Program Descriptions:
Special Note:
All of these presentations are science based, fun, and humor filled, fast paced and interactive with the student audience. The speaker takes every opportunity to reach out to the audience and teach them to challenge assumptions, question “facts”, and identify misinformation and how to analyze subject matter on their own. Many include various props and specimens as well as a variety of visual aids from slides, video and audio tapes. Each can be tailored to your time constraints and most can be presented to small and large audiences.
We will also design a course for your particular needs. Just ask.
REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS OF NEW ENGLAND
Maine has many species of reptiles and amphibians. Each has its own identifying characteristics, habits, habitats in which it is more commonly found, sounds it makes and even odors it emits. We will cover basic identification, ecology, observation and sampling techniques, record keeping, inventory and conservation needs, species distribution and information that is still unknown about even some of our more common species. Depending on the time of year, we will have live specimens to view as part of this presentation in addition to slides, video and audio.
VERNAL POOLS
We explore the fascinating world of vernal pools, their inhabitants and ecological cycles, using slides, video, lecture and an array of research equipment used by ecologists to unlock the mysteries of these wonderful wetland communities. Your perspective of this often overlooked wetland will not be the same after participating in this program. Mark DesMeules, and his colleague, the late Dr. Phil Nothnagle, have researched vernal pools for nearly 20 years and their findings, photography and field observations are remarkable. From our earliest spawning amphibian the wood frog to the courtship dance of the beautiful yellow spotted salamander, you will leave not only with a science based understanding of vernal pools but the ability to walk your own woods and favorite places and identify vernal pools on your own.
Techniques and tools for sampling and taking measurements are covered as are conservation measures for protecting these small yet very important natural communities.
ENDANGERED SPECIES AND NATURAL COMMUNITIES OF NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND
Mark DesMeules spent more than 20 years working as an endangered species ecologist and he brings to this presentation a perspective and stories of his adventures you will hear nowhere else. From Maine, Vermont and Massachusetts, you will learn about a variety of plants, animals and natural communities that are rare and endangered.
From Jesup’s milk vetch, one of New England’s only endemic plant species to calypso orchids to spotted turtles and the cobblestone tiger beetle, the discovery will be yours. Through slides, recordings, interviews and video, you will learn the fascinating stories of how biologists and botanists discover uncommon biology and how some are naturally rare while others have become rare due to a variety of circumstances.
The development of conservation measures to ensure the long-term protection of some of our rarest species/communities will also be covered.
TREE IDENTIFICATION
Our tree identification program leaves the field guides home and takes you on a completely new approach to learning about trees. We teach the “language” with which trees and other plants speak to us and tell us who they are. Making tangible connections with nature is the tenet of our teaching approach and we use all our senses in the endeavor. From patterns to smells to textures and tastes, unique elements of every plant are presented in a way that few will forget. Students learn to identify a variety of tree species by using a dichotomous key that requires looking closely at bark, leaves, branches and buds. Students then use arborists tools like diameter tapes and increment borers to measure the age, height, and circumference of a tree. Supports MLR standards B1 and E1. Grades 3-8.
Tiger Beetles
With a name like this, how could they be anything but interesting? You will learn facts and figures about beetles in general and things you never imagined about beetles. Did you know that beetles are the largest group of insects with over 400,000 species and counting. What do Skittles have to do with insects or why do artists and fine furniture makers often thank beetles? After a basic introduction to beetles, we transition over to tiger beetle identification, ecology and habitat.
Tiger beetles are a fascinating group of insects that provide the perfect introduction for anyone interested in learning more about insects and particularly beetles. This presentation covers the remarkable story of the cobblestone tiger beetle and the New Hampshire town that made national news when it designated this beetle as its official town insect and one needing special conservation protection. Participants will learn how to inventory for insects, record data and what equipment is needed both in the field and for preserving your specimens.
Catching & Preserving Insects (workshop)
This is a hands-on workshop and presentation and depending on the time of year or the location, it will involve a brief field/outdoor component where students will learn the proper techniques for collecting insects. If this is not possible, specimens will be provided and this instruction will be done in the classroom. The goal of this workshop/program is for all participants to gain a working knowledge of all aspects of creating an insect collection.
Why create an insect collection and what are the various uses of insect specimens.? What are the tools needed and how do you use them? (Includes using the insect net, suction aspirator, killing jar, alcohol vials, labeling in the field and for the collection, pinning techniques and the art of pinning, proper pens and ink, labeling, suppliers of collection supplies.)
Bats & Bat Conservation in New England
Learn about the species of bats that occur in New England, how to identify them and what we know about their ecology. From feeding habits, maternity roosts and their use of caves in which to hibernate, you will have a front row seat into the lives and conservation measures that have been taken to protect these small winged mammals. Included in this presentation is the story of the Aeolus Cave study and construction of New England’s first cave gate designed to protect bats from winter disturbance. Slides and video are part of this lecture.
In Search of the Elusive and Endangered Timber Rattlesnake in New England
Rattlesnakes in New England! Few realize that rattlesnakes occupied all New England states. This is a topic sure to get your attention and this story is indeed one of a species defying extinction. The ecology of the timber rattlesnake is the first focus of this presentation and then we venture into the reasons why this reptile has become one of the most endangered we have. The story continues with the conservation measures that have been taken to ensure the protection and conservation of this species.
For other education programs and school field trips, click below.