(WNY News Now) – Jamestown, N.Y. – Like some people, reptiles, including turtles and snakes, are most active on warm, sunny days, so you may start to notice them more in the summer.  

You and your 3 to 8-year-old(s) can learn more about “Reptiles: Tales of Scales” along with other Audubon Community Nature Center Little Explorers on Saturday, June 8, 10–11:30 a.m.

Even if you are a little uncertain about some reptiles, once you learn more about the amazing characteristics and behaviors of these animals, meet some real reptiles, and explore how they fit into the ecosystem, you could come to appreciate the importance of these scaly critters in the wild.

An indoor lesson offers hands-on exploration to learn more about the special characteristics that help reptiles survive, including a meet-and-greet with some of ACNC’s reptile ambassadors. Then head out to explore Audubon’s property, where you will look for wild reptiles and identify their natural habitats.

A snack is provided after the hike and a craft is offered if there is time.

Little Explorers takes place rain or shine, so dress for the weather.

The fee is $12 for adults, $9 for children ages 3–8 and Nature Center members. 

Enrollment is limited to 15 children, 30 participants total.

To make your paid reservations required by Thursday, June 6, 2024, call (716) 569-2345 during business hours or go to AudubonCNC.org and click through Programs and Events.

Audubon Community Nature Center is located at 1600 Riverside Road, one-quarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown, N.Y., and Warren, Pa. You can visit the nearly 600-acre nature preserve, check in on the live birds of prey, enjoy the native tree arboretum, gardens, picnic area, and hike over five miles of trails dawn until dusk daily for free. 

The three-story Nature Center building houses interactive displays, a collection of live animals including the Hellbender exhibit, and the Blue Heron Gift Shop. Visitors are welcome Mondays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., and Sundays, 1 – 4:30 p.m. Nature Center members and SNAP/EBT cardholders have free building admission daily. Building admission is also free every Sunday for non-Nature Center members.  

To learn more about Audubon and its many programs, call (716) 569-2345, find Audubon Community Nature Center on Facebook, or visit AudubonCNC.org. Sunday, July 7 is the deadline for submitting or voting on entries in the 2024 Nature Photography Contest at GoGoPhotoContest.com/ACNCPhotoContest2024. 

Audubon Community Nature Center builds and nurtures connections between people and nature by providing positive outdoor experiences, opportunities to learn about and understand the natural world, and knowledge to act in environmentally responsible ways.