Lynne Flaccus Chewonki's Lynne Flaccus will introduce Aquila, a non-releasable Golden Eagle, during the "Winged Hunters: Maine's Diurnal Raptors" presentation on Nov. 5. (Photo Jack Montgomery)

Chewonki's Head Naturalist, Lynne Flaccus, will lead adults and children in exploring the world of Maine's diurnal raptors on November 5 at 5 p.m.

From kestrels to eagles, Flaccus will lead an interactive program introducing these majestic daytime hunters of the sky.

While examining skulls, feathers, and wings, participants will learn about each raptor's niche and survival strategies in the wilds of Maine. In addition, slides and several of Chewonki's non-releasable live birds will help to further explain physical and behavioral adaptations, as well as habitat needs for some of Maine's common and rare species.

This exciting opportunity is guaranteed to engage participants of all ages.

On December 3 from 5 to 6 p.m. Kelly Martin

Assistant Director of Outreach Programs, The Chewonki Foundation will present "Bears of North America: Beauty or Beast?"

Both respected and feared by humans, bears are some of the largest land mammal predators in the world. References to bears are found in mythology, Native American legends, children's stories and cartoons. Unfortunately, bears are commonly portrayed as snarling beasts and villains.

In "Bears of North America," Chewonki's Martin, will allay some of these misapprehensions. Via slides and a hands-on skeleton setup, Martin will help students understand more about the three bear species found in North America: Black, Grizzly, and Polar bears. The program will focus most closely on Maine's native Black Bear, possibly the most misunderstood of all of the species.

All ages are welcome at both presentations. The cost is $5 for adults, children are free.

The Chewonki Foundation is a nonprofit educational institution established in 1962 and located on a 400-acre peninsula in Wiscasset, Maine. Chewonki is dedicated to helping people grow individually and in community with others by providing educational experiences that foster an understanding and appreciation of the natural world.

Chewonki's leaders challenge participants both physically and intellectually with activities that build self confidence, a sense of community, and a greater awareness of the inter relatedness of the world around us. The Chewonki Foundation offers summer camp programs; wilderness trips for teenagers and adults; residential, school-year environmental education programs; traveling lessons in natural science to schools; and a residential semester program of academic study for 11th grade students.