Summer Unplugged: The Nature Museum Offers Free Events for Kids at Local Libraries

(Please note: The Nature Museum programs that were to be held at the Bellows Falls Fish Ladder Visitor Center on Fridays and Saturdays will be now be held at the Rockingham Public Library on Fridays at 11 a.m. through July 14. The Bellows Falls Fish Ladder Visitor Center will re-open for regularly scheduled environmental programming at a date to be determined shortly. The Bellows Falls Fish Ladder Visitors Center was closed due to unexpected water damage that happened on Tuesday, June 6, 2017.)

GRAFTON, VT - The Nature Museum offers free programs for kids at local libraries in Chester, VT Springfield, VT and Charleston, NH to inspire them to interact with nature and get outside. Each week a Nature Museum educator will engage kids to learn about migration, bugs, trees, predators, thunderstorms and more, along with hands-on activities, plus a craft to take home. All ages are welcome, however the family programs are recommended for children ages 4 and up.

Trees: Tall Storytellers of the Land: June 26, Silsby Public Library, Charlestown, NH; June 27, Springfield Town Library, Springfield, VT: June 28, Whiting Library, Chester, VT:

Did you know there are 110 different species of trees and shrubs in Vermont? Our trees and shrubs tell great stories about Vermont's natural history. Unlock the riddles our woods hold with facts about the forests that surround us and enjoy creating a craft.

Eagles, Hawks and Owls - Predators of the Sky: July 3, Silsby Public Library, Charlestown, NH; July 6, Springfield Town Library, Springfield, VT; July 5, Whiting Library, Chester, VT:

Bird of prey or predatory bird, also known as raptors, refers to several species of birds that hunt and feed on rodents and other small animals. Raptors rule the sky and include eagles, falcons, hawks and owls. Examine feathers, feet, bones and other artifacts that highlight special characteristics of these predators. Find out how they hunt and how they live. Hands-on items, bird facts and a craft will teach all ages about these wild hunters.

The Abenaki and Nature: July 10, Silsby Public Library, Charlestown, NH; July 13, Springfield Town Library, Springfield, VT; July 12, Whiting Library, Chester, VT:

Thousands of years ago, Abenaki people relied on nature to survive, making clothing and building shelters from natural materials. Their food came from hunting, gathering, and fishing. Knowledge about the natural world was critical to survival. Come engage in Native American stories, play traditional games, make a craft and imagine daily life before roads, stores, and electricity.

Who is Swimming in the Water? July 17, Silsby Public Library, Charlestown, NH; July 20, Springfield Town Library, Springfield, VT; July 19, Whiting Library, Chester, VT:

Do fish lay eggs? Can a fish live both in the ocean and in a river? This program teaches about the Connecticut River and its tributaries, which are home to many species of fish. Along with learning more about the fish in local waters, attendees will make a craft.

The Recipes for Thunderstorms: July 24, Silsby Public Library, Charlestown, NH; July 27, Springfield Town Library, Springfield, VT; July 26, Whiting Library, Chester, VT:

Mother Nature has a great recipe for thunderstorms. Do you know the ingredients? Join us to learn more about what thunderstorms are, how they form, and safety tips for surviving storms outdoors. No need to wear a raincoat, but bring your curiosity to learn more and your creativity to make a craft.

Righteous Reptiles: July 31, Silsby Public Library, Charlestown, NH; August 3, Springfield Town Library, Springfield, VT; August 2, Whiting Library, Chester, VT:

Turtles, snakes, and even lizards call Vermont home. Learn what makes a reptile a reptile and all about the species that live in New England. Reptile facts, hands-on items and a craft will keep your snake charmer engaged.

Caterpillars, Moths, and Butterflies, Oh My: August 7, Silsby Public Library, Charlestown, NH; August 10, Springfield Town Library, Springfield, VT; August 9, Whiting Library, Chester, VT:

The woods and fields close by are home to a wide variety of moths and butterflies. Learn about winged species that live in the region and their life cycle. Hands-on items, stories about these remarkable creatures, along with a craft will captivate all ages.

Aug 11 & 12 | The Colors of Fall: August 14, Silsby Public Library, Charlestown, NH; August 17, Springfield Town Library, Springfield, VT; August 16, Whiting Library, Chester, VT:

Why do leaves turn a different color in fall? Why do trees lose their leaves? Countless shades of yellow, orange, red, and brown will color our woods this fall. Enjoy stories, hands-on items and a craft.

For more information about the programs at the Bellows Falls Fish Ladder, please go to: www.nature-museum.org or call 802.843.2111.

The Nature Museum is a regional resource for nature, science and environmental education in Southern Vermont. The Nature Museum is not only a museum, but also provides hands-on exhibits, delivers natural history and science information, creates experiences that engage and enlighten audiences, and inspires stewardship of the natural world through programming and events for all ages. For more information, please visit facebook.com/naturemuseumatgrafton, instagram.com or www.nature-museum.org. The Nature Museum is located at 186 Townshend Road in Grafton, Vermont. The Nature Museum is open Thursdays & Fridays: 10:00 a.m. - 4 p.m. (year around) Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Photo courtesy The Nature Museum.