00 am
July 17, 2024 11:00 am

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 Orr’s Island Library.

July 18: Bats of the World

Start:
End:
July 18, 2024 1:00 pm
July 18, 2024 2:00 pm

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 New Gloucester Public Library

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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