WILD ENCOUNTERS AWAIT: SCIENCE CENTER INTRODUCES ANIMALS AND THEIR JOURNEYS IN ‘SPECIES

SPOTLIGHT’ SERIES

Holderness, NH — This early fall, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center invites visitors to engage deeply with New
Hampshire’s native wildlife through its new Species Spotlight series. Each week highlights one species in the
Science Center’s care. Docents and staff will share their unique stories and discuss daily enrichment which
includes novel items engaging the animal’s natural senses and abilities.
“Every animal has a story,” says Iain MacLeod, Executive Director. “Our ambassadors can’t survive in the wild,
but through their stories, visitors develop empathy and a stronger connection to nature.”
The schedule is:
 Weekend of September 20–21: Raptors – Meet rescue raptors like Conway the Barred Owl.
 Weekend of September 27–28: River Otter – Watch playful River Otters and hear their stories.
 Weekend of October 4–5: Black Bear – Learn about Black Bears and their enrichment activities.
Each spotlight includes an explanation of daily animal enrichment, docents to share stories and answer
questions, plus engaging facts and displays. All activities are included with trail admission; last entry at 3:30 p.m.
Visit nhnature.org for details. Join us and connect with the wildlife that makes New Hampshire’s natural world
extraordinary.

Raptor Migration Celebration
Featuring Birds of Prey program with Vermont Institute of Natural Science
Saturday, September 20, 2025
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., All Ages
Fall is a season of transition and many raptors are on the move to their wintering grounds. Join us to be part of
this awesome annual spectacle! Discover where our raptor species go each winter during live birds of prey
programs presented throughout the day. Ride the Migration Flyway zipline at the Raptor Exhibit to see if you can
avoid the hazards and make it to your wintering grounds successfully! Test your raptor identification skills at our
Discovery Table featuring both taxidermy, and hand carved and painted wooden birds of prey. Educators from
the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) will be on hand to help us celebrate by presenting special birds
of prey programs, including a flight demonstration, with their raptor ambassadors.
Cost: Included with trail admission. Last admission is 3:30 p.m.
Image: Bald Eagle from the Vermont Institute of Natural Science

——

About Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
The mission of Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is to advance understanding of ecology by exploring New
Hampshire’s natural world. Through spectacular live animal exhibits, natural science education programs, guided
Squam Lake Cruises, public gardens, and a nature-based Montessori early learning center, the Science Center
has educated audiences of all ages since 1966 about the importance of our natural world. The Science Center is
Sensory Inclusive Certified by KultureCity. Located on Route 113 in Holderness, it’s an easy drive from exit 24 off
I-93, and public trails are open daily from May 1 through November 1 with programming throughout the year.
For further information about the Science Center, call 603-968-7194 or visit www.nhnature.org