Audubon Community Nature Center Little Explorers and their adults learn about “Winter Wetlands” at Audubon’s Little Explorers on Saturday morning, December 11.

“Winter Wetlands” is the topic for Audubon Community Nature Center’s Little Explorers on Saturday, Dec. 11, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Adults and the 3-8 year old child(ren) in their life can learn what the animals and plants in this area do to survive the cold temperatures and reduced food availability. The animals and plants found in Audubon’s wetlands have many structures and behaviors to help them survive the cold winter months. Some go dormant or hibernate and some migrate and leave for warmer climates. Others have thick fur or find other ways to keep warm while remaining active throughout the winter. After a short lesson, the group will head outside to explore the wetlands, look for evidence of animals, and see what the living things found in or near the ponds are doing in the winter.

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

The fee for the program is $8 for adults, $6 for children ages 3 to 8 and Nature Center members. Enrollment is limited to 15 children, 30 participants total.

Make reservations by Thursday by calling 716-569-2345 during business hours or by going to AudubonCNC.org and clicking on “Upcoming Programs.”

Sponsored by Univera Healthcare, Little Explorers is presented on the second Saturday of every month from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Audubon takes into consideration regional data from both Chautauqua and Warren counties to make COVID-19 related decisions and to follow CDC recommendations at minimum. To review ACNC’s most up-to-date COVID-19 requirements, which include information on face coverings and gathering limitations, visit AudubonCNC.org and read the COVID-19 Notice at the top of the page. The Audubon Community Nature Center is located at 1600 Riverside Road, one-quarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown and Warren. View the grounds, with its six miles of trails, and Liberty, Audubon’s non-releasable Bald Eagle, dawn to dusk daily, free of charge.

The three-story Nature Center building houses interactive displays, a collection of live animals including the Hellbender exhibit, the 2021 Nature Photography Contest winners, and the Blue Heron Gift Shop. Visitors are welcome Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Nature Center members enjoy free building admission daily, and building admission is free every Sunday for non-Nature Center members as well.

The building will be closed on Christmas Eve and Day and New Year’s Day.

To learn more about Audubon and its programs, call 569-2345, find Audubon Community Nature Center on Facebook, or visit AudubonCNC.org.